Finding typing games for kids that are actually fun, engaging, and helpful can make learning to type so much easier, especially for children with learning differences.

For years, I worried that allowing my children to type instead of handwrite might somehow be making things too easy for them. What I’ve learned is exactly the opposite. Typing can be an incredibly important skill for kids, and finding the right way to teach it matters.

For my out-of-the-box learners, typing games have been one of the easiest ways to practice touch typing without turning it into another frustrating lesson.

Why Typing Skills Matter For Kids

I used to feel guilty about it.

I used to lose sleep, worry and then worry some more because I let my boys type, rather than hand write, everything outside of actual handwriting practice and occupational therapy exercises.

Over the years, I have received a lot of criticism feedback.

How will they ever be able to fill out a job application?

If you coddle them now, they will pay for it later.

You are not preparing them for the real world.

I used to feel guilty about it, but not anymore.

The older my boys get, the more I see how much they actually need typing skills in order to succeed long-term.

Learning Touch Typing Without The Frustration

Although my children have become quite adept at navigating a keyboard, they have both expressed an interest in learning to type with more speed and accuracy. My youngest wants to type while “looking at the screen and not my hands.” So, I have been looking for a way to teach them to touch type, but definitely one that is different from the way I was taught.

(Y’all, I can still hear the whir of the electric typewriter as I punched in a-s-d-f and h-j-k-l over and over again. Not fun and definitely not for my kiddos.)

Learning With Typing Games

I learned about KidzType from another blogger last month and was excited to try it with my own children.

Fun and free typing games, appropriate for multiple ages?

It sounded like a great fit for my out-of-the-box learners.

Free Typing Games From  KidzType

KidzType offers a variety of options, with varying levels of difficulty, to teach proficiency in touch typing. My oldest liked practicing with timed trials while my youngest was all over this Ninja typing game –

Incidentally, I find my youngest is also able to practice reading in this multi-sensory, game-oriented approach. Because he is typing real words, in addition to letter sequences, we sneak in a little reading practice too, while we are at it.

KidzType also has a sister site called TypeDojo.com where there is a free typing test. It was a great way for me to assess where my boys were starting from, plus they loved seeing their progress!

Typing Games Are Perfect For Children With Learning Differences

Because KidzType offers such a wide range of options for learning, both of my boys were able to use the program without any special accommodations for their learning styles and differences.

More importantly, the balance between overt instruction, repetition, practice and games kept their attention while instilling confidence and gaining proficiency.

This video shows more about the KidzType approach and gives you a behind the scenes look at what you can expect from the program.

The reality is that, even without my children’s learning differences, typing is an essential skill for them to master in today’s technological world. Rather than resisting it, I think it makes sense to encourage mastery and confidence.

Making Typing Practice Part Of Your Child’s Learning

Typing doesn’t have to become one more formal subject to add to an already full day.

A few minutes spent playing a typing game, taking a typing test, or practicing touch typing can add up over time. For my boys, keeping the experience accessible and enjoyable has been far more important than pushing for perfect speed or accuracy right away.

The goal is proficiency, yes. But I also want them to feel confident using a tool that is going to be part of their education and their lives for years to come.

Are Typing Games Good For Kids?

For us, they have been.

Typing games give kids an opportunity to practice keyboarding skills through repetition without relying exclusively on traditional typing drills. They can be particularly helpful for kids who are motivated by games, need frequent changes in activity, or learn best through a more interactive approach.

What age should kids learn to type?

There isn’t one perfect age for every child. Once a child is regularly using a keyboard for schoolwork or communication, it makes sense to begin helping them develop good typing habits. The appropriate amount of practice will depend on the child’s age, motor skills, attention, and individual learning needs.

Can typing games help kids learn touch typing?

Typing games can provide repeated practice with keyboard placement, accuracy, and speed. Over time, that practice can help children become less dependent on looking down at their hands while they type.

Are typing games helpful for children with learning differences?

They certainly can be. For some children with learning differences, typing reduces the demands associated with handwriting while allowing them to focus more fully on communicating what they know. A game-based approach can also make the repetition required to learn keyboarding skills much more engaging.

Friday Fun-days: 52 weeks of Easy For Mom Activities

I am grateful that KizType has created such an accessible and fun approach. It really is proving to be a great way for my boys to learn to more proficiently type.

These typing games are a great addition to our list of Friday Fun-Day Activities – easy for mom and perfect for learning.

Happy Friday!

Shawna

Friday Fun-days: 52 weeks of Easy For Mom Activities