Touch-Type Read and Spell (TTRS) is an award-winning, multi-sensory learning platform designed to assist users in improving their touch-typing, reading, and spelling skills simultaneously. This educational tool was crafted with a special emphasis on supporting those with dyslexia, aligning its techniques closely with the Orton-Gillingham approach, which is highly recognized for its effectiveness in teaching learners with specific language difficulties. TTRS has been acclaimed for its innovative approach, earning endorsements from notable organizations such as the British Dyslexia Association and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, highlighting its effectiveness in promoting literacy and typing skills​ (Touch-type Read and Spell (TTRS))​​ (ReadandSpell)​​ (TTRS Online)​.

Differentiation: What Makes It Special

What sets TTRS apart from other ELA programs is its comprehensive, multi-sensory design that integrates visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning strategies to enhance memory and learning. The program is structured around short, manageable modules that reinforce learning through repetition and immediate feedback, making it particularly beneficial for users with learning difficulties like dyslexia. Its flexible, web-based format allows users to access the program from any device, promoting ease of use and adaptability to various learning environments and needs​ (Touch-type Read and Spell (TTRS))​​ (ReadandSpell)​.

How to Get Started

To begin using TTRS, families can easily subscribe through the TTRS website, with options for monthly or annual plans. The setup process is user-friendly, allowing learners to quickly start with the basics of touch-typing and progressively move through levels that incorporate more complex spelling and grammar tasks​ (ReadandSpell)​.

How It Works

TTRS is designed for daily use, with each module taking only a few minutes to complete. Ideal usage is recommended at two to three modules per session, depending on the learner's pace. This structure makes it easy for homeschoolers to incorporate TTRS into their routine either as a standalone educational activity or as part of a broader curriculum. The program is largely self-guided, allowing learners to work independently, though parental oversight can enhance the learning process, especially in adjusting settings and tracking progress​ (Touch-type Read and Spell (TTRS))​​ (ReadandSpell)​.

What Educational Concepts It Teaches

  • Touch-typing skills

  • Spelling of complex words

  • Phonics awareness

  • Reading fluency

  • Grammar and punctuation basics

  • Vocabulary enhancement

Special Needs

Touch-Type Read and Spell (TTRS) is specifically designed to support a wide range of special needs, making it a versatile and effective tool for diverse learners. Here’s how TTRS can help:

  • Dyslexia: TTRS is highly effective for learners with dyslexia, leveraging a multi-sensory approach to enhance learning and retention.

  • Dysgraphia: For learners with dysgraphia, TTRS offers an alternative to handwriting that reduces physical strain and frustration.

  • ADHD: TTRS helps learners with ADHD by maintaining their focus and engagement through structured and short modules.

  • Autism: TTRS caters to the unique needs of autistic learners by providing a structured, sensory-friendly learning environment.

  • Dyspraxia: TTRS supports learners with dyspraxia by improving their fine motor skills and providing clear, step-by-step instructions.

  • ESL (English as a Second Language): TTRS is also beneficial for ESL learners, aiding in the development of English reading and spelling skills.

Parents and educators have consistently praised TTRS for its ability to cater to special needs learners, noting improvements in literacy skills, confidence, and overall learning engagement​ (Touch-type Read and Spell (TTRS))​​ (ReadandSpell)​​ (Touch-type Read and Spell (TTRS))​.

What’s Good About It

Users generally laud TTRS for its engaging, effective approach to learning that significantly aids those with specific learning challenges. Its design encourages continual progress and motivation through visual and auditory reinforcement and real-time feedback, which helps to build confidence and literacy skills simultaneously​ (Touch-type Read and Spell (TTRS))​​ (TTRS Online)​.

What Could Be Improved

While TTRS offers substantial benefits, some users note that more personalization options could enhance its usability. This could include more varied content that caters to different interests and learning levels to keep engagement high across all ages​ (Touch-type Read and Spell (TTRS))​​ (TTRS Online)​.

