SpongeBob SquarePants Typing
is a fun introduction to typing for kids ages 7-12, but it's not as comprehensive as the adult typing programs, nor is it as flexible. If your kid already knows the basics of how to type and wants to work only on his or her weaknesses, this isn't the best program to do that with.
Common Sense Media Review
Full name: SpongeBob SquarePants
Occupation: Fry cook at the Krusty Krab
About: He lives in a pineapple under the sea with Gary, his pet snail.
The passage above is a sample of what kids might type as they learn to keyboard in the new SpongeBob SquarePants Typing.
The software also includes traditional drills such as typing, "jkjk fdfdf jkl; fdsa," but the hum-drum is interspersed with amusing passages about SpongeBob and his friends.
The format allows kids to fool around with five typing games, practice typing nautical nonsense, or focus on sequential typing instruction.
The sequential instruction, which teaches home row keys, keyboard familiarity, common letter combinations, capital letters, numbers, and punctuation, is part of the "Bikini Bottom Typing Tournament." SpongeBob has entered the tournament but, unfortunately, he doesn't know how to type. To keep SpongeBob SquarePants from becoming SpongeBob LoserPants, players compete for him.
The competition takes kids through 17 sequential typing lessons. Each lesson consists of a tutorial, a drill, keystroke practice, an activity (which can be one of the 5 typing games), and a quiz. The lessons track the child's progress in terms of "Words Per Minute" and prowess on keys. You can't skip a lesson, although you can test out of it.
The five games provide kids with crazy ways to play with SpongeBob and his friends, including typing through mazes and races.
At times, the characters' chatter can become annoying because their comments repeat too frequently, but that chatter can be turned off.
Here's the bottom line: SpongeBob SquarePants Typing isn't as comprehensive as Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing or Typing Instructor, but it's more fun. It's an entertaining way to introduce kids to typing.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
