Unlocking Your Child’s Writing Potential: Tips for Overcoming Writing Difficulties

Unlocking Your Child’s Writing Potential: Tips for Overcoming Writing Difficulties

Overcoming Writing Difficulties
Overcoming Writing Difficulties

 

As a parent, you want your child to thrive and succeed in all aspects of life. However, writing is a fundamental skill that is essential for academic success and future career opportunities. If your child is facing writing difficulties, it can be challenging to know where to start. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most effective tips and techniques for unlocking your child’s writing potential.

Understanding Writing Difficulties in Children

Writing difficulties can be caused by a variety of factors, including learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and poor motor skills. Children with learning disabilities such as dyslexia or dysgraphia may struggle with spelling, grammar, and organizing their thoughts. ADHD can make it difficult for children to focus on writing tasks, while anxiety may cause them to avoid writing altogether. Poor motor skills can also make it challenging for children to write legibly and at a reasonable speed.

It’s essential to identify the root cause of your child’s writing difficulties to provide the right support and assistance. If you suspect that your child may have a learning disability or ADHD, speak to their teacher or pediatrician to get a proper assessment.

Common Writing Challenges Facing Children

There are several common writing challenges that children face, regardless of the underlying cause of their writing difficulties. These include:

Spelling and Grammar

Spelling and Grammar

Spelling and grammar are essential components of writing, and children who struggle with these areas may find it challenging to express their thoughts effectively. It’s essential to help your child learn the rules of grammar and spelling and provide opportunities for them to practice these skills.

Organising Thoughts

Organising thoughts and ideas can be challenging for many children, especially those with learning disabilities. To help your child with this, you can teach them to use graphic organizers such as mind maps or outlines to help them structure their writing.

handwriting

Handwriting

Handwriting is another common writing challenge that children face. If your child has poor handwriting, you can provide them with exercises to improve their fine motor skills or consider using assistive technology such as speech-to-text software.

Assessing Your Child’s Writing Skills

Before you can start working on improving your child’s writing skills, it’s essential to assess their current abilities. You can do this by reviewing their schoolwork or asking their teacher to provide feedback on their writing. You can also ask your child to write a short essay or story and review it together to identify areas for improvement.

Once you have identified your child’s strengths and weaknesses, you can create a plan to help them develop their writing skills.

Tips for Improving Your Child’s Writing Skills

There are several practical tips and strategies you can use to help your child improve their writing skills. Here are a few to consider:

 

Read, Read, Read

Reading is one of the most effective ways to improve writing skills. Encourage your child to read regularly, and discuss the books they are reading with them. This will help them develop critical thinking skills and expand their vocabulary.

Encourage Creativity

Encourage your child to write creatively by providing them with writing prompts or inviting them to create their own stories. This will help them develop their imagination and writing skills.

Use Technology

Technology can be a helpful tool for improving writing skills. Consider using assistive technology such as online writing tools to help your child with spelling and grammar. A useful skill would be to learn how to type, this will improve your child’s typing speed and accuracy and let them become more productive.

Create a Supportive Writing Environment

Create a supportive writing environment by providing your child with a quiet space to write and all the necessary writing tools, such as pens, paper, and a computer. Encourage them to write regularly and provide positive feedback on their work.

The Importance of Reading for Writing

Reading and writing are closely connected, and children who read regularly tend to be better writers. Reading exposes children to different writing styles and genres, expands their vocabulary, and helps them develop critical thinking skills.

Encourage your child to read a variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. You can also ask them to discuss what they have read with you or write a short summary of the book.

Encouraging Your Child to Write Creatively

Creative writing is an excellent way to improve your child’s writing skills and help them develop their creativity. Here are a few tips for encouraging your child to write creatively:

Provide Writing Prompts

Provide your child with writing prompts to help them get started. You can find writing prompts online or create your own. Encourage your child to take risks and explore their imagination.

Emphasise Storytelling

Encourage your child to focus on storytelling rather than writing perfectly. Encourage them to experiment with different writing styles and genres.

Make Writing Fun

Make writing fun by turning it into a game or competition. You can also invite your child to participate in writing workshops or writing clubs to meet other young writers.

Assistive technology

Using Technology to Enhance Writing Skills

Technology can be a helpful tool for improving writing skills. Here are a few ways to use technology to enhance your child’s writing skills:

Online Writing Tools

Online writing tools such as Grammarly or Hemingway can be helpful for children who struggle with grammar or sentence structure. These tools provide real-time feedback on writing, making it easier for children to identify and correct errors.

Writing Apps

There are several writing apps available that can help your child improve their writing skills. These apps provide writing prompts, feedback, and other tools to help your child develop their writing skills.

Typing 

Touch typing
Typing

If your child learns how to type they will have a skill that will assist them in overcoming their writing difficulties. Searsol offers two options:

 

  1. Your child can attend any of our typing centres and learn how to type there. A full list of our typing centres is available online at https://searsol.com/find-centers/?search 
  2. You can learn how to type at home using our Typewiz typing program. A free 7-day trial is available at https://typewiz.com/#plans 

 

Working with Your Child’s Teacher to Address Writing Difficulties

Your child’s teacher can be an excellent resource for addressing writing difficulties. Consider scheduling a meeting to discuss your child’s writing skills and identify areas for improvement. Your child’s teacher may be able to provide additional resources or support to help your child develop their writing skills.

Seeking Professional Help for Severe Writing Difficulties

If your child’s writing difficulties are severe, you may want to consider seeking professional help. A tutor or writing specialist can provide one-on-one support and help your child develop their writing skills.

Conclusion

Writing is an essential skill that is essential for academic success and future career opportunities. If your child is facing writing difficulties, there are practical tips and strategies you can use to help them overcome their challenges. From reading regularly to using technology to creating a supportive writing environment, there are many ways to support your child and unlock their writing potential. Remember to be patient and supportive, and celebrate your child’s progress along the way.

New Searsol touch typing centre starting on 20th April 2023 in Athlone, Co Westmeath

Typing classes Athlone, Co Westmeath

Speedskin covers to stop your child from looking down at the keyboard! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Searsol typing classes starting in Athlone, Co. Westmeath on April 2023!

 

Searsol is starting a new after-school touch-typing class at Dr Stevens Resource Centre, Irishtown Central, First Floor, Block A, Athlone Co. Westmeath starting on Thursday 20th of April 2023 at 4 or 5 pm.

 

Our new center will be starting on the 20th of April 2023 in Dr Stevens Resource Centre and will take place each Thursday at 4 or 5 pm. Searsol is currently offering a free introductory first session trial at our new center. Our after-school typing classes are suitable for any child who is eight years old or older that may be interested in trying out our typing classes. More information about the new center is available on our website at https://searsol.com/location/athlone-co-westmeath/ 

Our typing classes are specifically designed to develop typing skills for children. Searsol has provided after-school typing courses for children since 2008. We have a high success rate of students that have successfully learned how to touch type. During the course, the student will learn how to touch type correctly assisted by a qualified tutor. We use our own specially designed typing software Typewiz.

This course is suitable for children who want to learn how to type correctly. We work with children with learning differences like Dyslexia or Dyspraxia or children with handwriting problems or who have gained an exemption to use a laptop for exams. To book your free trial place you can contact Searsol on 01-6303384 or book a free trial at our Athlone centre by clicking here

New Searsol touch typing centre starting on 20th April 2023 in Bray, Wicklow

Typing classes Bray, Wicklow
Speedskin covers to stop your child from looking down at the keyboard!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Searsol typing classes starting in Bray, Wicklow on April 2023!

 

Searsol is starting a new after-school touch-typing class at Presentation College in Bray, Wicklow starting on Thursday 20th of April 2023 at 4.15 or 5.15 pm.

