Talking Fingers: Read, Write & Type ~ a TOS review

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I think clear, legible handwriting is an important skill to learn as a child. I also think since we are in such a digital age that it is important that children know how to type on a keyboard. That’s why I was so pleased to have had the opportunity to review Read, Write &Type by Talking Fingers, Inc. this past month and a half with McKenzie.

Read, Write & Type Learning Systems is an exciting interactive web-based computer program that builds early reading and phonics skills while children learn to write and type. There is an option to purchase a physical CD if you don’t prefer downloads. This program teaches English literacy, the reading and writing, and is geared towards children aged 6-9, roughly K-3, and also is helpful for kids and/or adults who are learning English as a second language or those with special needs.



Talking Fingers was founded in 1982 by neuropsychologist Dr. Jeannine Herron with a goal of empowering children by providing writing, reading, and thinking skills they can carry over into their personal daily lives. Dr. Herron deducted that since we use our mouths to talk and to make the sounds needed for words, then the text we write is “speech made visible”. Children learn to link the speech sounds with the associated letters to write and decode words. Essentially our fingers begin doing the “talking”.

We received a one-year subscription to this program for review, and my daughter, McKenzie, who is in Kindergarten but works on a 1st grade level in many subjects, has enjoyed helping to defeat Vexor, who tries to steal the letters with the aide of colorful talking hands, Lefty La Dee and Rightway McKay. Lefty and Rightway help guide the student through 40 different levels of play. The program also includes games and activities that help build speed and accuracy, a place to type a story, and games to practice beginning sounds. All these activities build phonemic awareness, blending skills, and the ability to sound out and type words and sentences.

With the help of this program your child will learn to: hear and identify beginning, middle, and ending sounds in words Blend sounds together Practice speed and accuracy in reading and typing Write and receive virtual emails Type out a story develop fluency.

This program has two different options for purchase. For $35. you can purchase a five-year home license to the online version. This is only good for one child, but once that child has passed through all the levels their progress can be archived so that another child may play as long as it is within the five-year time frame for the license. For $79. you can opt for the CD-ROM version and receive additional bonus material including an activity book with stickers, a laminated keyboard, and 18 leveled readers. With the CD-ROM version you are able to use it with multiple children for as long as you wish.

Below are the system requirements for CD editions, it should be noted that at this time, the CD option is not available for the newer operating systems.

Windows Hardware Requirements:
Runs on: IBM(r) PC and compatibles, 486 or better, with:

·         Windows 95/98/ME or Windows NT/2000/XP

·         Windows compatible printer driver (printer is optional)

·         16 MB available RAM memory

·         Double-speed or higher CD-ROM drive

·         Windows-compatible Mouse

·         Hard disk with 2 MB free disk space

·         13″ (640×480) or larger monitor

·         256 or more color video adaptor

·         Windows-compatible sound card

Macintosh Hardware Requirements (both CDs):

·         Classic Mac Systems 7, 9.2 or Mac OSX through 10.5 ONLY

·         Macintosh computer 68040/33 MHz or better

·         Hard disk with 2 MB free disk space

·         8 MB available memory (RAM)

·         Double-speed or higher CD-ROM drive

·         13″ (640×480) or larger monitor

·         256 or more color video

·         Mouse

·         (Optional: Macintosh-compatible printer)

·         Notice to MAC 10.4.7 and 10.4.8 Users

So, what do we think? Let me just say, McKenzie has had a blast playing this game and defeating the evil green blob, Vexor! I loved it too because she was learning a new skill, typing, at the same time. Who would have thought a program could teach reading, writing, and typing at the same time? Well, I am here to tell you that Read, Write & Type by Talking Fingers, Inc. does!

McKenzie has enjoyed this program and frequently requests to play it outside of school hours. If you are looking for an excellent all around program this may be a good fit for your family too. Be sure to check out the free demo of the program. It includes the first eight lessons so you can get a feel for it. 

Check out what my CrewMates had to say about this program by clicking the banner below.

 Company ~ Talking Fingers Inc. 

Product ~ Read, Write & Type 

Price ~ download is $35. For one year for one student, $79. For a CD copy that works for multiple children {newer operating systems are not yet compatible} 

Ages ~ 6-9 year olds, K-3rd grades



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