School Shuns Tech, Teaches Fountain Pen

Associated Press via MyWay.com ^ | December 9, 2006 | Ben McConville

[RayChuang88]

EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) - In this age of cell phones, text messages and computer keyboards, one Scottish school has returned to basics. It's teaching youngsters the neglected art of writing with a fountain pen.

There is no clacking of keyboards in most classrooms at the Mary Erskine and Stewart's Melville Junior School, although there is a full range of facilities for computer lessons and technology isn't being ignored.

But the private school's principal believes the old-fashioned pens have helped boost the academic performance and self-esteem of his 1,200 pupils.

"The pens improve the quality of work because they force the children to take care, and better work improves self-esteem," principal Bryan Lewis said. "Proper handwriting is as relevant today as it ever has been."

[RayChuang88]

I'd love to write with a fountain pen but 1) good ones from Mont Blanc, Parker and Pelikan cost a lot of money and 2) if not properly cared for they either leak link or clog up, which can cause problems when writing with such a pen.

I'd rather write with a top-notch fine-point ballpoint pen instead!

[proudofthesouth]

I'm like Charlie Brown with any kind of ink pen. If I write with one I screw up!

[Pontiac]

The pens improve the quality of work because they force the children to take care, and better work improves self-esteem,"

If you want to improve a young man’s self-esteem, teach him marksmanship.

If he can keep them in the 10 ring at 100 yards that boy will have self-esteem and self discipline to spare.

[Jeff Chandler]

In Catholic school I spent 8 years making a mess of my papers, my hands, and everything around me with cartridge pens. I couldn't imagine attempting to use a fountain pen.

I like to use these pens. They're ball point, non-smear gel ink retractables that look good and have a fat rubber grip:

[Continental Soldier]

How would this story have been recieved if the principal insisted on goose quills? The point is, times change. Sometimes a change is actually progress. Flick your Bic, man!

[NoCurrentFreeperByThatName]

ping

[ShadowDancer]

and better work improves self-esteem

How refreshing to read something like this in a world of people that think self-esteem doesn't need to be earned.

[NoCurrentFreeperByThatName]

How refreshing to read something like this in a world of people that think self-esteem doesn't need to be earned.

You mean I can't buy it? What was I thinking?

[ShadowDancer]

Speaking of self-esteem, your tag line is making me feel bad. Please change it.

[NoCurrentFreeperByThatName]

Speaking of self-esteem, your tag line is making me feel bad. Please change it.

Better now?

[ShadowDancer]

ROTFL. Yep.