 

Our new center will be starting on the 20th of April 2023 in Presentation College and will take place each Thursday at 4:15 or 5:15 pm. Searsol is currently offering a free introductory first-session trial at our new center. Our after-school typing classes are suitable for any child who is eight years old or older that may be interested in trying out our typing classes. More information about the new center is available on our website at https://searsol.com/location/bray-co-wicklow/

Our typing classes are specifically designed to develop typing skills for children. Searsol has provided after-school typing courses for children since 2008. We have a high success rate of students that have successfully learned how to touch type. During the course, the student will learn how to touch type correctly assisted by a qualified tutor. We use our own specially designed typing software Typewiz.

This course is suitable for children who want to learn how to type correctly. We work with children with learning differences like Dyslexia or Dyspraxia or children with handwriting problems or who have gained an exemption to use a laptop for exams. To book your free trial place you can contact Searsol on 01-6303384 or book a free trial at our Bray centre by clicking here

Easter 2023 computer camps – Dundrum

Easter computer skills camps 

Touch typing
Touch typing

Easter computer camps are available in Dundrum for those students who want to improve their computer skills. The course runs over the Easter period for three hours per day. The emphasis is teaching your child the fundamental skill of touch typing along with other appropriate computer skills appropriate to their age that will help them with school homework or projects.

This year we have two levels:

  • Level 1 – 8 – 12 years old (Primary school)
  • Level 2 – 13 – 18 years old (Secondary school)
Level 1 – Computer skills camps for children

Level 1 Computer course is suitable for 8 – 12 years old (Primary school)  and offers the following:

  • Typing – the first hour of the course is dedicated to learning how to touch type.
  • Email fundamentals – Compose, reply, and forward messages and add attachments.
  • Word Processing – introduction to word processing, creating letters, spell checking
  • Presentation slides – create, animate, insert images, change fonts
  • Uploading, editing, and cropping pictures on the PC.
  • Creating their own online comic book.
  • Creating their own avatar and character
  • Creating their own birthday cards.
  • Creating their own Picture collages.
  • Cloud storage – storing documents on the internet.
  • 3D Animation code image design
  • And much more…
Level 2 – Computer skills camps for teens

Level 2 Computer course is suitable for 13 – 18 years old (Secondary school)  and offers the following:

  • Typing – the first hour of the course is dedicated to learning how to touch type.
  • Email fundamentals – setting up and using email correctly. Compose, reply, and forward messages and add attachments. Sending business emails.
  • Word Processing – Intermediate word exercises, creating tables, borders etc. 
  • Presentation slides – create, animate, insert images, change fonts
  • Spreadsheet – creating, add function, minus function, sum function
  • File management – creating folders and sub-folders, copying documents, renaming documents
  • Cloud storage – storing documents on the internet.
  • Uploading, editing and cropping pictures on the PC.
  • Creating their own online comic book.
  • Creating their own avatar and character
  • Creating their own Picture collages.
  • 3D Animation code image design

We are taking now bookings for our Easter computer camps 2023. Places are limited so early booking is advised. To book go to https://searsol.com/computercamps/ 

 

New adult touch typing class in Dundrum starting Wednesday 8th of February 2023

New adult touch typing class in Dundrum starting Wednesday 8th of February 2023 from 7 to 9 pm in St Tiernan’s Community school. The course is a self-paced course so will cater to beginners all the way up to an advanced level.

Adult typing classes
New Adult typing classes

Our touch typing class offers the following:

  • Experienced Tutor with years of teaching experience.
  • Suitable for any adult that wants to learn how to touch type.
  • Work at your own pace.
  • Learn a life skill for personal or professional use.
  • Reports available to show weekly progress
  • Increase your words per minute
  • Improve your productivity

 

The class is scheduled to start on Wednesday 8th of February at 7 pm and runs for two hours and runs for eight weeks.

Places are limited so early booking is advised. You can book the free trial online by ringing Searsol at 016303384 or emailing us at info at searsol dot com.

The course is a self-paced course so will cater to beginners all the way up to advance.

Exploring the Link Between Dyslexia and Typing Performance

 

What is the link between dyslexia and typing performance?

We analyse the impact it has on dyslexic individuals. We will explore the difficulties dyslexic individuals face when attempting to type, and how this can be addressed. We will discuss the importance of developing strategies and tools to help dyslexic individuals improve their typing performance. Furthermore, we will look at the various assistive technology available in order to support dyslexia in relation to typing, as well as look at the impact typing performance can have on the quality of life of dyslexic individuals. Finally, we will focus on how to improve typing performance in order to ensure the best possible outcome for those with dyslexia. By the end of this article, you will have a greater understanding of the relationship between dyslexia and typing performance, and how to support dyslexic individuals to improve their typing performance.

 

dyslexia
dyslexia

Dyslexia is a neurological disorder that affects an individual’s ability to read and write. It is the most common learning disability and affects up to 10% of the population. While there are many different symptoms associated with dyslexia, difficulty with reading, writing, and comprehension are the most common. Dyslexia can have a significant impact on an individual’s typing performance, as poor reading and writing skills can slow down the speed at which they can type. In addition, dyslexia can also affect an individual’s ability to focus and concentrate. This can make it difficult to remember what they have already written, resulting in mistakes and incorrect spelling. Furthermore, dyslexia can also make it difficult to recognize patterns and symbols or to remember words or concepts that have been previously seen. People with dyslexia may also struggle to keep up with written conversations, resulting in them performing slower than their peers. Finally, dyslexia can also lead to handwriting difficulties, as individuals with dyslexia may struggle to form letters correctly.

 

Common Typing Difficulties Experienced by Dyslexic Individuals

 

-Difficulty understanding the standard keyboard layout

-Challenges with the physical act of typing, due to fine motor coordination issues

-Confusion when typing words due to letter transposition and/or reversal

-Slower typing speed compared to non-dyslexic individuals

-Difficulty adapting to and using touch typing methods

-Errors when typing due to difficulty switching between letters, numbers and symbols

-Inability to remember shortcuts or frequently used words

 

Exploring the Benefits of Using Assistive Technologies for Dyslexic Typists

Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology

 

Assistive technology can provide an invaluable resource for those with dyslexia who are wanting to improve their typing performance. Assistive technologies can help dyslexic typists in a number of ways, from providing tailored tools to reducing errors to helping them organise their thoughts more effectively. Here, we’ll explore how assistive technologies can help dyslexic typists achieve their goals.

 

Reduce Errors: Assistive technologies can provide specialized tools to help reduce typographical errors that are common amongst dyslexic typists. By providing predictive text, spell checkers, and other tools, dyslexic typists can feel more confident that they are typing accurately and correctly.

 

Improve Speed and Efficiency: Assistive technologies can also provide specialized tools to help dyslexic typists improve their typing speed and accuracy. By providing tools such as auto-complete, text expansion, and word prediction, dyslexic typists can type more quickly and accurately, resulting in improved overall efficiency.

 

Organise Thoughts: Assistive technology can also provide tools to help dyslexic typists organize their thoughts more effectively. By providing tools such as mind mapping and outlining, dyslexic typists can more easily map out their ideas and thoughts. This can

 

How Specialised Typing Training Can Improve Performance for Dyslexic Individuals

 

  1. Understanding Why Specialised Training is Necessary for Dyslexic Individuals 
  2. Identifying Key Challenges for Dyslexic Typists 
  3. How Specialised Training Can Help Tackle Those Challenges 
  4. Recognising the Benefits of Specialised Typing Training for Dyslexic Individuals 
  5. Exploring Different Types of Typing Training Available for Dyslexic Individuals 

 

Examining the Benefits of Multi-Sensory Approaches to Typing Instruction

Benefits of Multi-Sensory Approaches to Typing Instruction

The benefits of multi-sensory approaches to typing instruction can be invaluable to individuals with dyslexia. This method of instruction combines visual, auditory, and kinesthetic feedback to help students learn how to type. It allows learners to place their hands on the keyboard, listen to the sound of the letters being typed, and watch their typing as it appears on the screen. This allows them to understand the physical and sound components of typing, which can be extremely helpful for those with dyslexia. Additionally, multi-sensory approaches can help maximize the benefits of typing instruction by providing immediate feedback to the student, allowing for faster retrieval of information, better accuracy of spelling and production, and increased confidence. Moreover, it can help to reduce the cognitive load of typing, as well as save time that might otherwise be spent looking for keys on the keyboard. Overall, multi-sensory approaches to typing instruction are an effective way to create a more individualized learning experience for those with dyslexia, while also providing students with the tools they need to become successful typists.

