This year I am having the kids use fountain pens for their handwriting practice because, apparently, fountain pens can improve handwriting and academic performance. So far I have seen that a fountain pen does free one up for smoother handwriting because not as much pressure is required. I supposed this would lead to nicer handwriting and less hand fatigue, which would allow for a longer time spent on handwriting and lend to a sort of natural concentration/meditative affect. This increased concentration would bring more focus to the letter formation and, eventually, what is being written, instead of the physical mechanics. Anyway, I have a friend from Austria and she says that European kids grow up using fountain pens in school! So far we have been using the Pelikano junior and it is working out well.
