Words from every letter first. Then periods and commas, capitals with Shift, and whole sentences.
Where to start in 3rd grade
The choices above the game are a starting point for 3rd grade: all letters, periods and commas, capitals and sentences. They are not a rule. Children start typing at different times, so pick the one that feels comfortable and move on when a lap feels easy. Every other skill is on the practice page.
The focus at this stage: Every letter by touch, and the first punctuation. Technique before speed.
What schools publish for 3rd grade
The Common Core writing standards first mention keyboarding in grade 3: students produce and publish writing "using keyboarding skills," with guidance and support from adults. No amount is given. A keyboarding pacing guide from Omaha Public Schools in Nebraska, revised in 2016, lists a minimum of 10 to 12 words a minute at 85% accuracy for grades 2 and 3. The New York State Education Department asks for keyboarding instruction in grades 3 and 4 "with a focus on technique over speed."
Schools set their own goals, and they differ. Our guide to average typing speed by age and grade puts the published targets side by side with their sources. Our guide to typing practice for 3rd grade has a plan for grown-ups.
A typing test for 3rd grade
A fair starting point at this stage is the typing test for kids on All letters, for 1 minute. It shows keys right and words a minute. If that choice is a struggle, drop back to Home row. Compare a child with their own last month, never with a classmate.
For teachers
Every page here runs in a browser with no accounts, so a whole class can use it on Chromebooks or iPads. Teachers can request free classroom codes for the full game.
Other grades
Kindergarten · 1st grade · 2nd grade · 4th grade · 5th grade
Questions
How fast should 3rd graders type?
There is no national rule. Omaha Public Schools lists a minimum of 10 to 12 words a minute at 85% accuracy for grades 2 and 3. New York asks for technique over speed in grades 3 and 4.
Is this free?
Yes. There are no ads and nothing to sign up for.
My child is in 3rd grade and has never typed. Where should they start?
At the beginning, with F and J on the home row. The first lessons go quickly, and nothing is lost by starting there.