 

Understanding the Impact of Dyslexia on Career Prospects: A Closer Look at the Link Between Typing Performance and Job Opportunities

 

The impact of dyslexia on career prospects is an important issue to examine, particularly when it comes to typing performance. Research has shown that people with dyslexia often have slower reaction times and poorer accuracy when it comes to typing, although this varies depending on the severity of dyslexia and the type of job.

 

Studies have found that people with dyslexia may have difficulty in careers which require meticulous data entry work, such as accounting or finance

 

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, while the data suggests a correlation between dyslexia and typing performance, more research is needed to uncover the deeper implications this may have on how dyslexic individuals learn, process, and communicate information. Further studies can help better understand how to work with dyslexic individuals to improve their typing performance and how to better accommodate their learning needs. With the right tools and support, dyslexic individuals can be empowered to achieve success in their classroom and professional life.

 

Other areas of research could focus on the use of assistive technology in the classroom to help dyslexic students learn more effectively. For example, speech-to-text programs for computers and phones can help dyslexics work quickly and accurately without having to worry about spelling mistakes. By studying the impact of assistive technology on dyslexia, we may be able to create more comprehensive strategies for teaching and accommodating dyslexic individuals. Additionally, further research could focus on identifying how dyslexia affects other aspects of academic performance, such as reading comprehension and written communication skills. Finally, the research could explore how the standardised tests and curricula used to assess academic performance can be adapted to better suit the needs of dyslexic individuals. 

 

What does dyslexia mean to me?

What does dyslexia mean to me?
What does dyslexia mean to me?

 

As an educational psychologist with 20 years of experience, I have had the opportunity to work with many students who have been diagnosed with dyslexia. Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder that affects a person’s ability to read, write, and spell. It is a neurological disorder that is characterized by difficulty with phonemic awareness, phonology, and/or grapheme-phoneme correspondence, which are all critical skills for reading and spelling.

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder that affects a person’s ability to read, write, and spell. It is a neurological disorder that is characterized by difficulty with phonemic awareness, phonology, and/or grapheme-phoneme correspondence, which are all critical skills for reading and spelling. Dyslexia is not a measure of intelligence and is not something that an individual can simply “try harder” to overcome. It is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing support and accommodations to help individuals with dyslexia succeed in their academic and professional lives. Dyslexia can manifest as difficulty with decoding words, difficulty with spelling, and difficulty with reading fluency, and may also include symptoms such as reversing letters or confusingly similar words. Dyslexia is a hidden disability, meaning that individuals with dyslexia may not appear to have a disability on the surface, which can lead to misunderstandings and misperceptions about their abilities.

 

For me, dyslexia represents a unique challenge that requires a multifaceted approach to support and accommodate individuals with this learning difference. It is not a disorder that can be “cured,” but rather it is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing support and accommodations to help individuals with dyslexia succeed in their academic and professional lives.

 

One of the most common misconceptions about dyslexia is that it is simply a problem with “reversing letters.” While this can be a symptom of dyslexia, it is only one aspect of the disorder. Dyslexia can also manifest as difficulty with decoding words, difficulty with spelling, and difficulty with reading fluency.

Assistive technology
Assistive technology

To effectively support individuals with dyslexia, it is important to understand the unique challenges that they face and to provide appropriate accommodations and support. This may include the use of assistive technology, such as text-to-speech software or digital text readers, as well as structured literacy interventions, such as the Orton-Gillingham approach.

 

It is also important to recognize that dyslexia is a hidden disability, meaning that individuals with dyslexia may not appear to have a disability on the surface. This can lead to misunderstandings and misperceptions about the abilities of individuals with dyslexia, which can have negative impacts on their self-esteem and confidence.

 

For me, dyslexia is a reminder that not all learning differences are visible, and that it is important to be understanding and supportive of individuals with hidden disabilities. It is also a reminder that everyone learns differently, and that it is important to be flexible and adaptable in our approaches to education.

 

One of the most frustrating aspects of dyslexia for many individuals is the feeling of being “stuck” in their reading and spelling abilities. Dyslexia is a neurological disorder, meaning that it is not something that an individual can simply “try harder” to overcome. This can be especially difficult for children, who may feel like they are not “as smart” as their peers because they are struggling with reading and spelling.

 

It is important to remember that dyslexia is not a measure of intelligence. In fact, many individuals with dyslexia are highly intelligent and have strengths in other areas, such as creativity, problem-solving, or visual-spatial skills. It is essential that we recognize and celebrate the strengths and talents of individuals with dyslexia, rather than focusing solely on their challenges.

 

One way to do this is to provide opportunities for individuals with dyslexia to shine in their areas of strength. For example, a child with dyslexia who excels in art or music may benefit from having the opportunity to showcase their talents in those areas. It is also important to provide positive reinforcement and encouragement for their efforts and progress, rather than dwelling on their difficulties with reading and spelling.

 

In addition to providing support and accommodations, it is also important to advocate for individuals with dyslexia. This may involve working with educators to ensure that appropriate accommodations are in place, or advocating for the use of assistive technology in the classroom. It may also involve educating others about dyslexia and the unique challenges that individuals with this condition face.

 

As an educational psychologist, I believe that it is my responsibility to be an advocate for all students, including those with dyslexia. By working together and supporting one another, we can create a more inclusive and understanding society that values and celebrates the strengths and talents of individuals with dyslexia.

 

As an educational psychologist, there are several steps that I would take to help a child with dyslexia:

 

Assess the child’s specific needs and challenges: It is important to understand the unique challenges that the child with dyslexia is facing in order to provide appropriate support and accommodations. This may involve administering standardized tests or assessments, as well as observing the child in the classroom and gathering input from teachers and parents.

 

Collaborate with the child’s teachers and other educational professionals: It is important to work closely with the child’s teachers and other educational professionals, such as speech-language pathologists or reading specialists, to develop a comprehensive plan to support the child’s learning. This may include providing accommodations, such as extra time on assignments or the use of assistive technology, or implementing structured literacy interventions, such as the Orton-Gillingham approach.

 

Encourage and support the child’s strengths and talents: It is important to recognize and celebrate the child’s strengths and talents, rather than focusing solely on their challenges with reading and spelling. Providing opportunities for the child to shine in their areas of strength can help boost their self-esteem and confidence.

 

Educate the child, their parents, and their teachers about dyslexia: Providing information and resources about dyslexia can help everyone better understand the condition and how to support the child. This may involve sharing information about assistive technology or teaching strategies that can be helpful for the child.

 

Advocate for the child: It may be necessary to advocate for the child with dyslexia in order to ensure that they are receiving the necessary support and accommodations in the classroom. This may involve working with the school to develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or coordinating with other professionals to provide the necessary support.

 

It is important to take a multifaceted approach to supporting a child with dyslexia, and to work closely with the child, their parents, and their teachers to ensure that their unique needs are being met.

 

In conclusion, dyslexia is a unique learning difference that requires a multifaceted approach to support and accommodate individuals with this condition. As an educational psychologist, it is my goal to provide the necessary support and accommodations to help individuals with dyslexia succeed in their academic and professional lives.

