Biro or Ink Pen

[poiuyt]

Does anyone know if it is better to use a Biro or an ink pen for DC at school in terms of handwriting technique please?
Thnaks

[yoyo123]

what does the school say?

many schools use 'handwriting pens' .

I would say not ballpoint if there are no rules, perhaps a roller ball pen, if you are not up to the messiness of ink cartridges. Ink pens do slow down the writing, so it tends to be a little neater. I tend use a roller ball when I am trying to write "properly"

[Sportsmum]

Somehow I feel that work submitted in biro looks sloppy. I much prefer fountain/cartridge pen - it looks so much better and tends not to smudge after the fact - unless being used by left handers (not having a go - just remember friends and nephews having difficulty). Quite like the erasable roller ball style pen that's available now - the work looks neat.

[push-pull-mum]

I remember posting here in horror a while ago because DD's school banned cartridge/fountain pens and only allow biro. Actually, now the novelty has worn off, I have to say that neat work still looks neat either way - and scruffy work can, at least, be dropped face down on the carpet without puddling ink everywhere.

I think one of the reasons why real ink looks neater is that children often try harder when using a proper pen. They associate a biro with speed and sloppiness. Can't really complain because I, myself, write more nicely when I've got a pen I like.

[scarlett]

DS1 handwriting has improved dramatically since using a fountain pen. I nearly collapsed on the floor the other day when he announced he wanted to write his thank you letters and insisted on throwing down the scruffy old biro I'd supplied and rummaging in his school bag for his ink pen.

[mystery]

Scarlett, I was just about to say your school gets better and better and then I realise of course you were talking about the grammar school. I'm glad DS1 is doing so well there and having a good time. All that nonsense that you cut through at primary school was worth it.

Cartridge pen for me any day, but I lost it over 20 years ago and haven't replaced it yet.

My nicest looking writing is with a fine black fibre tip, and I can write very fast and neatly with that in exams. I think ink pen is best maybe when you are still doing school style cursive.

[scary mum]

My kids (the older two anyway, who have a choice) like those very fine fibre tip pens. DS2 has to use a fountain pen. Before that it was those awful Berol things.

[poiuyt]

I have bought a rolling fine art type fountain pen