The Computer Club was set up in 1995 to
enable dyslexic students to learn to touch type. More recently we have
also accepted dyspraxic students. For some time, we had been concerned that
students had been given laptops at school, but very little support on how to
use them.
We hire computer facilities in the
We use EnglishType Junior. The lessons
provide structured learning for children at Key Stages 1, 2 or 3, using words
and sound groups appropriate to their ability. EnglishType Junior uses a
mixture of lessons and games to harness the brains ability to memorise movement
without looking at the keyboard. Instructions are given in writing, but
also spoken.
After each lesson the student will be given
practice sheets. We ask that the student practise for 10 to 20 minutes
each day. Students who practise will finish the course more quickly than those
that don't practise.
While on the course the student will get
support from members of the LABDA committee and a dyslexia trained teacher who
has kindly volunteered her services.
Here are the reasons we have chosen this
program
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Based upon vocabulary in National Literacy
Strategy |
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Key Stages from National Curriculum |
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Developed by an experienced Educational
Psychologist |
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Strong colour coding to aid fast learning |
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Fun games to encourage painless practice |
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Different, effective way to learn to spell |
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Uses the powerful "memory for
movement" within the brain |
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Develops automatic skill rapidly when used
intensively |
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Configurable screen layouts |
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Structured and appealing for Dyslexic
children |
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Touch typing is especially
valuable to people who find handwriting slow, untidy or tedious. Whereas most
children cannot manage to write at more than 10 or 15 words a minute, even quite
young children can learn to type at 20 or 30 words a minute.
It is also a powerful way to improve
spelling, by learning to recall the pattern of the finger movement rather than
having to visualise and remember the correct sequence of the letters.
We have noticed that being with other
students who have the same sort of problems helps our students to have better
self esteem and more confidence.
Parents have told us that meeting other
parents who understand about dyslexia has helped them.
Why your child should learn to touch
type at our computer club
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Errors can be corrected without the
teacher ever knowing that they happened! |
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Gives your child a flying start with
school when they can touch type properly - like a grown up! |
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It will enable them to use a computer
rapidly and effectively. |
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Any child who can touch type has an
enormous advantage over other children who can only use a keyboard with one or two fingers. |
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Homework will be more enjoyable. |
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Touch typing is much faster than writing
with a pen and paper - that will give them more time for doing other things. |
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As long as the work is saved properly it
never has to be re-written. |
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The presentation is always good |
Unfortunately we have to make
a small charge of £4 per student for the one hour session to help cover the
cost of hiring the computer facilities at the school. We ask that you pay
for 5 or 6 sessions at a time to save us time collecting monies each week and
to show commitment.
LABDA subsidises this activity, so we ask
that the family become members of the Association.
I would like to remind you that as for all
the other services we offer in LABDA, the people who help are volunteers and
give their time free.
If you are interested in this course and
would like to give it a try please phone Jane on the helpline 01274 771153.
We do not have an age limit so if adults
would like to learn a new skill we will be happy to see you.
Produced by Jane Todd
28 February 2007