Benefits of digital tech for children with intellectual disabilities

Benefits of digital tech for children with intellectual disabilities

Digital tech for children with intellectual disabilities

 

Intellectual disabilities in children can have a significant impact on their development and ability to learn new skills. These disabilities, which can range from mild to severe, can make it more challenging for children to learn and process information, communicate, and interact with others. However, with the right support and resources, children with intellectual disabilities can make progress and achieve their full potential.

 

There are several benefits of digital technology for children with intellectual disabilities:

 

Educational support: 

 

Digital technology, such as computers and educational apps, can provide visual and auditory support to help children understand and retain information. This can be particularly helpful for children who have difficulty processing information through traditional teaching methods.

 

Communication and socialisation:

 

Communication apps and devices can help children with limited verbal skills to express themselves and participate in conversations. Social media and online communities can also provide a sense of connection and support for children who may struggle with social interactions in person.

 

Independent living skills: 

 

Apps and devices can help children with intellectual disabilities manage their schedules, set reminders, and complete tasks independently. This can increase their sense of independence and autonomy.

 

Inclusion and equality: 

 

Digital technology can help to break down barriers and promote inclusion by allowing children with intellectual disabilities to participate in activities and connect with others on a more equal footing.

 

Self-advocacy and independence: 

 

By learning to use technology and access information online, children with intellectual disabilities can become more self-sufficient and take control of their own learning and development.

Digital tech for children with intellectual disabilities

 

One area where technology can be particularly beneficial for children with intellectual disabilities is in education. Digital technology, such as computers, tablets, and educational apps, can provide new and innovative ways for children to learn and engage with material. For example, educational software can provide visual and auditory support to help children understand and retain information. This can be particularly helpful for children who have difficulty processing information through traditional teaching methods.

 

Digital technology can also provide opportunities for children with intellectual disabilities to communicate and interact with others. For example, communication apps and devices can help children with limited verbal skills to express themselves and participate in conversations. Social media and online communities can also provide a sense of connection and support for children who may struggle with social interactions in person.

Digital tech for children with intellectual disabilities

In addition to education and communication, digital technology can also be used to assist with daily living tasks. For example, there are apps and devices that can help children with intellectual disabilities manage their schedules, set reminders, and complete tasks independently. This can increase their sense of independence and autonomy, which can be especially important for children who may need more support in their daily lives.

 

While technology can be a valuable tool for children with intellectual disabilities, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks and limitations. It’s important to ensure that children are using technology in a safe and appropriate way, and to monitor their screen time to ensure that it doesn’t interfere with other important activities such as physical exercise and social interactions.

Digital tech for children with intellectual disabilities

 

In addition to the educational and practical benefits of digital technology for children with intellectual disabilities, it can also help to break down barriers and promote inclusion. Children with intellectual disabilities may face stigma and discrimination, and technology can provide a way for them to participate in activities and connect with others on a more equal footing. For example, children with intellectual disabilities may be able to use social media or online communities to share their interests and experiences with a wider audience.

 

Technology can also help to promote independence and self-advocacy for children with intellectual disabilities. By learning to use technology and access information online, children can become more self-sufficient and take control of their own learning and development. This can be especially important for children who may not have access to the same resources and support as their peers.

 

Of course, it’s important to recognise that not all children with intellectual disabilities will benefit from or be interested in technology in the same way. It’s important to consider each child’s individual needs and interests and to provide support and resources that are tailored to their specific needs.

 

In conclusion, digital technology can be a valuable resource for children with intellectual disabilities. It can provide new and innovative ways for children to learn, communicate, and complete tasks independently. It can also help to break down barriers and promote inclusion, and can encourage independence and self-advocacy. While it’s important to consider the potential limitations and to provide support and resources that are tailored to each child’s individual needs, the benefits of technology can be significant for children with intellectual disabilities and their families.

Searsol provide a range of digital tech courses for children with intellectual difficulties. Check out our training page or get in touch with us on 01-6303384 or info at searsol dot com

 

How to get a visually impaired child to learn how to type?

How to get a visually impaired child to learn how to type?

Visual impaired child learning how to type

As a parent of a visually impaired child, it can be challenging to find ways to help your child learn and grow. One area that may be particularly difficult is helping your child develop typing skills. Typing is an essential skill that can help your child communicate more effectively, access information independently, and complete tasks on their own. However, for a child with a visual impairment, learning to type may seem daunting or even impossible.

 

Fortunately, there are many benefits of typing for visually impaired children, and there are also many resources and tools available to help your child learn to type. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of typing for visually impaired children, how to teach your child to type, and some of the resources and tools that are available to help your child succeed.

 

Benefits of Typing for Visually Impaired Children

Visual impaired child learning how to type

There are many benefits of typing for visually impaired children, including:

 

Independence:

Typing allows visually impaired children to communicate more effectively and access information independently. This can give them a sense of independence and empower them to take control of their learning and communication.

 

Confidence:

Learning to type can be a challenging task, but with practice and patience, your child can master this skill. As your child becomes more proficient at typing, they will likely experience a boost in self-esteem and confidence.

 

Improved communication:

Typing allows visually impaired children to communicate more quickly and efficiently, which can be especially helpful in a classroom or work setting. With the ability to type, your child can communicate their thoughts and ideas more clearly and effectively.

 

Access to information:

The internet is an incredible resource for visually impaired children, and learning to type can help your child access this information independently. From educational resources to social media, there is a wealth of information available online, and typing allows your child to explore and learn at their own pace.

 

How to Teach Your Child to Type

Visual impaired child learning how to type

If you are interested in helping your child learn to type, there are a few steps you can take:

 

Start early:

It is never too early to start teaching your child to type. Even young children can benefit from learning typing skills, and starting early can help your child develop a strong foundation.

 

Use a keyboard with large keys:

For visually impaired children, it can be helpful to use a keyboard with large keys. This can make it easier for your child to find and press the correct keys.

 

Use typing software:

There are many typing software programs available that can help your child learn to type. Some programs are specifically designed for visually impaired children, and they may include features such as large keys and audio feedback to help your child learn. At Searsol we have our own typing program called Typewiz which some visual students have used successfully in learning how to type. A free seven day trial is available at http://typewiz.com/#plans 

 

Practice, practice, practice: Like any skill, typing takes practice to master. Encourage your child to practice typing regularly, and be patient as they learn.

 

Resources and Tools for Teaching Typing to Visually Impaired Children

Visual impaired child learning how to type

There are many resources and tools available to help visually impaired children learn to type, including:

 

Typing software: Typewiz is an online typing program that helps a child to learn how to type in a fun and interactive way. Children can earn Avatars, badges and coins, also there are typing games included in the program. 

 

Keyboard with large keys: Using a keyboard with large keys can make it easier for your child to find and press the correct keys. There are many keyboards available that are specifically designed for visually impaired children, and some even include audio feedback.

 

Braille keyboard: If your child is learning braille, a braille keyboard can be an excellent tool for teaching typing skills. These keyboards have braille keys, which allow your child to type using braille characters

 

Typing Tuition Scheme 

 

Visually impaired pupils can receive typing lessons upon the recommendation of a visiting teacher for the visually impaired. The Department of Education in Ireland offers a maximum of 20 hours of typing tuition to schools to help improve the typing skills of a specific student. This program is run through the school and the teacher providing the tuition must be appropriately qualified. Upon completion of the tuition, the teacher should provide a report on the student’s progress to the visiting teacher.

 

Searsol can provide schools with a professional qualified teacher that can deliver one to one typing classes to a visually impaired student. If you are interested in this for a student in your school that has visual impairment, then contact Searsol either by phone 01-6303384 or email info at Searsol dot com.

Future job benefits from learning how to type

Future job benefits from learning how to type

Future job benefits from learning how to type

In the modern world, learning how to type is an important skill that can offer numerous benefits for your future career. Here are just a few of the ways that learning how to type can help you in your professional life:

 

Increased productivity: Typing is generally faster than writing by hand, which means that you can get more work done in less time. This can be especially valuable in fast-paced work environments where productivity is key.

