Three-word passphrases for grades 3 to 8

Older children can sign in with three words we choose. You see the words once, so write them down.

Updated November 3, 2026 · 1 min read · For families

A three-word passphrase is for children in grades 3 to 8. We pick the 3 words. You see them once, so write them down before you leave the page.

Who can use it

Passphrases are offered to Grove (Grades 3–5) and Summit (Grades 6–8). Younger children use pictures or a tap.

Set one up

Open Children from the menu, then Sign-in and devices on your child's card.
Under How {name} signs in, choose Three words, then press Make the words.
We show the 3 words. The page says to write them down because they can't be shown again.
Write them on paper or in your own password manager.

What your child does

Your child taps their picture on Who is reading?, types the 3 words and presses Go.

If a word is wrong

5 misses in a row lock that child for 15 minutes. Your child sees: "Let's take a little break. Ask a grown-up for help." A correct answer resets the count. See Child locked out.

Common questions

Can my child choose the words?

No. We choose the words for you.

I lost the words. What now?

Go back to Sign-in and devices and press Make different words. The old one stops working.

Can my child switch back to pictures?

Yes. Grove and Summit children can use pictures too. Change it under How {name} signs in on the Sign-in and devices page.

Where can my child use the words?

On a browser you trusted for reading. See Set up a reading device.

Related: Choose a sign-in method. Need help? Contact us.

Choose how your child signs inPick pictures, a tap or three words for each child. The choices depend on their band, and you can change the method later.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.My child is locked outAfter 5 wrong tries in a row, a child is locked for 15 minutes. Wait it out, or reset how they sign in from the family page.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.