About Typing Challenges (Parent Article)
At a Glance
Many kids with learning and thinking differences prefer to type rather than write by hand because typing makes writing easier. But that’s not always the case for kids with certain challenges, including ADHD and motor skills issues. Even if they’ve gotten typing instruction in school, some kids may need extra time and practice to master this skill.
How You Can Help Your Child With Typing
You may not be able to address your child’s specific challenges. But there are ways you can make typing easier.
- Typing is often easier than writing by hand for kids with certain learning and thinking differences.
- Kids with learning and thinking differences may have areas of weakness that can impact typing.
- When kids struggle with the mechanics of typing, it can slow them down and impact the quality of their writing.
Many kids with learning and thinking differences prefer to type rather than write by hand because typing makes writing easier. But that’s not always the case for kids with certain challenges, including ADHD and motor skills issues. Even if they’ve gotten typing instruction in school, some kids may need extra time and practice to master this skill.
How You Can Help Your Child With Typing
You may not be able to address your child’s specific challenges. But there are ways you can make typing easier.
- Some experts say that if your child finds it frustrating to touch-type, let him type in whatever way works for him. Don’t worry if he’s not typing “the right way,” as long as he’s getting it done.
- Let your child use a tablet for shorter assignments. He can type using his thumbs and fingers, a process similar to texting.
- If your child finds it distracting to have spelling and grammar mistakes highlighted, turn off auto-correct. Turn it back on when the project is finished. Then he can make corrections all at once.
- Use a typing tutor program to boost your child’s proficiency. He may benefit from a program designed for a general audience to get some practice and improve on speed. There are many free programs online. Most include access to fun games to improve letter awareness and overall speed.
- Your child can also try dictation (speech-to-text) technology and other assistive technology for writing. You can try apps to help with specific challenges, like apps to help with note-taking. There are also free online tools to help with writing.
If your child’s challenges impact typing, don’t give up. He may take longer to master it than other kids. But once he does, he might find writing assignments easier and less frustrating.
If you’re concerned that your child has a motor skills issue like dyspraxia, there are steps you can take. And find out what to do if you’re concerned your child has another learning or thinking difference. - Try an alternative keyboard. These have special overlays that customize how a standard keyboard looks and functions. They might group keys by color, or add graphics to aid comprehension, for instance.