 

Improved communication: Typing allows you to easily communicate with coworkers, clients, and customers through email and other digital channels. It also enables you to type out documents, reports, and other materials more quickly and accurately, which can improve the overall quality of your work.

 

Greater flexibility: Many jobs now require the ability to work remotely or to use computers and other digital tools. By learning how to type, you will be able to take on these types of roles more easily and effectively.

 

Enhanced job prospects: In today’s job market, the ability to type is often considered a basic skill. As a result, learning how to type can make you a more competitive job candidate and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

 

Better accuracy: Typing allows you to input information into a computer more accurately than writing by hand. This can be particularly useful when working with numbers or data, as it reduces the risk of errors that can occur when writing by hand.

Increased speed: As mentioned earlier, typing is generally faster than writing by hand. This can be especially useful when you need to complete tasks quickly or when you are working under tight deadlines.

Enhanced presentation skills: Typing allows you to easily create and edit documents, presentations, and other materials using software such as Microsoft Word or PowerPoint. This can help you create professional-looking documents and presentations, which can be beneficial in job interviews and other professional settings.

Greater accessibility: For individuals with disabilities that make writing by hand difficult, typing can provide a way to communicate and complete tasks more easily. Many assistive technologies, such as voice recognition software, are available to help individuals with disabilities type more effectively.

In summary, learning how to type can offer numerous benefits for your future career. It can help you increase your productivity, improve your communication skills, and open up new job opportunities. As technology continues to evolve, the ability to type will likely become even more important in the job market, making it a valuable skill to learn early on.

New Searsol typing classes starting in Carlow in January 2023!

Typing classes in Carlow

 

Speedskin covers to stop your child from looking down at the keyboard!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Searsol typing classes starting in Carlow in January 2023!

 

Searsol is starting a new after-school touch-typing class at Bishop Foley Memorial School in Carlow starting on Tuesday the 24th of January 2023 at 3.30 or 4:30 pm.

 

Our new center will be starting on the 24th of January 2023 in Bishop Foley Memorial School and will take place each Tuesday at either 3.30 or 4:30 pm. Searsol is currently offering a free introductory first session trial at our new center. Our after-school typing classes are suitable for any child who is eight years old or older that may be interested in trying out our typing classes. More information about the new center is available on our website at https://searsol.com/location/carlow-co-carlow/

Our typing classes are specifically designed to develop typing skills for children. Searsol has provided after-school typing courses for children since 2008. We have a high success rate of students that have successfully learned how to touch type. During the course, the student will learn how to touch type correctly assisted by a qualified tutor. We use our own specially designed typing software Typewiz.

This course is suitable for children who want to learn how to type correctly. We work with children with learning differences like Dyslexia or Dyspraxia or children with handwriting problems or who have gained an exemption to use a laptop for exams. To book your free trial place you can contact Searsol on 01-6303384 or book a free trial at our Carlow centre by clicking here

New Searsol touch typing centre starting in January 11th 2023 in Cork City

Typing classes Drogheda, Louth
Speedskin covers to stop your child from looking down at the keyboard!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Searsol typing classes starting in Cork City in January 2023!

 

Searsol is starting a new after-school touch-typing class at Alphamaths in South Mall, Cork City starting on Wednesday the 11th of January 2023 at 6 pm.

 

Our new center will be starting on the 11th of January 2023 in Alphamaths and will take place each Wednesday at 6 pm. Searsol is currently offering a free introductory first session trial at our new center. Our after-school typing classes are suitable for any child who is eight years old or older that may be interested in trying out our typing classes. More information about the new center is available on our website at https://searsol.com/location/south-mall-cork-city/ 

Our typing classes are specifically designed to develop typing skills for children. Searsol has provided after-school typing courses for children since 2008. We have a high success rate of students that have successfully learned how to touch type. During the course, the student will learn how to touch type correctly assisted by a qualified tutor. We use our own specially designed typing software Typewiz.

This course is suitable for children who want to learn how to type correctly. We work with children with learning differences like Dyslexia or Dyspraxia or children with handwriting problems or who have gained an exemption to use a laptop for exams. To book your free trial place you can contact Searsol on 01-6303384 or book a free trial at our Cork City centre by clicking here

New Searsol touch typing centre starting on 19th January 2023 in Drogheda, Louth

Typing classes Drogheda, Louth
Speedskin covers to stop your child from looking down at the keyboard!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Searsol typing classes starting in Drogheda, Louth on January 2023!

 

Searsol is starting a new after-school touch-typing class at Drogheda Institute of Further Education in Drogheda Louth starting on Thursday the 19th of January 2023 at 4.15 or 5.15 pm.

 

Our new center will be starting on the 19th of January 2023 in Drogheda Institute of Further Education and will take place each Thursday at 4:15 or 5:15 pm. Searsol is currently offering a free introductory first session trial at our new center. Our after-school typing classes are suitable for any child who is eight years old or older that may be interested in trying out our typing classes. More information about the new center is available on our website at https://searsol.com/location/drogheda-louth

Our typing classes are specifically designed to develop typing skills for children. Searsol has provided after-school typing courses for children since 2008. We have a high success rate of students that have successfully learned how to touch type. During the course, the student will learn how to touch type correctly assisted by a qualified tutor. We use our own specially designed typing software Typewiz.

This course is suitable for children who want to learn how to type correctly. We work with children with learning differences like Dyslexia or Dyspraxia or children with handwriting problems or who have gained an exemption to use a laptop for exams. To book your free trial place you can contact Searsol on 01-6303384 or book a free trial at our Drogheda centre by clicking here

New Searsol touch typing centre starting in November 8th 2022 in Whitehall, Dublin 9

Typing classes Whitehall, Dublin 9
Speedskin covers to stop your child from looking down at the keyboard!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Searsol typing classes starting in Whitehall, Dublin 9.

 

Searsol is starting a new after-school touch-typing class in St Aidan’s CBS  in Whitehall Dublin 9 starting on Tuesday the 8th of November 2022 at 4 or 5 pm.

 

Our new center will be starting on the 8th of November 2022 in St Aidan’s CBS and will take place each Tuesday at 4 or 5 pm. Searsol is currently offering a free introductory first session trial at our new center. Our after-school typing classes are suitable for any child who is eight years old or older that may be interested in trying out our typing classes. More information about the new center is available on our website at https://searsol.com/location/whitehall-dublin/

Our typing classes are specifically designed to develop typing skills for children. Searsol has provided after-school typing courses for children since 2008. We have a high success rate of students that have successfully learned how to touch type. During the course, the student will learn how to touch type correctly assisted by a qualified tutor. We use our own specially designed typing software Typewiz.

This course is suitable for children who want to learn how to type correctly. We work with children with learning differences like Dyslexia or Dyspraxia or children with handwriting problems or who have gained an exemption to use a laptop for exams. To book your free trial place you can contact Searsol on 01-6303384 or book a free trial at our Whitehall centre Dublin 9 by clicking here

New Searsol Tutor Centre – are you interested in setting up one in your local area?

Searsol Tutor Centre

Searsol is looking for new people to come on board and join us in setting up the new Searsol Tutor Centre in Ireland.

Are you looking to earn some additional money to supplement your existing income? 

Searsol is the leading provider of after-school touch typing courses for children in Ireland with learning differences such as dyslexia or dyspraxia (DCD) and we may have an opportunity that might suit you. 

Due to the high demand for our typing courses for children, we are looking for a person that will help set up our Searsol Tutor center. 

