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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can decide which tool is best suited for the purpose.

      Key learning points

      1. Pen and pencil are the most common tools used to write or draw with.
      2. Making a choice between pen and pencil depends on the task and the desired outcome.
      3. Using a pencil allows for mistakes to be corrected easily with an eraser, which is ideal for sketching and drafting.
      4. Using a pen is ideal for final drafts as pen is permanent and looks neat and professional.
      5. Over time you will develop a personal preference for using pen or pencil.

      Keywords

      • Pen - a writing tool used to apply ink to a surface

      • Pencil - a writing or drawing tool typically consisting of a thin cylindrical stick of graphite

      • Mistake - an error in accuracy or correctness

      • Presentation - the structured way to communicate information

      Common misconception

      Some children can become concerned that there are rules about when to use a pen and when to use a pencil. This can slow them down and take the focus from the task.

      Remind the children of the questions in this lesson. What are the attributes of the tools and which is best suited for the task? Remind them that there are no set rules and sometimes it can come down to personal preference.

      Teacher tip

      Throughout other lessons, encourage children to think back to this lesson. What do they need to consider for the given task? Should they use pen or pencil?

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which letters do not join to the next letter in a letter string?

      lower case letters
      Correct answer: break letters
      ascender letters
      Correct answer: upper case letters

      Q2.
      True or false? The 'dot' for the letter i is only added once the letter string is complete.

      Correct Answer: true, True

      Q3.
      Select the true statements relating to this letter string.

      An image in a quiz
      The letter spacing is even and correct.
      Correct answer: The letter spacing is not even or correct.
      Correct answer: The letter 'l' is missing a lead in.
      The letter g has an ascender.

      Q4.
      Match the join with the correct description.

      Correct Answer:first join,from the baseline to the x-height line

      from the baseline to the x-height line

      Correct Answer:second join,from the baseline to the ascender line

      from the baseline to the ascender line

      Correct Answer:third join,from the x-height line to the x-height line

      from the x-height line to the x-height line

      Correct Answer:fourth join,from the x-height line to the ascender line

      from the x-height line to the ascender line

      Q5.
      Which cursive letter joins are being used in this sentence?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: first join
      Correct answer: second join
      Correct answer: third join
      fourth join

      Q6.
      Which of these words would use the fourth join in their cursive formation?

      dad
      box
      Correct answer: wool
      duck

      To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Deciding between pen or pencil, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...