Captain Ratatype
Touch typing — an overlooked yet invaluable skill
How quickly do you type? Most of us take it for granted that we can manage well enough at a keyboard — computers and laptops have been a fixture of daily life for years, after all. Yet far fewer people realise that learning to touch type to a professional standard is far more achievable than it sounds, and the time saved is genuinely significant. It's one of those practical skills for kids and adults that is well worth picking up as early as possible.
A brilliant place to start is the internationally acclaimed typing tutor Ratatype, which is trusted by learners across more than 30 countries.
The site provides typing courses in a range of languages. Each lesson follows an interactive, game-like format that younger learners tend to take to straight away. It's a fine example of game-based learning for kids — an approach that has been shown to improve both engagement and results. Alongside the structured lessons and exercises, there's a typing game that makes practicing speed rather good fun.
Available in English and nine other language versions. There is both a free and a premium tier — the premium plan grants unlimited typing speed tests and up to ten exercises per day. You can also upgrade to premium to browse ad-free and remove all exercise limits.
On a similar note: 750words — online platform for daily writing
The online platform 750words.com is designed for anyone who'd like to get into the habit of writing every day — be it personal reflections, book drafts, or anything else entirely. The concept is straightforward: write at least 750 words each day. It may seem quite manageable at first, but keeping at it soon shows just how much your creativity and creative thinking can develop. Beyond that, writing regularly is a remarkably effective tool for emotional intelligence development and cultivating mindfulness.
Consistent writers are rewarded with badges and can follow their progress at a glance. This sits neatly within the broader idea of building healthy habits for personal growth.
The platform was put together by American developers. The interface is in English, though you're free to write in whichever language you prefer. 750words offers both a free and a paid plan. The free option gives you 30 days of full access, while the paid plan opens up writing challenges, AI-powered text analysis, and the ability to "freeze" any days you happen to miss.
Brilliant app — a new standard in educational entertainment
Maths, physics, logic — dull school subjects? Not a bit of it, once you bring an element of play into the mix. This is exactly the thinking behind developing critical and logical thinking in children and teens.
American entrepreneur Sue Khim and her co-founders launched this inventive app back in 2012, with the aim of making maths, physics, and logic puzzles genuinely enjoyable to explore. It now has a community of over four million users from around the world.
The app (and its web version) goes well beyond those core subjects, offering courses in data analytics and visualisation, technology, and programming. These are all essential 21st-century skills — precisely the sort that are central to the intellectual development of kids and teenagers in today's world.
Every course is broken down into manageable lessons and exercises. The lively interface and gamification elements keep things moving at a good pace — a world away from the tedium of rote school memorization. Just 5–15 minutes a day is all it takes for you or your child to steadily build a new skill. Straightforward and thoroughly enjoyable.
Language: English. Both free and paid plans are available. On the free plan, you'll simply find fewer exercises unlocked each day.
So online education for kids and adults isn't just about scrolling through social media and catching up on the news — it's a wealth of opportunity for children's development and personal growth for every one of us!
