Choose how your child signs in

Pick pictures, a tap or three words for each child. The choices depend on their band, and you can change the method later.

Updated November 3, 2026 · 2 min read · For families

Each child signs in with something they can do without typing: pictures, three words or a tap. The options depend on the child's band, which comes from their grade. You choose on the child's Sign-in and devices page.

What each band can use

Band	Grades	Sign-in options
Sprout	Pre-K – K	Pictures or a tap
Sapling	Grades 1–2	Pictures
Grove	Grades 3–5	Pictures or words
Summit	Grades 6–8	Words or pictures

Steps

Open Children from the menu and find your child's card.
Choose Sign-in and devices. The page is titled "Hand the device to {name}", where {name} is your child's nickname.
Under How {name} signs in, pick a method and set it up. Set shows when it's saved.
Under Trust this device for {name}, press Trust this device if this browser isn't trusted yet. See Set up a reading device.
When both are done, press Start the 10-minute check and hand the device over. If you aren't ready, come back any time from Children → Sign-in and devices.

Which one to pick

Three pictures work for every band. Your child taps 3 pictures in order. See Picture passwords.
Tap their picture is for Pre-K and K only. Your child taps their picture, then Start reading. It only works on a device you've trusted. See Tap to start.
Three words is for grades 3 to 8. We choose the words and show them to you once. Write them down. See Three-word passphrases.

Common questions

Can I change the method later?

Yes. Open the same page and choose a different method under How {name} signs in.

Does my child need a password?

No. Children never type a password and never use an email address.

Does the method change what my child reads?

No. It only changes how they get in.

My child's band seems wrong.

The band is set from the grade you entered. Changing a child's grade isn't available yet. Email support@taletykes.com and tell us the child's nickname and the right grade.

Related: Bands and grades, Child locked out. Still stuck? Contact us.

How picture passwords workYour child taps 3 different pictures in order from a grid of 9. It checks by itself, with no typing and no button.Three-word passphrases for grades 3 to 8Older children can sign in with three words we choose. You see the words once, so write them down.Tap to start for Pre-K and KThe youngest readers press one button, Start reading, with no pictures to remember. Only Pre-K and K children are offered it.Bands and gradesA child's grade sets their band: Sprout, Sapling, Grove or Summit. The band changes tap size, text size and sign-in options.

Still stuck?

Write to us with what you were trying to do and what you saw on screen.