Scribble is a handwriting practice app for students learning cursive. Students use an iPad and Apple Pencil to complete short handwriting activities with real-time feedback.
Use this article to prepare an iPad for Scribble for the first time. This setup includes the device, Apple Pencil, writing surface, Scribble app, and student sign-in.
- Check the iPad and Apple Pencil
- Prepare the writing surface
- Install or request Scribble
- Sign in as the student
- Start the first practice session
- If the setup does not work
Check the iPad and Apple Pencil
For the current setup, use one of these iPad and Apple Pencil combinations unless your program gives you different device-specific instructions.
| iPad | Apple Pencil | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| 11-inch iPad Air with M-series chip (M2 or above) | Apple Pencil Pro | The Pencil pairs and charges magnetically on the side of the iPad. |
| 11-inch iPad with A16 chip | Apple Pencil 1st generation | The Pencil needs the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter and USB-C cable to pair and charge. |
Tip: To check the iPad model and iPadOS version, open Settings > General > About. Read the values next to Model Name and iPadOS Version.
Pair and charge the Apple Pencil
- Apple Pencil Pro: attach the Pencil magnetically to the side of the iPad. Wait for the iPad to show the Pencil banner or battery level.
- Apple Pencil 1st generation with A16 iPad: connect the Pencil through the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter and USB-C cable, then tap Pair if the iPad asks you to pair it. Keep the adapter with the iPad kit because it is also needed for charging.
After pairing, check the Pencil battery in Settings > Apple Pencil or with the Batteries widget. A Pencil with a very low battery can cause writing problems even if the setup otherwise looks correct.
Tip: If Apple Pencil options such as Squeeze, Double Tap, Hover, or Haptics distract the student while writing, turn those options off in Settings > Apple Pencil.
Prepare the writing surface
Scribble works best when the iPad feels closer to writing on paper. Bare glass can feel too slippery for handwriting practice.
- Clean the iPad screen before installing the screen protector.
- Install a paper-feel screen protector or a writing-surface protector.
- Install an Apple Pencil tip.
- Keep the screen protector on the iPad while using Scribble.
Optional accessories can also help: a Pencil grip for students who are still learning their grip, a slim iPad cover for a better writing angle, and headphones (Scribble gives audio feedback while the student writes).
Install or request Scribble
The install path depends on who manages the iPad.
School-managed iPad
If the iPad is managed by the school, Scribble should be deployed through the school's device-management process. Do not rely on a manual App Store install as the primary setup path for a managed device. Open a ticket with Support and share the Serial Number.
Family-managed iPad
If the family manages the iPad directly, install Scribble from the App Store:
- Open the App Store on the iPad.
- Open Scribble - Learn Cursive.
Tip: If Scribble does not appear as installable, see the "Check the iPad" section to confirm that the iPad is compatible. - Download and finish installing.
Contacting Support is still vital to set up your account in Scribble.
Sign in as the student
After Scribble is installed and the Apple Pencil is ready, sign in with the student's school account.
- Open Scribble.
- Enter the student's school email address.
- Tap Continue.
- Choose Continue with Google.
- Enter the student's Google password and complete any Google prompts.
- Confirm that Scribble opens to the student's home page or lesson screen.
If the student is not enrolled or approved for Scribble yet, sign-in may not complete successfully. Confirm enrollment before repeated sign-in attempts.
5. Start the first practice session
Once the student reaches the Scribble home page or lesson screen:
- Make sure the Apple Pencil writes normally on the iPad.
- Keep the screen protector on during practice.
- Consider using headphones to hear Scribble's audio feedback clearly.
- Start with a short practice session. The recommendation is about 15 minutes per day, at least 3 days per week, for continued improvement.
If the setup does not work
Use the table below to decide what to check next.
| What you see | What to check |
|---|---|
| Scribble will not install from the App Store. |
See the "Check the iPad" section to confirm that the iPad is compatible. |
| The Apple Pencil does not write. | Confirm that the Pencil is the correct model for the iPad, paired, and charged. If using an A16 iPad, ensure you are using the required adapter. |
| Writing feels slippery or hard to control. | Consider the paper-feel screen protector and Pencil tip per the "Prepare the writing surface" section. |
| The student cannot sign in. | Confirm the student's email address, Google login, and internet connection. For family-managed iPads, ensure you request support to create an account for you |
If you need further assistance, please contact Support and share these details:
- Student name and school email address.
- iPad model, iPadOS version, and serial number.
- Apple Pencil model.
- Whether the Apple Pencil is paired and charged.
- Whether the screen protector and pencil tip are installed.
- If any error message appears, take a screenshot with the exact wording.
Manuel da Silva
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