Search for: fix it grammar
Fix It! Grammar for Internationals
I am excited to share a new way to use Fix It! Grammar that I have discovered this year. Starting with Book 1, The Nose Tree,... read more
Fix It! Grammar: Digging Deeper
Last week we answered some of your general questions about Fix It! Grammar. This week we thought we’d take a closer look at each of the books in the series and go a... read more
Introducing the New Fix It! Grammar
Since 2007, teachers and students have delighted in Fix It! Grammar. One of the most appreciated outcomes from using the program has been the ability students have gained to apply their new grammar... read more
Getting Started with Fix It! Grammar
On Day 4 of IEW’s Twelve Days of Christmas Giving, IEW is giving the perfect gift for helping new and veteran IEW families and teachers tackle the often-daunting task of implementing grammar with... read more
Assessing Student Growth with Fix It! Grammar
Teachers in school classrooms need opportunities for assessing student growth whether by traditional tests or by some other assessment. Educational assessments are methods of measuring students' learning and progress. They are essential tools... read more
Fix It! Grammar: Practice That Leads to Mastery
Practice, practice, practice. Mastery of any skill takes practice—lots of it. Musicians repeat scales and basketball players run drills. Until the skills have been practiced enough to gain muscle memory to perfect the... read more
Learn about the New Fix It! Grammar, Fourth Edition: Podcast Episode 303
Happy New Year! For the first podcast of 2022, Julie Walker invited Denise Kelley into the recording studio to discuss the exciting launch of the fourth edition of Fix It! Grammar. As Senior... read more
The Making of Fix It!: IEW Author and Grammar Guru Pamela White
Pamela White is IEW’s “grammar guru.” Author of the popular Fix It! Grammar series and IEW’s online department head for Level C classes, Pamela recently sat down with us to talk about how she... read more
Why Grammar?
The three R’s—reading, writing, and arithmetic—are generally agreed to be the foundation upon which all other subjects, including science and history, are laid. But buried within the writing component is the thing we... read more
Saving Grammar
“Grammar is important. Language should be precise. We must teach it well. However, let us not be confused or distracted by feeling a need to teach formal grammar too soon to children who... read more
Take It “EZ+1”
As educators we have a lot to keep track of. Planning lessons, grading, evaluating progress, and communicating with students and parents require our time and attention. Now add to these tasks the typical... read more
It Keeps Getting Better
When teachers logged into their IEW® Gradebook accounts this July, one comment summed it up best: “It just keeps getting better!” That’s because IEW Gradebook's latest 2.0 update is more than a polished... read more
Is grammar boring?
Do your students hate grammar? Do they think it’s boring, confusing, or pointless? Do you? If so, I want to recommend some fantastic picture books that will help spark an interest in even... read more
Is it worth the time?
Why watch IEW's parent/teacher training course? Have you ever wondered why IEW’s core product is a parent/teacher training course? Busy homeschoolers often ask, “Couldn’t I just watch the student DVD courses with my children... read more
Answering Your Grammar Questions
IEW’s Customer Service team often receives grammar questions from customers. Most often these questions have to do with why something is marked a certain way in Fix It!® Grammar. Occasionally, we are asked... read more
Grammar on the Go
If you missed the gifts given for Day 12, you can still access the digital 2023 edition of the Magnum Opus Magazine. On the twelfth and final day of IEW’s Twelve Days of Christmas... read more
Getting to the Root of It
The English language is a challenging one to learn. This difficulty primarily stems from the fact that English is a melting pot of words that come from other languages. While there are influences... read more
Furnishing the Mind with Grammar
This year at IEW, we are focusing on furnishing the mind. Just as we arrange furniture in our homes to create a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment, the mind too requires intentional furnishing.... read more
Engaging Grammar That Students Enjoy
If you missed the gifts given for Day 4, you can still access these resources: Free Grammar Lessons Podcast Episode 228: The Great Grammar Give and Take, Part 1 Podcast Episode 229: The Great Grammar Give... read more
Grammar Check: Affect or Effect?