Overall Purpose of Role:

  • Set up our Searsol Tutor Centre in your local area.  
  • Locate a suitable computer venue (Ideally it would be 20 computers with a printer). We will help you with the process in terms of identifying suitable venues.
  • Help promote courses in the local area. We will help with the initial promotion but we need someone to promote it locally as well.
  • To undertake all teaching duties.
  • To be expertly familiar with all aspects of the Searsol™ teaching model and fully contribute to its successful delivery of after-school classes
  • Educational Level: Course instructors should have a minimum QQI Level 5. Preference would be a JEB teaching diploma in information technology with some teaching experience. Formal training in teaching approaches and processes.
  • Personal characteristics and Attributes:
  • Ability to work with children.
  • Have a positive attitude
  • Be willing to adapt and learn.
  • Be prepared to accept direction.
  • Have a strong commitment to student motivation and teaching.
  • Be a good team player with good communication skills.
  • Be aware of the need to provide good customer service and student care.
  • Strong communication essential
  • Like teaching children.

 Searsol will provide full training and support, along with a tutor manual, bag, Searsol top, badges, and speedskins covers. All admin, calls, and emails will be dealt with by Searsol, all you have to do is run the course and recreate awareness of the course locally. 

To find out more about this opportunity, send us your CV via email to (info at searsol dot com) and let us know what time suits us to give you a call. 

This is a self-employed position and you have to look after your own tax affairs.

 

 

 

 

Benefits of touch typing for a child with dyslexia

Benefits of touch typing for a child with dyslexia

Touch typing is a technique that creates a structure where you have to place different fingers on specific areas on your keyboard. You are using all your 10 fingers, and each one is in charge of a section or a column on the keyboard and it all starts with the home row.

Keyboard with speedskin covers

What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty that mainly causes problems with reading, writing and spelling. It’s a specific learning difficulty, which means it causes problems with certain abilities used for learning, such as reading and writing and has nothing to do with intelligence. Dyslexia affects up to 10% of the population and may impact an individual’s ability to split words into their component sounds, or phonemes.

 

Significantly, individuals with dyslexia are perfectly capable of comprehending complicated ideas and should not be limited in their potential because of a misunderstanding of their abilities. Sometimes all a person needs is a little more time to process information, or a new approach to processing information, such as having to listen to an ebook rather than reading.

For many children and adults, developing good literacy skills involves overcoming the obstacles offered by specific learning impairments such as dyslexia. Dyslexia affects reading, writing, and spelling ability, but it can also lead to low self-esteem and a lack of confidence in the classroom.

 

Mnemonic devices help in the learning of challenging words’ spelling. Reading requires reduced cognitive work when high-frequency language is memorised. 

 

Also, dyslexics who have received touch typing education can reinforce phonics knowledge, employ muscle memory to remember word spellings, and facilitate the translation of concepts into written language.

This makes the process of writing less difficult and makes writing more seamless and effective.

-Typing vs writing contrast, MRI images Higashiyama et al, 2015, Japan, Cognitive NeuroScience PLOS

 

Why learning how to touch type is suitable for a child with dyslexia:

 

Ideas flow smoothly from the fingertips and onto the screen while touch typing. There isn’t any distraction generated by letter formation. Spelling errors may be easily made and corrected without the discomfort of erasure marks or hasty crossing out. Many children who have severe learning disabilities struggle with English spelling at first because of its extremely irregular nature and the number of sound mappings that may be applied to the same letter and letter combinations. 

 

Typing classes also expose students to numerous samples of written language, allowing them to become more comfortable with these words. It becomes simpler to spell and sight-read words after repeated exposure.

 

Children who learn to touch type via the type wiz programme have their phonics skills enhanced while simultaneously learning how to navigate a keyboard. This is due to the fact that letters and words are read aloud, presented on the screen, and typed by the pupil.

 

Producing work on a computer also frees the writer from attempting to process thoughts in a linear fashion. Dyslexic individuals in particular benefit from being able to capture thoughts and then structure them later on. It can even improve physical dexterity and actually help to handwrite.

 

    

 

Benefits of touch typing for someone who is dyslexic

  • Touch typing provides phonics training helpful to dyslexic children

Typing assists dyslexic children in breaking down words into smaller sounds. This can be really beneficial for reading and spelling. Touch typing allows a dyslexic child to develop sound-letter correlation. This teaches a child which letters create which sounds. Touch typing also eliminates the child’s need to make letters. This allows a child to concentrate more effectively on the sounds and the characters that correspond to them.

 

  • Improved productivity

Concentration improves and output increases. They will be able to ‘write’ faster, sometimes up to five times their normal writing speed. This will save them time and make learning so much easier and enjoyable

 

  • Less stressful in exams

It means that in class or in exams, children with dyslexia can get their thoughts down on paper more easily because they don’t have to worry about how to form a word on paper. They don’t have to hold a pen in the right way to make a mark and they don’t have to make the letters and words look neat or spaced out.

  • Touch typing employs multi-sensory learning and develops muscle memory.

Touch typing is multi-sensory as it links sight and hearing to touch. The tactile element of pressing the keys helps with remembering the sounds that make up tricky words. Touch typing also develops muscle memory which is very useful when learning letter patterns and spelling.

 

  • Typing at the speed of thought

Touch typing helps a child to think freely and type at the speed of thought as here is no distraction in having to look down at the keyboard to hunt and peck for the correct key. Making familiar patterns with the fingers starts to become automatic so that they begin to spell sight words and common words just by remembering the movement of their fingers on the keyboard.

  • Messy handwriting will be eliminated

Using a computer, individuals with dyslexia can type freely, without worrying about messy handwriting or errors. If they have learnt to touch-type properly, they will be typing accurately, barely having to hit the backspace key to correct their work. Another huge bonus, is when they are trying to stay focused on their thoughts.

.

  • Increased confidence

There are so many reasons why touch typing is the right choice for children with dyslexia. It helps them to transform their thoughts and ideas freely into words, giving them the confidence and ability to communicate effectively.

 

 

Why not get your child to try out our free trial assessment touch typing course where you’ll gain valuable insights into your child’s current typing accuracy and word per min speed. 

There is no obligation to continue on and you will receive a report which will outline what your child’s typing speed will be in their first six months of attending a Searsol typing centre.

Click here https://searsol.com/find-centers/?search

 

What makes a successful typist

Touch typing is a technique that creates a structure where you have to place different fingers on specific areas on your keyboard. You are using all your 10 fingers, and each one is in charge of a section or a column on the keyboard and it all starts with the home row.

Typing is something that is becoming more and more prominent nowadays and remains a foundational life skill so getting your child to learn this skill properly is extremely necessary and will be of benefit to them for the entirety of their life. It can not only help them with their school work but can also set them up with an advantage in later life when it comes to exploring job opportunities. Many jobs in the modern world of work now require quick typing skills, but with advances in technology that’s set to become even more important.

 

The things which make a successful typist are:

 

Repetition and routine, posture, home keys, covering keyboard with skin

 

The first key to learning to type is learning the correct hand position. Starting with your pinky on the A key, your left-hand fingers rest on the A, S, D, and F keys. The right-hand pinky goes on the; key, and fingers rest on the J, K, L, and; keys. These keys are the home row keys. Your thumbs should either be in the air or lightly touch the spacebar key. Once you have the hand positions down, you can practice touch typing – typing without looking at the keyboard. By doing so, your muscles will memorise the movements and even key patterns. 

 

For example, when you type frequently used combinations such as “the”, your motor system will pick up on this. With muscle memory, you can type at a much faster speed. In addition, when you type in looking at the screen, you are able to catch errors faster. This frees up cognitive attention and processing power for the content of the task, so writers can focus on the work they are producing vs. the mechanics of recording it in electronic format.

 

You probably know roughly where the keys are located on the keyboard, but the goal of improving your typing skills is to do it without looking at the keys. Set yourself up for success by putting your body in the proper position for comfort and avoiding injury.

