Students tired of seeing their papers marked up by red ink may
begin to see a
”
more friendly
”
check mark and slash made in purple instead.
Hollister – Students tired of seeing their papers marked up by red ink may begin to see a “more friendly” check mark and slash made in purple instead.
According to recent correction pen sales, more and more teachers are switching from the traditional red correction pen to alternative colors because experts say red is considered too harsh.
Leatrice Eiseman, director of the Pantone Color Institute and author of six books, said purple is easier for kids to take.
“You soften the blow of red,” she said in a statement. “Red is a bit over the top in its aggression.”
Parent and Cerra Vista Parent Teacher Organization President Renee George said red pens are just fine, but after thinking back to when she was in school, she understands why some teachers may be making the switch.
“I know when I was back in college and got my first paper back, it looked like it was bleeding and it was offensive,” she said. “So I guess I can understand where it might be harsh for the kids.”
The Paper Mate company reported that sales of red pens have gone flat, but that purple pens are being bought in large numbers, particularly by teachers. Michael Finn, spokesperson for Paper Mate said because of the high demand, the production of purple pens has jumped by at least 10 percent. The company’s research also suggests that teachers like purple better because it’s a friendly color and projects a “sense of authority.”
R.O. Hardin Elementary Vice Principal Christina Palmer isn’t surprised about the change in color. During the 15 years she taught, Palmer said she would always switch up the colors when she would correct, but that it’s not about the shade of pen, it’s about what’s on the paper.
“Personally, I think it’s a matter of not saying things like ‘what were you thinking?'” she said. “But instead,
putting notations telling the student how they could fix things like ‘maybe you want to reword this here.'”