Words are funny little things. Each letter matters. Words that sound alike, called homophones (homo = same, phone = sound), have different spellings and different meanings. As such, they are easily confusable and... read more
Grammar Check: Farther or Further?
“I have come home at last! This is my real country! I belong here. This is the land I have been looking for all my life, though I never knew it till now...Come... read more
Reinforcing Grammar Concepts in Students’ Writing
As a homeschooling mom, co-op teacher, and now a classroom teacher, I have found that Fix It!™ Grammar is the most practical and painless way to teach and learn grammar. In Andrew Pudewa’s... read more
But . . . but . . . but . . . What about Grammar?
Everyone has opinions about grammar. Because grammar is foundational to writing, IEW is often asked about the teaching of grammar. In his talk But . . . but . . . but .... read more
Writing across the Curriculum and Why It Matters
In her 1977 article “Writing as a Mode of Learning,” Janet Emig states, “Writing serves learning uniquely because writing as process-and-product possesses a cluster of attributes that correspond uniquely to certain powerful learning... read more
A Conversation about Grammar: Podcast Episode 181
March is National Grammar month, so for this month we have been highlighting the topic in our blog as well as on Facebook. Our podcast is no different, and in Podcast Episode 181,... read more
You Don’t Have to Like It: Podcast Episode 291
Over the decades that Andrew Pudewa has been speaking to teachers and parents, he has heard many of them make one of these two statements: I just want my students to enjoy writing. I just... read more
Co-op teachers: Make it your best year yet!
I love the sound of children giggling as they work together to choose a quality adjective or come up with a witty alliteration. If you are planning to teach IEW in a homeschool... read more
The Grammar of Everyday Phrases: Part 1
Any time or anytime? Every day or everyday? A while or awhile? There are so many of these types of homophones. They’re easy enough to use in speech, but have you ever wondered... read more
The Grammar of Everyday Phrases: Part 2
Although speaking English comes naturally to most native speakers, writing it can sometimes feel fraught with potential pitfalls. If you have ever paused after writing a word or a phrase and wondered if... read more
Grammar and Thinking in the Age of AI
Of the skills that produce a well-written essay, IEW’s top two, structure and style, are certainly key linchpins. Equally important, however, is the often misunderstood art of grammar. If you express a worthy thought... read more
Less or Fewer? A Baker’s Experiment in Grammar
These days, it seems that I am perpetually in my home. I suspect many of us are. Being in my home more, I find I am eating more meals in my home as... read more
Where It All Began – IEW’s Founding and Mission: Podcast Episode 329
Andrew Pudewa is the founder and director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing and has been teaching writing for over thirty years. What some people might not know, however, is that Andrew’s... read more
Why Great Grammar Doesn’t Guarantee Great Writers: Podcast Episode 304
In this week’s podcast, Episode 304, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss grammar and its role in the writing process. Relating the findings of research, Andrew shares that teaching grammar explicitly was not... read more
Jill’s Gems: The Art of Invention: Breaking It Down into Meaningful Steps
Enjoy Jill Pike's concrete response to a parent’s recent request for help regarding the art of invention. Inventive writing is difficult because it begins with a blank page—what to write? This is why IEW... read more
The Great Grammar Give and Take, Part 2: Podcast Episode 229
In the current episode, podcast Episode 229, of The Arts of Language Podcast, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker continue their conversation about grammar, this time focusing more specifically on Fix It! Grammar. Beginning... read more
