New Review!!! Keyboarding for the Christian School

STOP!!!  Before you read this post, would you please take the poll in my sidebar?  (Scroll down.)  Also, I'd love it if you'd follow me on Twitter or become a Facebook Fan!  Thanks!

"Filling Your Student's Mind with God's Word Using Typing Skills"

About the product/service:  As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew I received a free download of Keyboarding for the Christian School so that I could use it in my home and let you know what I think!  :)

This is a basic typing program developed for Christian schools, but it can easily be used in your homeschool.  The program is designed for grades 6 and up, and also includes instruction for things like: MLA reports, APA reports, cover pages, personal and business letters, envelopes, and more.  Instructions on how to set up your page in Word are also included.


There is also a version of this book for younger kids, called Keyboarding for Christian Schools: Elementary Version.  Miss Mable, that cute little lady bug, helps kids from K-5 learn the basics of keyboarding.  (The information on MLA reports, letters, etc. is not included in the elementary version. 

Both versions use the same touch typing/drill method that most of us learned way back in the day.  At least that's the way I learned.
 
These books comes in e-book format.  View sample pages here.

What are the pros of this product?   Obviously, for the Christian, the fact that there are Biblical references is a plus.  Since the word of God never comes back void, this is a great way to fill your child's mind with the things of God.
 
Also, your child will learn to type off a paper on the desk, instead of off the screen.  (This might also be a great time to pull out your StudyPod.)  I know that I can type very quickly when I am typing "out of my head," but when I am trying to type off a paper, I slow down considerably because I'm just not used to it.  I think it is an advantage to learn this way so that you child will be used to looking away from the keyboard as he or she types. 

The e-book format is also good because you can simply print out the page you are using.  No need to print out the whole book.  It also makes it more economical.  Normally, I'm not thrilled with the whole e-book thing, but this is one exception. 

What's not to like?  The program is not nearly as fun as the software programs made for kids.  There are advantages to learning both ways, but I don't see why you couldn't start out with this program, and then let your child use a more "fun" program to practice with once he or she has mastered the basics.  You might even consider buying a software program as a "reward" for finishing this program.  Why not?  :)

The Crazy Mom take:  I actually got a copy of both programs, but I had trouble opening the elementary version. (I don't think it was a problem with the program, I think it was my computer.)  Anyway, I decided to just go ahead and review the program for grades 6 and up.  Since Princess is usually a good sport about being my guinea pig, I decided she could do a few of the lessons to see what she though about it.
 
Most of my kids, Princess included, have used the software programs to learn to type.  However, I have to confess, I have not been consistent in making them use the programs, and, other than my three oldest, none of my children are great typists.  Still, Princess, having used the software in the past, was not really thrilled to use this program.  I have to say, I was a bit disappointed by this.  As I said above, I think it is important to learn to type off of a paper.  Also, sometimes I think it's just good for kids to know that not everything is fun and games.  Plus, the games do not have them typing out scripture.

Since I was only having Princess use the program for review purposes, I had her do several lessons, but am not requiring her to continue at this time.  I will be keeping the program, however, to use with the younger kids.  Also, I think I will have Princess skip ahead to the parts of the book that show how to do things like business letters, and cover pages.  Those fun typing programs might teach kids to type, but they don't teach them how to use Word (or use the Word!)

So, all in all, I like the program.  I think it has great value.  For those of you who haven't had your kids using a software program, I would highly recommend using this program first.  I can't say I regret using the other programs with my older kids, as they did learn to type, but there is just a little part of me that has realized that sometimes you just need to let your kids learn that sometimes things are more "work" than "fun."  While I think school needs to be fun a lot of the time, our kids have to learn that life isn't always just fun and games.  Sometimes it's good for them to get a little taste of "old school."  This would be a great way for them to get used to a little of that old-fashioned hard work and discipline.  We could all use a little more of that!  (Or in my case a LOT!)
Anyway, I like it.  You'll just have to check it out for yourself! :)


What's the bottom line? $15.95 for the upper level/  $12.95 for the elementary version

I am adding this info directly from the website:

Need a Coupon to start the year right?  Type NewYear5 in the Discount Code section for $5 off of your purchase of $12.95 or more available until February 28, 2010!



2010 NEW YEAR SPECIAL:  Purchase both the Keyboarding for the Christian School, Revised Edition and the Elementary Edition for only $22!  Yes, this is a big savings!  So, purchase your e-books now for only $22 for both typing books!

I am going to give Keyboarding for the Christian School 3 out of 5 smileys!!!*

Check it out! https://www.christiankeyboarding.com/


See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HomeschoolCrew/758784/   



*The Smiley System:
 

I can't really recommend this product.

 I doubt this product would be helpful to many people.

 This is a good product, but isn't right for everyone.
 Most homeschool moms will find this useful.
 This is great, and I would recommend it to anyone!!!

Disclaimer!!!  I reviewed this product because I am a member of The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew.  I was given the product by the vendor to use and evaluate in my home so that I might share my insights with others.  Other than receiving the product, which I kinda have to to be able to assess the product, I am not compensated for my reviews in any way.  I am in no way obligated to give a positive review.  I do try to point out negatives when I see them, though I am admittedly a pretty easy going gal!  What you read are my honest assessments of the products I receive. 

As with all products, you must do the research before buying.  Please visit the the other crew members' blogs, the vendor websites, and any other review sites you might find before buying.  I can't guarantee that a product will work for you.  You must decide what will fit with your teaching style, and your child(ren)'s learning style(s).  I do not judge anything other than the educational value of the products I review.  I am not qualified to make judgements as to the safely of any product, and I make no guarantee that the products I review are safe for you, your family, or anyone else.  I am simply giving my opinion; only you know what is best for you and your family.

Don't use your blow dryer while you sleep or take a bath.  Don't read my reviews in the tub either, and please do not read them when you are asleep, though I do not guarantee that you won't fall asleep reading them!

Copyright 2009 Ramblings from the Crazy House