TOS Review: KeyBoard Town Pals

KeyBoard Town Pals Learn to Type program teaches your children to type in one hour.  Learning proper typing technique helps children do better at their schoolwork.  This program teaches proper typing keeping eyes on the screen which will:

Improve creative writing skills
Build self esteem and self confidence
Enable students to produce quality work more easily
Provide a way to express thoughts and feelings
Benefit all types of learners

 

KeyBoard Town Pals is geared for ages 7-10 though it can be used with children a little younger or older., and uses puppets, music, humor, and association to teach the location of 30 letters and symbols in a fun and relaxing manner.  There are no timed tests, no drills, no grades, and no delete button.  The lessons can be completed in one hour, two half hour segments, or eight 6-7 minute segments.  Programs are available in English, French, and Spanish and can be purchased as a CD Rom or as a web based program (needs broad ban internet) and runs on both MAC and PC for $39.95.  They also have combo packs available with their Little Hands can type keyboarding readiness program.  To see all available products and pricing click here.


I think the idea behind KeyBoard Town Pals is a good one.  The puppets are very cute and fun for the younger children (my 6 and 4 year olds liked them.)  The "sun" who is the instructor has a very pleasant speaking voice.  The idea of teaching typing in a fun and stress free way by not requiring speed drills and disabling the back space key is a good one.  However, this program is simply an instructional video.  It is not interactive in any way.  Your child can choose not to type anything or type whatever he wants.  It took my 7 year old about 10 seconds to figure that out and just type continuously while the instruction was going on. He never actually followed along with the direction unless I sat right beside him to make sure he did.  While the younger children thought that the puppets were cute, the two boys I had planned on using the program with (7 and 9) were not at all impressed by them. 

To see what other crew mates had to say click here.

I received complimentary web access to KeyBoard Town Pals for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review.  I received no other compensation.