Misty
Member
Ok.. I think I posted this here but maybe I just was dreaming..
I would like to get a typing program for my 4th grader. I would like it to tell him when he makes mistakes cause I just can't sit overhis shoulder and do that. Does anyone have any suggestions on a fairly simple, inexpensive or totally worth the expense typing program they liked?
Misty
We used Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing. (Not the kids' version; the regular version.) It worked for all three of my older kids. Number three daughter started it when she was about 10, I think.
It shows where to place which fingers, highlights mistakes, and has little games to play for "drill" besides the regular lessons.
csmamma
Member
Misty - We've tried alot of different typing programs and my 12 year old son likes Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing - adult version best too! I think its worth the price over all the other kiddi typing programs we've tried. I wasted so much money on others until Mavis came along. :)
Misty
Member
Great, but you didn't start with that till a bit older, 10 and 12?? Well I guess then I don't have to rush out and buy cause we do have enough on our plate I think, but at least I will put it in the notes as to get later.
Thanks ladies
Misty
My kids really enjoy the BBC Dance Mat Typing.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/
It's free and it's working quite well for us.
Blessed with seven
Member
Speaking of typing...can you use Mavis Beacon if all you have is a laptop, does anyone know?
Kim
I would think you could still learn finger placement on a laptop. After all, the keys are in the same locations, I guess. My main concern would be posture, but if it's on a tabletop or desk at the right typing height it should work.
Misty
Member
I needed to bump this back up with a question. My son has done Mavis for 2 years. He still can't get far because it will not let him go on unless he gets 25wpm. he can't seem to do that.
Do I just start to let him do his narrations on the computer? But how will I know if he's using the correct fingers? What suggestions do you have? Thanks
Sara B.
Member
Since you asked about finger positions... My hubby learned to computer program at age 11, which was also when he first started typing. He had no typing program/lessons, so he learned on his own. He doesn't type the "right" way, but he is SUPER fast - we type about the same wpm, and we are both pretty high up there (I don't remember the exact number - but when I used to do typing tests for job interviews, they were always pretty impressed). So just because they don't do it the "normal" way doesn't mean they'll never be able to type quickly. I think some people are just built differently and don't type the same as average, kwim?
HTH!
simple home
Member
I would like to try Mavis program, but I am afraid to order because I am not sure if I would run on my new laptop with Windows 7.
Does anyone have Windows 7 and know this typing program will run? I am so computer challenged and need any info I can get. :)
Thanks!!
This is what we use: http://www.christianbook.com/typing-instructor-for-kids-platinum-rom/pd/710184
It does work. You can set it up to have classical music playing while they type which is a nice bonus. I found out about it from Karen Andreola's review in a catalog I get from a large on-line retailer.
Sue
Member
A couple of comments....
First, we did not buy Mavis Beacon but borrowed it from our local library. (Such a deal!)
Second, I agree with Sara B. about finger positions. In the year Whenever B.K. (Before Kids), I spent a year training pharmacists to use their company's new pharmacy software. Most of the older pharmacists typed with just their two index fingers, and it always amazed and amused me that they could type faster than I. (With accuracy, of course--those directions on the bottles have to be absolutely correct!)
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