Touch-Type Read and Spell 1-yr Access

Touch-Type Read and Spell

TTRS stands for Touch-type Read and Spell. We know no other program like TTRS that teaches typing skills while thoroughly reinforcing phonics. Research confirms that TTRS is beneficial for typing students, beginning or struggling readers and spellers, and students with dyslexia or visual impairment.

TTRS is a straightforward, step-by-step course for learning to touch-type. No frills, no distracting peripheral graphics, just simple typing instruction. The lessons are understandable and incremental, designed so your child can experience rapid, continuing success.

TTRS does not explicitly teach phonics. But it reinforces and practices phonics comprehensively and methodically. TTRS begins by introducing the student to how to touch-type and read “a, e, i, o, u.” 

Next, it begins teaching simple words through what is called “onset and rime” – in other words, through word families; for example, fed, wed, led. The words slowly and systematically increase in complexity throughout the course, just as they do in phonics-based reading and spelling programs.

TTRS is used by dyslexia associations worldwide, including the British Dyslexia Association, and it is beneficial for students with dyslexia in a variety of ways.

First, many students with dyslexia or visual impairment find it easier to type than handwrite. Thus, learning to touch-type will allow students to express their thoughts, stories, or assigned schoolwork without becoming bogged down and distracted by handwriting and letter formation.

Second, some students with dyslexia struggle with their short-term memory. Since TTRS teaches through extensive repetition, it is ideal for helping students retain more phonics and typing skills long term.

Third, because touch-typing is by nature hands-on, it is effective for students who are kinesthetic learners and those who benefit from a multi-sensory approach. They will see the letters and words printed on the screen as they hear the letters and words spoken through the headphones or speakers. The on-screen keyboard demonstrates which fingers to use for each key. By touching the keys with their fingers, students will get a well-rounded multi-sensory approach to reading and spelling. Or, as TTRS puts it, they will learn to “spell with their fingers.”