I wasn’t looking for another thing for my sons to do every day.

Already busy with math, writing, sword fighting and Lego I didn’t think they needed another task to complete. But they asked so nicely…

A few weeks ago, Typesy asked if I’d be willing to look at their online typing program for kids and write a review. I took one look at the Lego mess on the floor and thought, “Yes, maybe the boys have time to add a useful skill-building activity into their day.”

The boys BEG me to do their typing practice every day

We’ve done typing tutors and online typing games before, but even after such a short period of time I can tell you this one is the best we’ve ever used.

I won’t bore you with all the nitty-gritty details, because a simple “It’s the BEST typing practice for kids” I’ve seen pretty much sums it up.

Typesy has three versions of their typing program: Individuals, homeschool, and EDU version. They blessed us with a Homeschool version to test out. Have I said I LOVE this yet?

Related: 8 Benefits of Touch Typing Skills

Good news for the technologically challenged parent, like me!

It’s super easy to set up and use! Phew! I decided that I’d give the program one day to hook me in. If it gave me any headaches or issues I was gonna jump ship immediately. Let’s face it, I’d rather have the kids clean up all those Lego toys than spend time fighting something online.

Set up was as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4

1. Going to https://www.typesy.com/type/
2. Setting up an account
3. Logging into the Admin Interface > Users > Add New User (to add my kids’ accounts)
4. Once the Kids had accounts, I went to Class > Create Class > Fill in the details.

Once I had our little “typing for kids school” created, I let the boys loose.

Use Typesy for 15-30 minutes a day: 1-2 lessons and 1-2 games every day.

It’s working!

There are all kinds of easy to locate charts and graphs to see your kids’ progress under Student > Statistics. But what I really love is the control I have over what the kids do everyday.

I can assign the kids lessons or test that they have to do BEFORE they can do anything else! Go to Classes > The name of your plan > Tests and Assignments > Create New > test or assignment > customize the skill you want the kids to do!!

“Mom! Make me another assignment!”

You read that correctly. That’s not a typographical error (pun intended).

The boys and I love this typing program.

• It’s super easy to use, even if you’re old enough to remember life without the internet, computers and smartphones!
• It’s adaptive, which means you don’t need to do much once the kids get started. The software figures out which keys they kids are practicing and alters the games to accomodate their needs.
• It’s controllable, meaning the kids aren’t just saying they are practicing typing, but they are actually strengthening their skills (assuming you peek over their shoulder often to remind them to sit up straight and to only look at the screen.

Food for thought.

I do not believe we should throw away all pens and pencils. I am a firm believer in handwriting, cursive, and fine motor skills in elementary school.

I believe writing begins with experience, followed by brainstorming and assembling some kind of writing. With something held in your hand.

It’s proven that handwritten notes are better for memory than typing, but we can’t deny the need for decent typing skills for our kid’s future. In my own home, our three older sons have excellent typing skill and that has saved them countless hours as they rewrite history, create screenplays, or complete 12- page essay assignments in college.

I believe kids should write with pens, crayons, pencils, and markers and hone their knowledge of the keyboard as they grow. I personally do start my kids’ typing before they are in middle school, and then it’s closely monitored.

Bekki Sayler

Types of Typing Activities in the Typesy

• Typing Fun– games designed to help kids grow int heir knowledge of the keyboard, helping their fingers know their way around intuitively.
• Accuracy Building Games– Designed to reward accuracy. These activities are a bit addictive, so I encourage you to set timers for your kids. First timer, “two-minute warning”; second timer, “time’s up!”
• Speed Boosting Games– Designed to reward those who “feel the need for speed!”
• Keyboarding Skills– Designed to fine tune your knowledge of the keyboard and to help push you to your personals limits
• Standard Activities– This is what grey haired mamas like me think a typing lesson should look like, but Typesy still made them fun!

Worth the cost?

Let’s start with the Fearless 12 Month Money Back Guarantee + $50!

Wait, for real? I’m shaking my head as I type this, but read that guarantee!!!

The Homeschool Version we are using comes with two admin accounts (Thank you that BOTH parents can be in charge) and four student accounts.!

When I do the math, this amazing, adaptive, fun and even addictive typing tutor is only $6.70 a year for each of my sons! (You pay upfront for 5-year access)

For homeschoolers, Typsey has three options based on how many kiddos are gonna be learning to type. They each come with 5-year access and that ridiculous Fearless guarantee.

Most of us will fall into the Typsey Homeschool Family, or the Typsey Homeschool BIG Family. But they even have an option with Co-ops in mind (Up to 30 kids)

I had to catch a tear on my cheek because two of my kids are grown so I don’t need the BIG family option anymore.

SNIFF.

So there you have it.

You may not be looking for a typing tutor for kids. I wasn’t either. I never would have found this program if they hadn’t reached out to me first. But I’m sold.

This one’s a win-win.

The kids have a little less time to leave Legos on my floor and you can always get your money back + $50 if the kids don’t love it and begin typing laser-fast.

Disclaimer.

This review is written based on my family’s person experience with the Homeschool Version of the Typsey program. We received a free 5-year subscription and compensation to the product and give our honest feedback. If I didn’t LOVE it I would have simply said “no-thank you” and returned everything.

But, we DO LOVE IT and I’m NOT giving it back!!! Now, if only someone would contact me with a practical solution for Lego chaos… my life would be complete!