A pen case: the tool not to be overlooked

Among the many school supplies needed to get our children to school, the pen is very important in the kit! Essential from the moment they start writing, this tool is not to be chosen lightly. Indeed, as simple and banal as it may seem, the selection of pens must nevertheless take into account several criteria. There are on the market a wide variety of pen models and each has its own characteristics in terms of ergonomics, color and quality of ink, solidity or design. Depending on how you use it, some references will be more suitable than others and it is wise to take the time to think about it before going to the store or ordering on the internet. Our specialists guide you and give you the right tips for smart shopping.

What are the different types of pens available?

First of all, it is important to distinguish the different types of pens sold on the market. Depending on tastes and uses, there is indeed a wide variety of them, of which here are the main illustrations.

The pen

It would not have been fair not to start this presentation of the different types of pens by the pen. The generation born before 1985 has inevitably been abandoned in favour of the famous ballpoint pen. However, the nobility of this beautiful instrument is not yet behind us. Indeed, from college, some teachers still require the use of this pen that forges the most beautiful writing. Equipped with replaceable ink cartridges, it also has the advantage of being able to be associated with a specific eraser in order to be able to correct the scratches and other spelling errors that one wishes to make disappear. It is said that his pen is only adapted to his user, this pen is not made to be passed from hand to hand and is a fragile tool to take care of. It therefore does not adapt to young children. Moreover, its use requires a certain dexterity because the ink takes time to dry, it can also dirty the paper and stain the clothes.

The ballpoint pen

The man who dethroned the pen now proves to be the most popular tool for schoolchildren but also for professionals. Practical and inexpensive, it landed in France in the 1960s and had the main objective of avoiding the ink stains that the pen tended to leave. Admittedly, this innovation carried by big names such as Bic, has really revolutionized handwriting. Solid and requiring no special maintenance, it adapts to everyone and offers a wide range of colours and inks. Purists and pen followers will, however, note that ballpoint pens slip less well on paper and require much more support on paper, which can lead to pain in the wrist in the long run.

Roller skating

The roller skate was created to satisfy both pen writing enthusiasts and those who also love the benefits and simplicity of ballpoint pen. Indeed, offering a writing close to the pen, it nevertheless has a very fast drying ink to avoid dirt. In addition, its rolling ballpoint gives it a writing comfort close to feather pens. Ideal for those who write a lot, it comes in a wide range of ink colors and also offers several mine sizes to suit everyone's preferences. Note, however, that rollerblading is not known for its longevity. In this range, we can distinguish the roller with liquid ink and the roller with gel ink. While the latter offers great writing comfort, its lifespan is shorter than in models with conventional ink.

The felt pen

Another possible alternative is: the felt pen. Generally appreciated by children, it requires only a small tap on the sheet to be able to write. Available in different mine sizes (ranging from 0.4mm to 4mm), it also offers a wide range of colours and some varieties of ink are even erasable for greater ease of everyday use. Its only weakness: it does not bear to be left in the air ambient and will therefore have to be plugged every time after use.

What are the different criteria of choice to take into account when choosing your pens?

You now know the main models of pens sold on the market. Now find out what are the major criteria to consider in making the right choices.

Choose a pen based on use and child's age

If you choose a pen for your child, it is essential to take into account his age to select the appropriate model. Indeed, one does not opt for the same model for a child who learns to write as for a college student for example. Before you fix your choice on one pen model over another, also think about its longevity. While ballpoint pens will need to be replaced frequently, pens should last for many years if treated with care.

Choose a pen based on its ergonomics

The grip of the pen is very important for the comfort of its user. For this reason, it is essential that your child accompany you when choosing his pens so that he can judge for himself whether his shape and grip suit him. Note that the grip of the pen should be relaxed. The child should not be tense when writing. The presence of a rubber "grip" on the pen can be an added value to the comfort of use.

Choose a pen based on your weight

In choosing the pen, the weight of the material also counts. Indeed, depending on the models, more or less important differences can be felt at the take-in. A pen, for example, is usually heavier than a ballpoint pen.

Which class for which pen?

Often, when choosing the right pens for our children, we ask about their needs in relation to their class. Here are some indications that might shed some light.

Choose a pen for the large section / CP

At the very beginning of learning to write, the choice of pen is very important. It is essential that your child feels comfortable with it and can start writing without embarrassment. If the pencil or wood pencil is an indispensable tool, the ballpoint pen can also be a good choice to start with. Light, its ink dries quickly and it avoids smudges. He will be able to keep the habit of writing with this same type of pen in the upper classes.

Choose a pen for children at the end of primary school

At the end of primary school, the child is much more comfortable writing and can thus more easily gauge his preferences. Many students appreciate the fluidity of roller-skating pens. As a success, these models can also be erased, depending on the models. While they don't last as long as the classic ballpoint pens, they are more comfortable on a daily basis.

Choose a pen for children at the beginning of college

It is usually towards the end of the fifth and early 6th grade that children begin to write with a pen. Imposed by some teachers, this tool requires a grip before it can be fully mastered. Nevertheless, when the gesture is well assured, the pen is undoubtedly the one that offers the greatest comfort of writing.