Choose PencilGo if
- you want less screen time for your child, not more
- you want practice your child does on paper, with a pencil
- you want every subject, not only math and English
- you want the marking done for you, in about 5 minutes a day
PencilGoPencilGo vs Prodigy
A Prodigy alternative where practice comes first
We’re a group of parents who got tired of math games that are mostly game and very little math. So we built PencilGo: your child does real practice in every subject on paper, you scan the finished sheet, and PencilGo marks it and picks the next one. No screen time for your child. It’s free, with no card.
PencilGo and Prodigy side by side
| What you get | PencilGo | Prodigy |
|---|---|---|
| How learning happens | Printed worksheets your child does with a pencil, away from screens | Questions appear inside a fantasy role-playing game; answering them lets a player act in battles |
| Screen time for your child | None. Only a parent’s phone is used, to scan the finished sheet | The practice is an on-screen game |
| Subjects | Math, reading, writing, grammar, spelling, science and social studies | Math and English (language, reading and writing) |
| Grades | Preschool to Grade 5 | Math: grades 1–8. English: grades 1–6 |
| Works on paper | 1189 free printable worksheets | Members can print custom practice sheets |
| Checks the paper worksheet | Scan the finished page with your phone and PencilGo marks it and picks the next sheet | We didn’t find this feature |
| Price for families | Free. No card, no trial clock. | In-game questions are free; a paid membership adds extras such as goals and printable practice sheets |
| Reports for parents | Weekly email showing what your child practised and what comes next | Parent portal and a monthly report card |
How a PencilGo day works
Print today’s sheet
PencilGo picks it for your child’s grade and level, in every subject.
Your child works on paper
A pencil and a printed page. No tablet, no game, no screen time.
Scan the finished page
Take a photo with your phone. PencilGo marks it so you don’t have to.
The next sheet is ready
Picked from what your child got right and what needs another try. About 5 minutes a day for you.
Which one fits your family
Choose Prodigy if
- your child loves fantasy role-playing games
- you need math beyond Grade 5
- game-style practice on screen is what you want
Questions parents ask
How is PencilGo different from Prodigy?
In Prodigy, the math happens inside an on-screen game. PencilGo has no screen time for your child: they work on a printed worksheet, you scan it with your phone, and PencilGo marks it and picks the next sheet. PencilGo also covers writing, grammar, spelling, science and social studies.
How much of my time does it take?
About 5 minutes a day. Print the sheet PencilGo picked, and scan it when your child is done. PencilGo does the marking and chooses what comes next.
Who made PencilGo?
A group of parents who got tired of math games that are mostly game and very little math. We built the routine we wanted for our own kids: real practice on paper, marked for us.
Is PencilGo free?
Yes. Printable worksheets, daily sheet plans, scan checking and weekly reports are free for families and teachers today, with no card.
Can a teacher use it with a whole class?
Yes. Teachers snap a photo of a stack of worksheets, and PencilGo marks them, shows who’s stuck on what and suggests each student’s next sheet.
Real practice, on paper.
Free, no card. Add your child and PencilGo sets up the plan.
Start freeProdigy, Prodigy Math and Prodigy English are trademarks of Prodigy Education Inc. PencilGo is not affiliated with or endorsed by Prodigy Education. Details about Prodigy come from its public parent page as of October 22, 2026.