Modules in TTRS teach whole words rather than random or nonsensical key combinations. Crucially, these words are presented in groups to reinforce common phonemes and spelling patterns. Combined with a multi-sensory approach, learners see, hear, and type similar letter combinations repeatedly, helping to strengthen sound–letter mapping skills. This is essential for developing decoding ability in early reading.
Touch-type Read and Spell differs from traditional typing programs in that it uses a phonics-based curriculum to teach the keyboard. It begins with simple consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) words featuring short vowels and progresses through high-frequency letter combinations, digraphs, trigraphs, long vowels, and more complex vocabulary, including words of foreign origin.
Increasing speed and fluency in reading
The TTRS Main Course also includes modules that cover sight words. These are high-frequency words that often can't be sounded out. Typing practice, combined with audio support, helps build familiarity and automaticity in recognizing sight words, which can improve reading speed and fluency.
Additional features to support reading
English subjects
From within your student’s TTRS account, navigate to the Subjects tab and select the English category. Here you will find high-frequency and Dolch word modules, which provide additional sight word practice. There are also subjects covering phonics. These subject modules can be completed at the end of a typing session, once Main Course modules are finished.
Audio settings
Within Settings, you can customize how audio is delivered to support sound–letter mapping. Options include hearing one word at a time, three words at a time, or a full line. Learners can also repeat words or slow down audio within modules to help isolate phonemes.
Overtyping
In copy typing, learners see words on one line and type them on the line below. In overtyping, a word is read aloud and changes color as it is typed. This provides immediate visual feedback and reinforces correct spelling -- as well as sound letter mapping for reading.
To enable overtyping, turn off copy typing and select a preferred color for the text. Encourage learners to read each word aloud after the program does, particularly when they encounter a new pattern.
What's next?
Learn how TTRS helps with spelling
Learn more about how TTRS is structured
Learn about spelling assessments