Having worked initially as a shorthand typist at the Bank of England, Patricia Mayhew qualified as a Primary school teacher and worked full-time in Greater London and later as a relief teacher working in Hampshire schools.  After seeing an unacceptable amount of time wasted by pupils searching for letters on the computer keyboard, she thought the time could have been better used if touch-typing had been taught.  Since there appeared to be no suitable course for Junior school pupils she devised ‘Read and Type – A Gift for Life’, incorporating many learning points, using her teaching experience and typing expertise.

The course was piloted as an after-school activity for those who could practise, by themselves, on a computer at home.  The age range was 8 to 11 years.  

98% of the pupils successfully completed the course, on average, in 3 to 4 months according to age, ability and application, working at the comfortable rate of one set of exercises per letter per week.   

An adult using the course learned to touch-type in two weeks.   Another learned in one!

As a result of the success of the touch-typing course Patricia set up a small business, Gift for Life Publications, and published ‘Read and Type – A Gift for Life’ in the hope that many young people will use it to save time, improve their concentration and self-confidence and be provided with a useful skill for their future.

 

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