 

 Follow these seven steps to improve your typing posture and positioning:

  1. Sit up straight in a chair with the keyboard or laptop at a comfortable height on the table or desk.
  2. Put your feet flat on the floor.
  3. Place the screen so it’s 15 to 25 inches from your eyes, and in a position where you are looking down slightly.
  4. Keep your elbows bent at a 90-degree angle and try to expose your shoulders, arms, wrists and elbows to as little strain as possible. You want to avoid developing any habits that would cause repetitive stress injury long-term.
  5. Place your left and right pointer fingers on the F and the J keys. Many keyboards have a little raised tab on those letters so you can orient your fingers without looking. Let the rest of your fingers on each hand fall on the remaining keys in the home row (D, S, and A for the left hand; K, L, and the “;” symbol for the right hand). Both thumbs rest on the space bar.
  6. With your fingers positioned on the home row, you’ll train your hands to reach all the other keys without having to look. This is called “touch typing.” Essentially, each finger is responsible for the keys just above and below the home row key it sits on. Try to imagine vertical dividers around each finger. The right pinky is responsible for the return, shift, and delete keys, and the left pinky is for the shift, caps lock, and tab keys. It may feel awkward at first since our pinky fingers aren’t always strong, but with practice, it will feel more natural.

 

It is recommended to use a cover to cover the keys to build up a repetitive routine and to boost your confidence when touch typing

Typing keyboard
How long does it take to learn how to touch type?

Key ingredients needed to be a successful touch typist – Motivation and concentration

 

People often quote Malcolm Gladwell’s ideas on how to make something a habit. In his book ‘Outliers’, he says “It takes 10,000 hours to master anything.” 10,000 hours translates into 416 days, or over a year of your life—if you practice 24 hours a day!

While that amount of time applied to typing practice might seem much too daunting, neuroscience research suggests that our brains don’t develop based on an inherent set of preprogrammed patterns. In other words, our brains are always ready for new skills. Practice leads to learning in the developing and the mature brain, and the resulting structural changes to the brain encode that learning. Once you learn the basics of finger placement and where they move on the keyboard, practicing with intention gives you lifetime mastery that will make every instance of typing easier.

 

The Typewiz bot helps your child to remain engaged by providing help and tips to learn how to touch type. Our bot analyses your child’s performance and encourages them to type better.

 

Typewiz offers a report showing how your child is progressing on the course. The report shows the following information:

  • Exercises Completed
  • Highest Score
  • 100% Scores
  • Excellent Scores
  • Average Accuracy
  • Coins Earned
  • Average WPM
  • Top WPM

Information can be shown weekly, last six months, last year, or all time. Our report has both accuracy and wpm graphs. So it can easily be viewed. Reports can be printed off. Course certificates are available to print as well. These reports often motivate children as they want to beat their wpm or exercises completed from the previous day.

 

Touch typing program – need to be fun and gamified like Typewiz!

Typewiz

It is vital when learning how to touch type it is an engaging and interactive experience. Typewiz allows children to earn an avatar as they complete each lesson in Typewiz. Thus motivating your child to learn how to touch type. Typewiz has fun and interactive typing games for your child to enjoy. Your child can compete with other children and see who is on top of the leaderboard. A virtual coin is used for each game. This is earned by your child’s performance on the Typewiz course which prompts them to achieve high scores or improve their wpm. Thus motivating them to complete exercises fast and accurately. These incentives stimulate children to complete more exercises and improve their wpm which improves their accuracy.

Why should you learn how to touch type?

Why should you learn how to touch type?

Touch typing is a technique that creates a structure where you have to place different fingers on specific areas on your keyboard. You are using all your 10 fingers, and each one is in charge of a section or a column on the keyboard and it all starts with the home row.

Touch typing
Touch typing

Typing is something that is becoming more and more prominent nowadays and remains a foundational life skill so getting your child to learn this skill is extremely necessary and will be of benefit to them for the entirety of their life. It can not only help them with their school work but can also set them up with an advantage in later life when it comes to exploring job opportunities. Many jobs in the modern world of work now require quick typing skills, but with advances in technology that’s set to become even more important.

 

Future job benefits from learning how to type

Being able to type quickly and precisely will give you a significant advantage when applying for jobs. Employers like to know that their employees can type properly because it will increase their productivity and enhance the accuracy of their work. 

 

Every day, a large percentage of us use a computer. It’s not just secretarial and administrative workers who need keyboarding skills in the workplace anymore. Typing is as fundamental to the majority of job seekers as the use of Word or being able to navigate the internet has become a necessity for education and work purposes. This is because mostly everyone sends emails, which would include artists, journalists, teachers, and sales representatives, or completes team projects. If the record-keeping and communication aspects of your job take you several hours, you may not be as competitive as the next candidate applying for the position.

 

With advances in technology, the rise of robotics, and an ever-changing job market, the ability to touch type is going to become even more important for future careers. Especially currently, given the prevalence of computers in the business world, a typing speed of 50 words per minute is often regarded as the basic minimum for employees to accomplish in order to be considered efficient.

Touch typing
Touch typing

 

Why is learning how to touch type beneficial for children?

 

Touch typing aids your child to type faster as well as accurately, without having to look at the keyboard every now and then. Touch typing becomes unconscious after a while, allowing your child to be more creative. Undoubtedly a  child can learn faster than an adult. As a result, the earlier they learn, the better. Attempting to learn from a young age will be extremely beneficial as you progress through school, college, and beyond.

 

Children who touch type can work a lot more quickly as they don’t need to look down at their fingers to look for the correct keys. They will spend less time in front of the computer screen in their free time, doing homework.

They can focus on getting their ideas down rather than spending too much time looking for the right keys to press. This makes drafting and editing easier as ideas can be deleted and changed without messy crossing out. It also assists to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injury as pressure is spread out over all their fingers and good posture is encouraged. A touch typist can type faster and produce work more quickly.

 

John Sutherland, professor of English literature at University College, said, ‘You want to put wings on the heels of your children? Teach them to touch-type. They’ll bless you for it.’ Learning to type from a young age can help with spelling because it uses muscle memory to learn word patterns rather than trying to remember spellings by sheer repetition. The majority of assignments, projects, and essays in a secondary school as a whole are expected to be typed. Students who begin to touch type can save a significant amount of time when preparing assignments. Furthermore, knowing how to touch-type doesn’t just affect the speed that children work at, but the quality of their work too. It allows thoughts to be captured quicker, so they’re less likely to forget a great idea as it’s an unconscious practice.


Learning to type can also benefit children with specific learning disabilities such as ADHD, dysgraphia, and dyslexia, who frequently struggle to write by hand. A learning disability, which is not a reflection of a child’s intelligence, will frequently hold a child back in the classroom if they feel nervous, embarrassed, as well as frustrated. Learning to type and then use the keyboard efficiently could be useful in situations like this.

 

For example, typing can help children with ADHD who might otherwise produce messy written work due to a lack of focused attention when writing by hand. Those children with dysgraphia can find it painful to hold a pencil which makes it a struggle to compose hand-written work. They will almost always produce better-written work when typing on a computer keyboard.

With dyslexia, typing can help children to break words up into component sounds. The tactile element required with pressing buttons on a keyboard can help them to manage trickier words and they will find it easier than writing by hand

Touch typing
Touch typing

Typing can help to handwrite as fingers are strengthened and have more dexterity. Typing is a life skill and may seem challenging to master but children learn at different paces.

WPM speed requirement for exams 

The great thing about typing is that not only can it help you speed up your work output, but it is also so much easier to do than writing. Writing requires the pen to be held with one hand and the other hand to guide the working copy or paper, but typing involves simply placing your finger on the keyboard and pressing letters as needed.

Trying to write properly also forces your attention onto the very act of writing, with the result that all you are thinking about is the very act of forming words. Typing instead frees you up from having to worry about shaping letters and moving your hand along a page, so that you can think creatively about the content of what you are writing.

Typing has countless other advantages – it is convenient, it makes it easy to share documents, you can print up your work and it also looks so much better than written work.

As previously stated, starting to learn to type absolutely depends on muscle memory (which is used in sports) rather than memory. Typing quickly is also advantageous for examinations where children may use a laptop. Since errors can be deleted when learning to type, there is less emphasis on neatness, pencil grip, and mistakes.

