Getting Started with Penstone
Two short videos and the written steps below show how to open Penstone Writing, try a free lesson, and join a class if your teacher gave you a code.
Getting started
Do steps 1 to 4 the first time. After that, just sign in and tap your name.
Sign in, or make a free account
Go to My Apps and tap Penstone Writing. If you are not signed in, tap Sign in.
New here? Tap Create a free account and make one with your email. It is free, and you need it to save your work.
Add the student's first name
Penstone asks Who is writing today? Type the student's first name and tap Add.
Use the same name every time. Each student's work is saved under their name, so a different spelling starts a new, empty profile.
Open the writing lessons
On the Penstone home screen, tap Step-by-step writing lessons, then choose the grade at the top.
Try the free lesson
The first Key Word Notes lesson in every grade is free, start to finish. Look for the green 1 FREE LESSON label. To open every lesson in a grade, get that grade from the store.
Have a class code? Join your class
On the Penstone home screen, tap Join a class. Type the code exactly as your teacher gave it (it has a dash in the middle, like ALL-7KQ4M) and tap Join. You only do this once.
Your class name and your teacher's name then show at the top, and every lesson your class includes is open. Tap Messages to write to your teacher.
Next time
Open Student Home, tap the student's name, then tap Penstone Writing. The work is right where it was left.
Put Cornerstone on your home screen (once)
On Student Home, open How to put Cornerstone on any device. It has the steps for iPad and iPhone, Android, Windows and Chromebook, and Mac. After that, Cornerstone opens like an app.
Good to know
- Each student needs their own name. Students in a class need their own free account and email.
- A student can be in one class at a time.
- Forgot to sign in? Your work only saves while you are signed in.
- Questions? Email Cornerstone Academics. We're glad to help.