Advice from Parents

Parents recommend establishing a consistent daily routine to get the most out of TTRS, emphasizing regular practice to build and reinforce typing and spelling skills. They also suggest integrating the typing exercises with current school projects to make the learning process more relevant and engaging for the learner​ (Touch-type Read and Spell (TTRS))​​ (TTRS Online)​.

Who It’s an Ideal Fit For

TTRS is particularly well-suited for learners who struggle with traditional learning methods, including those with dyslexia, ADHD, or other learning difficulties. Its structured, repetitive approach can significantly improve reading and spelling abilities in a supportive, low-pressure format​ (Touch-type Read and Spell (TTRS))​​ (ReadandSpell)​.

Who It’s Probably Not a Fit For

Learners who require more interactive or visually rich educational software might find TTRS less engaging. It is also less suitable for those who prefer less structured or more exploratory learning environments​ (Touch-type Read and Spell (TTRS))​.

Grades

TTRS is designed to be accessible and beneficial for a broad range of ages, typically from elementary through adult learners​ (ReadandSpell)​.

Cost

The program is available via subscription, with costs ranging from approximately £99 per year for an annual subscription to £9.99 per month for monthly access​ (ReadandSpell)​.

Ways to Get It

TTRS can be accessed directly through their website, providing easy sign-up options for both new users and returning students. This accessibility ensures that users can begin or continue their learning journey from any location and on any compatible device​ (ReadandSpell)​​ (Waterford City & Coun

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Explore More ELA Programs and Curriculum We Recommend

Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)

For the last 20 years, I’ve taught over 2000 children in 3 countries (of all socio-economic backgrounds). I pioneered an English language program in a conflict region in the Middle East. I’ve worked as a bilingual public school teacher at some of the highest and lowest performing public schools and in all five boroughs of NYC. I’ve tutored 18 subjects in three languages to some of the wealthiest families in NYC, San Francisco and Paris to make up for shortcomings in private schools they were paying up to $60,000 a year to attend.

Since 2015, I’ve helped hundreds of parents start microschools (way before this was a household buzzword). I founded CottageClass, the first marketplace for microschools and learning pods that was part of the Techstars 2018 class. In 2019, I created a virtual learning program to help families through the pandemic, a free online math tutoring program (masteryhour.org), and schoolclosures.org, a hotline developed in collaboration with Twilio and 80 other partners including Khan Academy, Revolution Foods and the Crisis Text Line, that served 100,000 families impacted by school closures.

I’ve climbed trees with children in forest schools in San Francisco, and tested new digital apps with kids in seven countries.

I’ve also coached dozens of families at different stages in their homeschooling journey. Most recently, I founded Modulo with homeschooling dad, best-selling author and tech entrepreneur Eric Ries, to help families curate their children’s education, social and childcare experiences drawing from a diverse array of in-person and online resources.


During the last three years, I’ve devoted much of my time to reviewing and testing secular homeschooling curriculum and other resource. I’ve spent the last three years talking to thousands of secular homeschooling families, and poring over tens of thousands of secular curriculum reviews and testing physical curriculum and digital apps for with hundreds of students to find the highest quality, most engaging, personalized learning materials for every type of learner.

I’ve spoken about homeschooling and modular learning at multiple venues including SXSW EDU, NY Tech Meetup, and on the LiberatedEd podcast.

In 2022, Modulo was one of 8 organizations who were awarded the Bridge Grant from the Vela Education Fund to expand access to homeschooling and modular learning to under-resourced communities.

My experience in education and homeschooling has led me to believe that there is no perfect education for every child, but families have an extraordinary amount of wisdom they can apply to building the perfect education for their individual child.

My goal with Modulo is to make it possible for any family to easily build a customized education that their child will love, and that will empower the whole family to thrive, taking into account, social, emotional and academic needs.

I love to answer questions from parents and receive feedback on how we can improve Modulo, so feel free to reach out anytime! I personally answer all the questions and comments readers leave on my blogs.

In my free time, I like hiking, traveling the world, tasting ceremonial grade matcha, enjoying dark chocolate.

I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brandeis University with highest honors, with a double degree in French Literature and American Studies and minors in Environmental Studies and Peace & Conflict Studies.

And I love to learn!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/manisha-snoyer-5042298/
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