Touch-type Read and Spell (TTRS) offers a comprehensive program for typing, reading, and spelling, suitable for individuals and families, including those with dyslexia. The program, designed to be used at home or in classrooms, employs a multi-sensory approach to reinforce literacy skills through a structured series of lessons.
TTRS divides its course into 24 levels, each containing 31 modules. Each module takes only a few minutes to complete, providing immediate feedback based on completion and accuracy. This encourages student success through positive reinforcement, as learners earn points towards trophies and certificates.
The program begins with touch-typing, reading, and spelling vowels, using audio tracks to reinforce sound-letter correspondence. Students see letters on screen, hear them through headphones, and type them, building muscle memory and spelling skills. This multi-sensory approach supports those with dyslexia who may struggle with short-term memory.
In the second level, words are grouped by onset, vowel blend, and final consonant. This teaches phonics in context, helping students become comfortable with typing. Every fifth module focuses on dictation, encouraging students to type what they hear, which improves spelling and sound-letter mapping skills.
TTRS is praised for its flexibility, and for accommodating different learning environments and needs. Teachers can use it in classrooms, assign it as homework, or offer it for extra credit. Parents can also use the program at home to support their children’s learning. The course encourages self-directed learning, reducing the need for constant guidance and allowing teachers to focus on students who need more attention.
Teachers benefit from free unlimited accounts, enabling them to monitor classes and individual progress without needing to be proficient in touch-typing themselves. The intuitive interface makes it easy for both teachers and students to set up and begin using the platform quickly.
The program’s reporting features provide valuable insights, helping teachers identify which words and spelling patterns students struggle with. This data allows for tailored lessons that address specific challenges. TTRS caters to various ability levels, making it suitable for inclusive classrooms with students who have different learning needs, such as autism, visual or hearing impairments, and attention difficulties.
In addition to literacy skills, TTRS offers modules in English, mathematics, and science. Teachers can create custom lessons and add spelling lists, further personalizing the learning experience. New features like the subject creator and free writing encourage creativity, while weekly goals and performance streaks motivate regular use.
The TTRS method involves seeing, typing, and hearing the text, with students pronouncing words alongside the audio. This diverse sensory input helps the material stick. The program uses modular lessons, repetition, and dictation exercises to reinforce learning. It is suitable for learners with a range of difficulties, including dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADD/ADHD, and visual or auditory processing disorders.
TTRS is a distraction-free environment, devoid of animations or games, making it suitable for older children, adolescents, and adults. The program develops procedural knowledge of English spelling and builds phonological awareness, supporting reading skills through a structured phonics program. It also supports vocabulary and core content learning in subjects like maths, science, English, and Spanish. The course aims to build confidence and self-esteem by providing a gentle and manageable approach to learning. It has received recognition, including the Special Education Resource of the Year award in 2017 and being a finalist in the Bett Awards in 2018 and 2020.
TTRS is accessible, easy to use, and self-paced, making it an effective tool for improving literacy skills in a variety of learners. For more information, visit the TTRS website.
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