Education Station

Dysgraphia, Dyslexia and Typing: part 2

What typing programs work?

Selecting a single keyboarding program for a dysgraphic student is difficult because keyboarding is not an easy for task for the student who struggles with dysgraphia. Isolating each finger, having both hands work independently of each other, learning correct finger placement and retaining the motor memory for finger placement is a huge challenge. No single program  will work for a student with dyslexia or dysgraphia. Look for a programs that will track progress, offer a variety of teaching modules, and provide age-appropriate graphics. Sample a variety of “free keyboard tutorials for children” using a Google search. Involve your child in the search. Feeling a part of the choice-process increases the child's ownership of the program. 

How important is finger placement?

Correct fingering should not be forced. The ultimate goal is to learn to type fluently with increasing speed and accuracy. Many students with dysgraphia develop their own typing style while others will gradually evolve to correct fingering. The key to fluency regardless of the finger positions is practice and consistency.

How to make it work?

Limit keyboarding practice sessions to 10 minutes. Selecting which program to use, what to type, and what fingering method to use needs to be the child’s choice. Setting a goal of 10 minutes of daily typing over a 5 day practice week provides consistency and spaced practice. A long range weekly goal of 50 minutes with a high interest reward upon completing of the goal can encourage a reluctant typist to build the keyboarding habit.

Educators at Child & Family Development work with students and their families to plan and carry out a keyboarding program. Summertime is a good time to for your child with dysgraphia or dyslexia to “tickle the keyboard”.