The Great Grammar Give and Take, Part 1: Podcast Episode 228
The summer months are a period of preparation for educators and teaching parents. Curriculum considerations and decisions dominate during this time. One area where our customer service team fields a lot of questions... read more
Special Education Series: Structure and Style™ and Language-Based Learning Difficulties, Part 2: Teaching Grammar
by Linda Mikottis and Jean Nichols In part one of this series, we described the importance of a multi-sensory approach to language development and how IEW’s Structure and Style™ key word outline method incorporates... read more
Launching the Foundations of Literacy through Structure and Style in Grades K–2 Foundation #2: Building Grammar Skills with Poetry
In Part 1 of this series on IEW’s primary materials, we discussed poetry as a powerful tool in language development, specifically in building language skills and boosting reading comprehension. Part 2 examines the... read more
Punctuation Marks: Colons and Semicolons
Look closely at the title. Why is there a colon? How does a colon differ from a semicolon? Fix It! Grammar has the answers, and students who use the grammar program will not only... read more
Learn about IEW’s Online Classes: Podcast Episode 328
While Andrew was out of the office this past week, Julie invited Denise Kelley into the podcast recording studio. Because Denise serves as IEW’s senior project manager, The Arts of Language Podcast has... read more
Comma Quandary: The #3 Sentence Opener
An essential part of using IEW’s stylish sentence openers is knowing when and where to add commas. In response to a customer question, Pamela White, Accomplished IEW Instructor and author of the fabulous... read more
Powerful Courses for College Preparation
In many ways, the high school years are a staging ground for adulthood. For some students high school represents the culmination of their formal education. For others the high school years are preparatory,... read more
Onboarding Students Who Join Midyear
School has started, and Mrs. Jones’s students are steadily improving as they move through the structural units. They’ve also learned the -ly adverb, who/which clause, and strong verb dress-ups. All is going well!... read more
Punctuation Matters!
Many of us have seen the meme, Let’s eat Grandma! It’s a powerful reminder how a tiny little punctuation mark, the comma, imparts so much significance to a sentence. A serene little comma... read more
Teacher Spotlight: Amy Bell, Crescenza Studio
Amy Bell is the founder of Crescenza Studio, where she and a team of teachers offer private tutoring, writing classes, and other courses covering various subjects. Amy’s background as a writer and music... read more
Style Check: Learning about the -ly Adverb
In IEW’s list of stylistic techniques, the first dress-up students learn and practice is the -ly adverb. One of the eight parts of speech, adverbs modify (add information to) verbs, adjectives, or other... read more
Popular Questions at Our First Facebook Party
Last night we launched our first “Facebook Party,” an event that included over five hundred parents and educators. Andrew Pudewa and other IEW commentators were among the participants as they answered some challenging... read more
IEW Curriculum Aligns with State Standards
School teachers and curriculum directors often call IEW’s Schools Division asking if our curriculum meets state educational standards. Some schools or charter schools are not allowed to recommend items if they are not... read more
Where Are They Now? Rachel Averitt: Pursuing a Path Towards Law School
# Meet Rachel Averitt. Rachel was homeschooled through the sixth grade and then began attending a small Christian school in Oklahoma called Mingo Valley Christian, where she first encountered writing with IEW. This past spring... read more
Choosing a Package: Structure and Style for Students
A common question that IEW’s customer service team receives is “What is the difference between the Structure and Style® for Students packages?” Trying to discern the differences from the pictures on the website... read more
It’s a Wrap!
