PenPoints is a free spelling and handwriting practice app for primary and elementary school children. A child writes a dictated word on paper, then submits a photo for OCR scoring and feedback. The maker describes it as suitable for ages 6–12, with parents and teachers able to assign exercises and review results. Wordlists can follow school year and curriculum, and parents and teachers can create custom lists; only teachers can access rule-specific lists. Results may include definitions, synonyms and antonyms. Teachers can run SpellStation challenges. Without a school plan, they can send one homework exercise per week, use 90 SpellStation credits, run up to five live class assessments and assign up to 30 individual exercises. The app is available on iOS and Android phones and tablets, and requires an internet connection. The maker says it complies with GDPR and COPPA, does not sell or share user data, and does not show in-app ads. The parents page says one account does not currently support multiple children.
Who it is for
It suits children aged 6–12 who are practicing spelling and handwriting, with a parent or teacher involved in assigning practice. Teachers can also use SpellStation challenges and the listed exercise and assessment tools.
What is good
- OCR scores photographed handwritten words
- Wordlists can match school year and curriculum
- Results can include definitions, synonyms and antonyms
- Maker says the app shows no in-app ads
What to know first
- An internet connection is required
- One account does not support multiple children
- Free teacher accounts have weekly exercise limits
Verdict
PenPoints pairs paper-based dictation with photo scoring and practice tools for home or classroom use. Consider the single-child account limit and the free teacher caps before choosing it.
PenPoints plans and pricing
All plansCompared on spelling apps
- Free plan
- Yes
- Phonics instruction
- Yes
- Dictation practice
- Yes
- Corrective practice
- Yes
- Teacher dashboard
- Yes
- Offline access
- No
- Word-list import
- Yes
