What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently praise Touch-Type Read and Spell (TTRS) for its unique "stealth" approach to literacy. According to Sarah Badat Richardson, the program is particularly effective for older, struggling readers because it "sneaks in" phonics practice without the "babyish" feel of traditional remedial materials. This makes it a high-value tool for students who have grown resistant to standard reading interventions. A recurring theme in feedback, particularly from The Unlikely Homeschool, is the program’s efficacy for neurodivergent learners (ADHD and ASD). Unlike typical typing software that uses flashy games and high-stress timers, TTRS features a minimalist, distraction-free interface. While some students might find the lack of gamification "boring" compared to competitors, reviewers argue this simplicity is exactly what allows students to build muscle memory and focus on spelling patterns. The primary trade-off is this lack of entertainment value; however, for families dealing with sensory overstimulation or focus issues, the clinical, systematic Orton-Gillingham approach is cited as a major strength.

How It Works

A typical week involves the student logging into the web-based portal or iPad app for 15–20 minutes, 3 to 5 times per week. The child follows a systematic sequence where they hear a word (audio), see it on the screen (visual), and then type the corresponding keys (kinesthetic). There are no games or distractions; the student simply works through modular levels that progress from individual letter sounds to complex multi-syllabic words. The parent does not need to teach any lessons and simply checks the automated progress reports once a week to ensure the student is maintaining high accuracy before moving to the next module.

Switching to This?

TTRS is modular and does not require a formal placement test; most families start at Level 1 to ensure there are no gaps in phonics or finger positioning. Because it is highly flexible and supplemental, families can start at any time of the year. When switching from game-based programs like Typing.com, parents should prepare students for a more "academic" and quiet experience, emphasizing accuracy over speed.

Curriculum Details

Price

$99 - $179

Orton-Gillingham-based typing + literacy (dyslexia-friendly). Individual ~$99/yr, family ~$179/yr; monthly ~$15–$19; 2-year options $149/$269.

Grades

1 - 12

Available As

Digital

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Reading/Language Arts

---

Pacing

Self-paced

Parent Time

30-60 min/day

Student Independence

Fully independent

---

Academic Level

Grade level

Worldview

Neutral

Teach Multiple Ages

Yes

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Parent Role:

The parent acts as a facilitator and progress monitor. Because the program is automated and provides immediate feedback, the parent only needs to set up the account and occasionally review the student's accuracy and completion reports.

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: July 2026 by Claude (v2 research)

How This Compares

Typing.com: A free, game-heavy program that focuses strictly on keyboarding speed, whereas TTRS focuses on spelling and phonics. - Nessy Fingers: Also designed for dyslexic students, but utilizes more colorful animations and games compared to the minimalist TTRS interface. - Typing Instructor for Kids: Features a high-energy "island adventure" theme that may be more engaging for some, but often proves too distracting for students with ADHD compared to TTRS. - Explode the Code Online: Focuses heavily on phonics and decoding, but lacks the specific touch-typing and muscle-memory component found in TTRS.

Getting Started