With the final day of IEW’s Twelve Days of Christmas Giving event only recently completed, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the days and to thank all of you who... read more
Catching Up with Janet Spitler: Podcast Episode 129
# # In our latest podcast, Julie Walker had the opportunity to catch up with Janet Spitler, and that’s no easy feat! Janet is IEW’s Senior Educational Consultant for the Schools Division and is devotedly... read more
Checking the Boxes for High School Credit
Many of our customers reach out to customer service as their student approaches high school. They want to be sure that our materials will count for a language arts credit on a high... read more
A Helping Hand for Home-Based Instruction: Free Language Arts Lessons from IEW
With all that is happening in the world and across the United States, IEW wanted to do what we could to help in some small way. That’s why today’s post is a bit... read more
Demystifying Verbals: Gaining Clarity on Infinitives, Participles, and Gerunds
One of the elements in the stylistic techniques list is the strong verb. A strong verb is a verb that works in place of a more mundane alternative. The strong verb provides a... read more
Editing Made Easy
If you missed the gifts given for Day 9, you can still access these resources: Podcast Episode 333: Letter to the Editor “How do I grade my student’s writing?” is a question that IEW receives... read more
Taking a Look at IEW’s 2022 Online Class Offerings
With the arrival of June, many parents are beginning to plan in earnest for the upcoming school year. If you have thought about having your students participate in an online class, we would... read more
Stylistic Techniques: More about the Strong Verb
In a blog post last week, I introduced the strong verb dress-up. The third dress-up to be introduced, the strong verb constructs a clearer visual image of the action in the reader’s mind.... read more
Where are They Now? Alayna Mitchell: A Passion for Writing
Occasionally we get calls from parents of older children who are just starting out with IEW. They are worried that their students are starting too late for it to really work well. Alayna... read more
Usage: Eminent or Imminent?
Homophones, words that sound the same but that have different spellings or meanings or both, can be tricky to remember. Some of the earliest homophones students learn are its and it’s as well... read more
Are -ing Words Verbs or Adjectives?
Students commonly struggle to mark -ing words correctly in papers and in Fix It! Grammar. Students who ask the right questions can know with certainty if an -ing word functions as a verb... read more
Apostrophes and Their Applications
Apostrophes are important little punctuation marks. Most people know that they can be used in different ways. For example, one of their functions is to indicate that letters or numbers have been removed:... read more
Where Are They Now? Carly Torres: Confident in College
IEW® writing method works in a variety of environments. Many students encounter it in their homeschools. Others, though, learn to write using IEW materials in different settings. Carly Torres first experienced IEW at... read more
Dual Enrollment with IEW
We are thrilled to share with you this fabulous news: High school students can now earn dual credit for both Comp I and Comp II (a total of six credit hours) when they... read more
Edit with a Smile
Teaching writing would be my favorite job if it weren’t for grading. When a student hands in a composition and a teacher sees all the mistakes, how does one avoid the inevitable frustration?... read more
Premium Membership: Continually Adding Teacher Resources
Investing in IEW’s Premium Membership is an investment in yourself as well as your students. Several fabulous perks have been added to the already robust compendium of support for teachers of Structure and... read more
Structure and Style for Students: What’s in the Box?
By now you’ve likely heard the buzz about Structure and Style for Students, IEW’s new video-based student course. Every day, our customer service team receives calls from teachers considering which level of the... read more
Contrived and Enforced Relevancy: Podcast Episode 166
In Podcast 164 Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker began a discussion about the four forms of relevancy. In the first podcast on this topic, they focused on the highest form of relevancy, intrinsic... read more
Customer Service Answers: A Little Help along the Way
At IEW we want the courses we provide to be ones that will excite and engage both you and your student. In order to help support you as you teach your children, we... read more
The Journey’s End: Written Communication
Which IEW courses will help prepare your students for writing at the collegiate level? Most colleges expect students to be able to write proficiently. Across academia, professors often assign essays to gauge their... read more
Receive dual enrollment credit for Comp I and Comp II with IEW!
We are thrilled to share with you this fabulous news: High school students can now earn dual credit for both Comp I and Comp II (a total of six credit hours) when they... read more
Usage: Lay or Lie?
