Deciding between pen or pencil
I can decide which tool is best suited for the purpose.
Deciding between pen or pencil
I can decide which tool is best suited for the purpose.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Pen and pencil are the most common tools used to write or draw with.
- Making a choice between pen and pencil depends on the task and the desired outcome.
- Using a pencil allows for mistakes to be corrected easily with an eraser, which is ideal for sketching and drafting.
- Using a pen is ideal for final drafts as pen is permanent and looks neat and professional.
- 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.
To help you plan your year 6 english lesson on: Deciding between pen or pencil, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 english lesson on: Deciding between pen or pencil, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 english lessons from the Building fluency with note taking, choice, quotations and emphasis unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions

from the baseline to the x-height line
from the baseline to the ascender line
from the x-height line to the x-height line
from the x-height line to the ascender line