In terms of typing speeds for children, at the primary school level, a typing speed of 10 wpm is generally regarded as sufficient in order for students to be able to present their work without errors. As children grow older and move to higher grades, faster speeds are recommended in order to keep up with the pace and volume of their educational work. Therefore touch typing is vital. Generally, a typing speed of around 20-25wpm is recommended after Junior Cert, rising to 30 wpm and above at Leaving Cert level. The Department. of Education recommends that your child has a typing speed of 25 words per minute if they are going to use a laptop for typing out their exams.

Word per minute
WPM

Students who do not learn proper touch typing and become self-taught two-finger typists will also find they fall behind as time goes on because these so-called Hunt and Peck typists are expected to achieve a maximum speed of just 30wpm under this method. When you consider that a typing speed of 45wpm and higher is required as a basic skill in many jobs and that an average professional typist types at up to 80wpm, you can see just how useful proper touch typing proves in the real world.

Given that a speaking pace of between 150-160wpm is the rate at which a person can be comfortably heard and understood by an audience and that conversational English is spoken at around 110-150wpm, typing at 80 wpm or more should enable you to catch every second word of what your teacher or lecturer says in school or college. Think how useful this would prove for your study notes!

The reality is that once your touch-type training really kicks in, the whole system clicks into place until, suddenly, you find yourself typing faster and faster, so fast you can hardly keep up! Naturally, the more time you practice touch-typing, the quicker your typing speed becomes. Eventually, you will achieve a maximum typing speed to suit you and your work so that whenever you have to type anything, you will be able to do so at a high speed.

Conclusion

Improving your typing skills is certain to make a person more confident working with computers and more likely to take full advantage of what the device can offer. Are you in search of a course or a productive app to achieve your goal of typing fast like a pro without looking, consider using https://searsol.com/

Best uses of Laptops for Exams

Best uses of Laptops for Exams

Using a laptop for studying and exams can have a lot of different advantages, such as faster writing; leading to more detailed and efficient note-taking, easier organisation, and easier editing. Laptops in class can also foster better collaboration with other students inside and outside the classroom. It encourages sharing information and better collaboration on group projects. A computer can also help with keeping students engaged, as it can be vital in maintaining a child’s interest in classroom topics.

Laptop for exams

 

 

Advantages to revision on a laptop are; better access and organisation of notes, easier editing, access to online study guides, and instant communication with other students if having difficulties. Students can use Google Docs or Microsoft Word docs to type up their notes and later use the search key to find specific dates and words in order to make revision easier. Both Microsoft Word and Google Docs allow students to create as many documents as they want without the fear of losing any information. All of these things can also be helpful with the student’s confidence, as it encourages them to write their own notes and to do independent research on the topics.

They can be a great help to anyone who misses school i.e. sickness.  Laptops give students access to online resources such as Zoom, Microsoft teams, and other video messaging sites, that allow them to join a class from the comfort of home, or wherever they might need to be. Zoom is incredibly handy nowadays with isolation and illness and can help keep students on track with their education. It also allows for easier access to one-on-one tutoring or even group tutoring as you can join a zoom from anywhere.

Laptop for exams

 

 

Laptops also give you access to other sites, such as YouTube, where you can look up informational videos, lessons, and study guides. YouTube is great and has some very educational videos, such as the crash course videos. As it can be a worry that students will be distracted by other videos while in school, YouTube has the option to download videos so that the videos saved can be monitored and watched offline for educational purposes. This is also helpful as videos containing very important information can be saved in case the original content poster decides to delete the video from the app. YouTube can also be a great way to access documentaries for free.

Music is another good study aid, which can be accessed for free on YouTube. Studies have shown that music actives both sides of the brain at the same time and this activation can help to maximise learning and improves memory. This can differ from student to student as sensory issues can come into play, but music can be a good way to focus, block out surrounding distractions and make tasks more fun and engaging to do. Music also stimulates and engages your brain which can modify the moods of those studying and leave them in a better position to concentrate. Music also provides a rhythm to work too that keeps you alert and on track. It can also be a good way to time how long something is taken or how long until a break.

Using technology for studying can also be a big help to those who are dyslexic. Technology can make this easier on them. Notes can be more easily written, and they can be re-read using the text to speech option. Another use for the text to speech option is for better pronunciation during the Oral exams, so you can use this function to help your phrasing and sentence structure. Audio recordings on apps such as voice memo and audacity can also help with learning and studying for the Orals, as students can record their own voices saying their pre-prepared answers and re-listen to it over and over again as practice as this is useful for retaining a language. Some students also find it helpful to record information and listen to it while they are sleeping as they believe it helps them retain the information better. Laptops can be a great way to store notes. After notes have been written you can use different sites it saves them such as Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, etc. You can also add an external drive to save the documents onto it well so you can safely back your data up.

Some helpful sites:

  • Google Drive
  • Khan Academy
  • Study Clicks
  • Spark Notes
  • Quizlet / Flashcard caps
  • Grammarly
  • Zoom
  • Audacity
  • YouTube
  • Duolingo
  • Forest / Todoist/ Tomato Timer, etc.

Some of these apps transcend to the mobile.

 

Minimum Laptop Requirements:

It is recommended that when getting a laptop to use for these purposes you should follow the minimum laptop requirement of having a 500 GB Solid-state hard drive and 8 GB of Ram, as a normal spin drive laptop might be too slow to process what you need. To be efficient with notetaking, your laptop needs to be up to sufficient standards. It is also recommended for your laptop but nothing less than Windows 10, though the preferred update would be windows 11.

How to best protect your laptop:

You can protect your laptop in lots of different ways but getting antivirus software is a great start. You can access some of these for free online. Backing up your computer onto a flash drive and keeping it regularly updated is another way to keep your laptop safe. Never click a link on an email from a sender you don’t know. You can also download pop-up blockers and add-blockers to allow you to set your own security measures. Google itself is also very good at filtering out bad websites; if you search the site and it does not come up then the site is potentially unsafe.

Why Touch typing?

Touch typing is a huge benefit to a student who is dyslexic. Touch typing can greatly improve predictability. It is a way to type faster and more accurately, without having to constantly look at the keyboard. Here at Searsol we have lots of camps and course centers for your child to learn this skill, as it is encouraged to learn during childhood as it can have an effect of the Lord of the Rings. A recommendation from Searsol is to try to get up to 25 words per minute (really good typing speed for exams for students with laptop extensions). Searsol offers typing courses to help you with this. A free trial assessment at any of our course centers can be booked at https://searsol.com/

Laptop for exams

 

New Searsol touch typing centre starting in April 2022 in Cabinteely, Dublin 18

Typing classes Cabinteely
Speedskin covers to stop your child from looking down at the keyboard!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Searsol typing classes starting in Cabinteely, Dublin 18.

 

Searsol is starting a new after-school touch-typing class in Cabinteely Community School in Cabinteely starting on Tuesday the 26th of April 2022 at 4 or 5 pm.

 

Our typing classes will be starting on the 26th of April 2022 in Cabinteely Community School and will take place each Tuesday at 4 or 5 pm. Searsol is currently offering a free introductory first session trial of Searsol’s after-school typing courses for any child who is eight years old or older that may be interested in trying out our touch typing course.

Our typing course is specifically designed to develop typing skills for children. Searsol has provided after-school typing courses for children since 2008. We have a high success rate of students that have successfully learned how to touch type. During the course, the student will learn how to touch type correctly assisted by a qualified tutor. We use our own specially designed typing software which is only available through our centre.

This course is suitable for children who want to learn how to type correctly. We work with children with learning differences like Dyslexia or Dyspraxia or children with handwriting problems or who have gained an exemption to use a laptop for exams. To book your free trial place you can contact Searsol on 01-6303384 or book a free trial at our Cabinteely centre by clicking here