NewHomeschool ELA courses for K-5 — a voiced daily English lesson
SpellingJoy
For Teachers

Best Typing Apps for 4th Grade (2026)

Build keyboard fluency and spelling skills with the best typing apps for 4th graders.

STSpellingJoy Team
•Last Updated: March 30, 2026
Student practicing typing on a laptop keyboard

Our top picks

Our pick
1

SpellingJoy

Best free typing + spelling

SpellingJoy is a 100% free spelling practice platform for K-6 students. Unlimited spelling games, unlimited tests, 134+ word lists, custom list creation, and progress tracking - all completely free with no subscriptions and no hidden costs.

Best for:Free QWERTY keyboard practice with spellingPrice:100% FreeGrades:K-6Platforms:Web

Pros

  • 100% free - unlimited games, tests, and lists
  • No subscription or hidden costs ever
  • K-6 curriculum with 134+ word lists

Cons

  • Web-only (no native mobile apps yet)
  • Classroom features coming soon
2

IXL

Best adaptive practice

IXL is a comprehensive adaptive learning platform covering all subjects from Pre-K through 12th grade.

Best for:Adaptive ELA and keyboarding drillsPrice:$79-159/yrGrades:Pre-K-12Platforms:Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • Comprehensive K-12 coverage
  • Adaptive learning
  • Detailed analytics

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Spelling is small part of ELA
3

Prodigy

Best game-based

Prodigy uses game-based learning to teach math, with a newer English/ELA component.

Best for:Game-based typing through ELA questsPrice:$59-180/yrGrades:Grades 1-8Platforms:Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • Engaging game format
  • Free basic version
  • Curriculum aligned

Cons

  • In-game purchase prompts
  • Premium expensive
  • Primarily math-focused
4

ABCya

Best typing games library

ABCya offers educational games for Pre-K through 6th grade across all subjects. Free with ads, or pay for ad-free premium access.

Best for:Typing games mixed with other subjectsPrice:$70/yr (ad-free)Grades:Pre-K-6Platforms:Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • Large game library
  • Free tier with ads
  • Covers all subjects

Cons

  • Free version has ads
  • Games vary in educational value
  • Not a structured curriculum
5

Education.com

Best printable support

Education.com offers thousands of worksheets, printables, and learning activities for Pre-K through 8th grade.

Best for:Typing worksheets and online activitiesPrice:$120/yrGrades:Pre-K-8Platforms:Web

Pros

  • Huge worksheet library
  • Printable resources
  • Good for homeschool

Cons

  • Web only
  • Expensive
6

Kahoot!

Best classroom engagement

Kahoot! is a game-based learning platform where teachers create live quizzes that students answer on their devices. Over 9 billion cumulative participants. Free basic plan, paid plans from $48/year.

Best for:Live typing quizzes and competitionsPrice:Free / $48-72/yr (teacher)Grades:K-12Platforms:Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • Free basic plan for teachers
  • Live multiplayer quizzes students love
  • Huge library of user-created kahoots

Cons

  • Free plan limited to 10 players
  • Premium features require paid plans
  • Can be more game than learning

Frequently asked questions

How fast should a 4th grader type?

Most 4th graders type between 10-15 words per minute (WPM). By the end of 4th grade, a reasonable goal is 15-20 WPM with proper finger placement. Focus on accuracy first; speed will follow with consistent practice.

Should 4th graders learn touch typing?

Yes. Fourth grade is an ideal time to introduce touch typing. Students have the hand size and fine motor skills to reach all keys comfortably. Starting now builds habits before middle school, where keyboarding speed matters for assignments and assessments.

How much typing practice does a 4th grader need?

15-20 minutes a day, 3-4 times per week is enough for steady improvement. Short, frequent sessions are more effective than long, occasional ones. Many teachers assign typing practice as part of daily morning work or homework.

Are free typing apps good enough for 4th graders?

Absolutely. Free apps like SpellingJoy combine typing with spelling practice, reinforcing two skills at once. Paid apps may offer extra analytics or content, but free options cover the fundamentals most 4th graders need.

Our Verdict

SpellingJoy is the best free option for 4th graders who need typing practice that also reinforces spelling. Its QWERTY keyboard mode lets students type words instead of tapping buttons, building real keyboarding skills alongside vocabulary.

For classrooms that want adaptive, all-subject coverage, IXL delivers structured keyboarding drills with detailed progress tracking. And for teachers who want to turn typing practice into a live competition, Kahoot! makes it easy to gamify any lesson.

Try SpellingJoy Free →

ST

About the Author

SpellingJoy Team

The SpellingJoy team is dedicated to creating free, high-quality spelling resources for K-6 students and their families. We test every app we review and provide honest assessments to help parents make informed decisions.

Related articles

Typing.com Alternatives

Top alternatives to Typing.com

Spelling Apps for 4th Grade

4th grade spelling picks

Coding Apps for Kids

Build digital literacy