We all want to set our kids up for success, especially when it comes to school. But with all the advice out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Here’s one simple way to give your student an edge this year: Combine the power of 'old-school' handwritten notes with the magic of modern study tools. Seriously — this combo works.
This article is sponsored by Five Star.®
Want Better Grades? Pick Up a Pen
Turns out, your kid’s notebook might be more powerful than you think. A 2024 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that handwriting activates more areas of the brain than typing, helping students stay focused and actually retain what they’re learning.
Other studies back this up: Writing things down by hand builds critical thinking, boosts memory, and increases engagement.
The bottom line: Writing things down = Brain power.
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Link It Up With Digital Tools
Of course, today’s students also need flexibility, and that’s where digital study tools shine. When kids pair handwritten notes with tools that let them organize and review digitally, they get the best of both worlds:
🧠 Retention from handwriting
📱 Organization and accessibility from tech
Together, this approach helps students stay on top of assignments, manage their time, and actually understand what they’re learning ... not just cram for the test.
Why Five Star® Is the Smart Choice
Five Star has been trusted by students and parents for 40+ years for one big reason: Their products actually hold up. Every Five Star product even comes with a one-year guarantee, because if it doesn't hold up, they'll make it right. The guarantee does not cover damage due to misuse or abuse (so if your kid launches their notebook across the cafeteria like a flying saucer disc, that one’s on them 😂).
Here’s why families keep choosing Five Star:
- No ink bleed = More usable writing space
- Water-resistant covers = Notes stay safe
- Reinforced pockets = No more paper avalanches
And now? Five Star has leveled up their gear with the FREE Five Star Study App, which turns handwritten notes into instant digital flashcards.
Here’s how it works:
- Flag: Shade in the triangles on specially designed Five Star paper.
- Scan: Use your phone to capture the page.
- Create & Organize: Tweak text or adjust scans as needed. Sort notes and flashcards by subject.
- Study: Sync notes and flashcards to study anywhere, anytime.
It’s like having a personal study assistant in your pocket.
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Get the FREE Five Star Study App now!
👉🏽 Apple App Store
👉🏽 Google Play Store
Where to Grab Five Star
You’ll find the full line of Five Star products (with that one-year durability guarantee!) at:
- Walmart, Target, Staples, Office Depot, and other major retailers
- Amazon and other online retailers
- The official Five Star website – fivestarbuiltstrong.com
The bottom line: Handwritten notes on paper = brainpower.
