The Pobble blog

In many primary classrooms, the concept of a "pen licence" is a long-standing tradition. It's a reward given to students who have demonstrated consistently neat handwriting, granting them the privilege to write with a pen. While it may seem like a straightforward way to motivate children, the practice has sparked ongoing debate.

Should pen licences be used in the classroom? In this blog, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of pen licences and explore whether this practice truly benefits students and supports their writing development.

The pros of pen licences

Encouragement to improve handwriting:
Pen licences can serve as a motivational tool, encouraging students to put in extra effort to improve their handwriting. The idea of earning a pen licence can inspire children to focus on refining their writing skills.

Clear milestone for readiness:
Pen licences can provide a clear benchmark for both students and teachers, signalling when a student has reached the point where they are ready to use a pen. This can help students feel a sense of achievement and demonstrate that they have mastered a specific skill.

Building a sense of achievement:
For some students, receiving a pen licence can be an empowering moment that boosts their confidence and helps them take pride in their work. It acts as a tangible reward for their efforts and hard work.

The cons of pen licences

Potential for classroom division:
Awarding pen licences can create visible distinctions between students, which may affect self-esteem. Those who have not yet earned their pen licence may feel singled out or less capable than their peers, potentially causing feelings of exclusion.

Focus on a single skill:
The emphasis on handwriting as the primary criterion for earning a pen licence can overlook other important aspects of writing. Students may focus so much on achieving neat handwriting that they neglect to develop creativity, critical thinking, and writing fluency.

Not inclusive of all learning needs:
Pen licences may inadvertently disadvantage students with learning differences, such as dyslexia or dyspraxia. These students may struggle with handwriting but excel in other areas of writing. A rigid focus on handwriting as a qualification for using a pen might exclude some of your most capable writers.

Forcing uniformity:
Some students may feel more comfortable or efficient using a pencil, especially when they are still developing writing stamina or focus. Mandating pen use can take away personal choice and may not support every student's needs in terms of comfort or skill development.

Pobble's stance: Moving beyond pen licences

At Pobble, we believe in empowering all students to develop their writing skills without rigid structures like pen licences. We advocate for a more inclusive approach where students are encouraged to use pens when they feel ready, without the need for a formal licensing system. Here's why:

Promoting inclusivity:
Removing the concept of pen licences helps eliminate visible divisions between students, promoting a more inclusive classroom environment. Every student is free to progress at their own pace, without feeling judged based on when, or whether, they are allowed to use a pen.

Supporting individual needs:
Not every student needs or benefits from writing with a pen, and that's okay. Some students may find that using a pencil helps them focus better or allows them to write more comfortably. Offering choices lets students decide what works best for them.

Encouraging natural progression:
Instead of focusing on when a student can write with a pen, we believe it’s more beneficial to focus on the development of writing skills as a whole. This allows students to progress naturally based on their readiness and ability, rather than a set milestone like a pen licence.

Conclusion: Rethinking pen licences in the classroom

While pen licences may have been introduced with good intentions, they often come with unintended consequences—such as creating divisions among students or focusing too much on handwriting at the expense of other important writing skills. At Pobble, we believe in a more flexible, inclusive approach that allows students to progress in writing at their own pace—without the need for a pen licence system.

By fostering a classroom environment that celebrates each student’s writing development, we can help all students grow into confident, capable writers—without placing unnecessary focus on arbitrary milestones. Instead, we should focus on building skills, confidence, and creativity in a way that supports every student.