3 Crazy Monkey's: TOS Review: Keyboard Town Pals

Thursday, November 10, 2011

TOS Review: Keyboard Town Pals

I remember when I was in school (a long time ago) and we used Mavis Beacon. Boy has times changed! I’ve been on the lookout this year for a program for my son to use… as he is approaching 5th grade, and I thought it was time for him to be learning to type.

So I was very grateful when we got the opportunity to try out Keyboard Town Pals. I wasn’t really sure what to expect really.. had read a bit online about it, but still wasn’t sure it was going to be a good fit for my son.

Boy, was I wrong. Not only did Monkey Man love it, he didn’t get as discouraged as I thought he would. (he is easily discouraged, when he can’t do something right) I knew he was going to have a hard time with typing as it was brand new to him, and he had never done it before. (plus as a mom, you just know these things right?)

So what makes Keyboard Town Pals different? Well, glad you asked! Smile First off, it is done at the kids pace, which as we all know as homeschooling moms, that is huge. If you try to rush them, not only will they get it wrong, but they just don’t want to do it. Secondly, the puppets make it a bit more entertaining. I know, I was stuck looking at the screen, thinking hmm..interesting. But those puppets just make it that much more fun! Last, but not least, they are not afraid to make mistakes. Therefore, making them really try to do it without looking. They are not docked for their mistakes, nor is it timed, so they feel like they have to rush. That makes a HUGE difference!

Here are some of the features from the site:

We de-activated the delete and backspace function in the program since we do not dwell on mistakes.
The program may be used in two- ½ hour lessons or smaller time-segments such as eight mini 6-7 minute lessons and is especially helpful to children with learning differences.
Colors can sometimes have a soothing effect for students with certain disabilities. Therefore, Keyboard Town PALS offers a choice of fonts and background screen colors.
Keyboard Town PALS is the "missing link" between the child's intellectual capabilities and the technological world around him or her. Understanding the keyboard liberates creative expression, offering every child a greater possibility of success in school and life.

Check out this video, it shows you a bit more about it.

While my son was the only one that really was trying this program out. My girls wanted to get in on the action too. My youngest is the one that really surprised me, she really enjoyed using this program. She put her fingers up there, and tried really hard to keep them where she was suppose too. Then she would type what they told her, and because she couldn’t get it “wrong” she kept on going, and was very happy with her progress. She got so excited that she could use a program for her brother.