Touch-type Read and Spell | About TTRS


 
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About TTRS
 
TTRS is a computer based course for children and adults with spelling and reading difficulties, dyslexia and other learning differences.
 
Learning is promoted by a multi-sensory approach:
 
  • A systematic programme of seeing, listening, speaking and typing
  • Seeing the words written on the screen as they are typed out
  • Hearing the words pronounced as they are typed
  • Student and computer are interactive allowing for immediate self correction of errors and feedback of results
  • The structured TTRS course is finely graded in modules and levels building from words to sentences
  • With each successful module completed the student is encouraged to progress further
  • Students develop their own learning speed, therefore lessoning peer group pressures
  • TTRS gives focus and support for a positive learning experience
Who is this course designed for?
 
 
  • TTRS is for anyone who has reading, spelling, or writing difficulties.
  • TTRS helps both adults and children.
  • TTRS is especially helpful for dyslexia and those with specific learning difficulties. 
     
 
Why TTRS Works:
 
 
TTRS is multi-sensory
 
  • The words used are presented in phonetic groups
  • SEEING A series of levels, each with 30 modules. Clearly presented to the student as words and sentences
  • HEARING The student hears the words as they are about to type them. Each course has at least 6 dictation modules based on the preceding exercises. These are typed by the student and monitored by the computer. Students are encouraged to SAY the words as they type them.
  • TOUCHING This is the kinaesthetic approach, a sensation of movement is perceived by the student: "Talking with my fingers.
  • "When I want to spell a word, I just think where my fingers would go."
The Read and Remember Option
 
  • This is a version of Look, Cover, Spell, Check and Write.
  • The student types the word, and it then disappears and the student has to type it from memory. 
  • The student learns how to type and spell groups of words in the LEARNING MODULES
  • They are then tested on the accuracy of their learning in the fifth or DICTATION MODULES. The student can 'internalise' the spellings using the Read and Remember option
 
 
Practice, Repetition and Correction
 
  • The course gives practice without the tedium of writing
  • Mistakes are shown instantly, and the pupil quickly puts them right
  • This means that they see, and type, the correct spellings MANY MORE TIMES than they see or type the incorrect ones
  • Some students report that their fingers come to 'know the spellings' as they think the words
 
 
TTRS has a phonetic structure
 
 
  • The order in which the words are presented has been carefully considered
  • The order is based on the progression found in Alpha to Omega
  • The words on the screen are in large clear type. This helps to focus the student's attention on the structure and spelling of the word
 
Motivation, Visible Progress, Feedback for results
 
  • The student makes visible progress through a structured course
  • Students feel in control of their own learning
  • Each part of the course is divided up into short modules
  • The student's progress is recorded, reported and accessible
  • Progress can be checked at the end of any module. This builds a very real sense of achievement
  • Confidence and morale can be built, replacing the experience of failure which many students have known before
Course Objectives promote learning through:
 
  • Building confidence through measurable success
  • Immediate self correction of errors and feedback of results
  • A multi-sensory approach, seeing, hearing and touch-typing
  • A planned programme of learning that is finely structured and computerised
 
 

 

Annual Licences:
 
For Teachers
 
Independent Centre:
Teachers or schools who wish to establish their own dedicated weekly fee paying TTRS courses with up to ten students per hour.To see a list of Independent Centres, please see our locations page. For more information and to receive free telephone training with a one week trial, click here
 
Tutor Licence:
Tutors who wish to work from home, one to one with their students where TTRS becomes part of their tuition hour. To receive free telephone training with a one week trial, click here
 
Education Licence:
Schools, colleges and other organisations are licensed annually to deliver the TTRS course to their students within curriculum time. To see the 2012 Education fees, click here (opens new window). To receive free telephone training with a one week trial, click here
 
 
For Parents
 
Independent Centre:
For weekly after school classes delivered by a trained TTRS tutor in a supportive group environment. To find a local Independent Centre, click here
 
Home Course Licence:
Adults or parents of children at home receive free telephone training for the use of TTRS for up to five family members. To order the course with a 10 day money back guarantee, click here
 
 
Minimum System Requirements:
 
Windows XP or above only
Screen resolution of 800 x 600 or above
512MB Ram
 
 
Background and Acknowledgements:
 
 
Touch-type Read and Spell (ttrs) was established in 1992 as the result of a research degree and with the kind help and assistance of The Rev. Dr. Jessica Aidley, The British Dyslexia Association Computer Committee - Jean Hutchins, London Borough of Bexley Advisory Service, Brother Matthew Sasse, Marjorie Lishman, Irene Heskett, The North Kent Dyslexia Association and Pam Morley,  Dr. Beve Hornsby of the Hornsby International Dyslexia Centre. 
ttrs is based on the word lists of the text book Alpha to Omega by Dr. Beve Hornsby, Frula Shear and Julie Pool, available from Heinemann Press. Alpha to Omega acknowledges "the roots of the ideas that form the basis of this programme lie in the work of Anne Gillingham and Bessie Stillman, who, in conjunction with Samuel T. Orton, began to devise a phonetically based scheme for the teaching of dyslexics in the 1930's. This was later expounded in the UK by Sally B. Childs."
 
In October 1994, the first ttrs Independent Centre in Croydon, England was officially opened by former Speaker of the House of Commons, Lord Weatherill with Richard Ottaway MP, Member of Parliament for Croydon South.