Lay versus lie. These two verbs perennially perplex even the most astute grammarian in terms of correct usage. Hopefully in today’s blog post, we can help you feel more confident as you use... read more
Stylistic Techniques: The Who/Which Clause
After students learn how to insert a -ly adverb, the next stylistic technique they learn to construct is a who/which clause, a type of adjective clause. In grammar, a clause has two parts:... read more
“Motivated to Write”: Tutor Testimonial from Kathleen Van Every
The month of October marks National Learning Disabilities Month as well as Dyslexia Awareness Month. This year on IEW’s blog, we are commemorating these events in a number of different ways. Throughout the... read more
Teaching Writing Can Be Easier Than You Think! Podcast Episode 277
In June IEW presented its second annual Online Writing Conference. Attended by people from all around the world, the conference offered education and support for teachers, administrators, parents, and students. In this week’s... read more
Planning an IEW Lesson for Multiple Grades
We live in a time where there are many options for educating our students. Since the pandemic more and more families have chosen to educate their children in nontraditional settings. Many of these... read more
Ready, Steady, Start!
Believe it or not, it is almost time to start back to school. In one form or another, whether it be traditional brick and mortar, a hybrid approach, online, or at home, the... read more
“A Remarkable Leap Forward”: Tutor Testimonial from Sherry Grubbs
It has been a tremendous blessing to have discovered IEW early on in my homeschooling journey. With over twenty-one years in the trenches so far, I am still homeschooling... read more
Celebrating 500 Podcast Episodes
Celebrate Episode 500 of the Arts of Language podcast with Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker. There is so much to celebrate that it took three parts to talk about it all! In part one... read more
Perfecting Pieces for Publication—An Interview with Maria Gerber
Behind every great writer is a great editor. This holds true for nearly all great authors, and for us at IEW. IEW has a small but sharp team of editors who work on... read more
Where Are They Now? IEW Intern Kaitlyn Butts
This summer, our IEW team grew by a few more people—college interns who have been helping in a variety of ways around the office. One of these special people is Kaitlyn Butts. Enjoy... read more
Pursuing College in a Whole New Way – A Conversation with Dr. Nicholas Ellis: Podcast Episode 331
Recently Dr. Nicholas Ellis paid a visit to IEW’s campus in Bixby, Oklahoma. Dr. Ellis is the founder and CEO of Christian Halls International (CHI), and Andrew and Julie were honored to welcome... read more
IEW’s Highest Level of Student Support
Registration for Fall 2025 opens April 1, 2025. IEW® Online, which started in 2011 with just two instructors and a handful of classes, is not just another online writing class. Our foray into the... read more
IEW Tools for the Journey: IEW Online Classes
As part of IEW’s continued commitment to providing parents and teachers with help for the journey of training students to be confident and competent communicators and thinkers, we are presenting a series of... read more
From Imitation to Innovation: Teaching writing can be easier than you think!
This past Saturday, people from all around the world gathered together virtually to participate in IEW’s online writing conference, From Imitation to Innovation. It was a day filled with inspiring instruction and useful... read more
Premium Membership: Meaningful Support for Busy Educators
Whether during summertime or school time, teachers and parents are busy. Inevitably, there’s always another errand to run, room to tidy, or event to attend. With all of the activities vying for our... read more
Securing Your Oxygen Mask
In the somewhat musty memories tucked into the corners of my mind, I can vaguely recall my thoughts about homeschooling before I took the plunge. Perhaps I had a bit of hubris, but... read more
Where Are They Now? Jessica Andress—Entrepreneur, Editor, and College Student
Our latest “Where Are They Now Student,” Jessica Andress, is a bit of a Renaissance gal. At her young age she has done a number of interesting things, including serving as a church... read more
Why Hire an Editor?
F. Scott Fitzgerald had Maxwell Perkins. For that matter, Ernest Hemingway did as well. Harper Lee had Tay Hohoff. While Fitzgerald, Hemingway, and Lee are well-recognized authors, you likely are unfamiliar with the... read more
Theme-Based or Video-Based? Either Is a Win-Win!
Whether you use one of IEW’s theme-based courses or a Structure and Style for Students video-based course, it is a win-win for your students. While both use a spiral method to teach the... read more
Identifying the Function of Past Participles
A recent blog post discussed the different functions that a participle ending in -ing can have. More confusion may arise when a participle ends in -ed. A past participle is formed by adding... read more
Homophones, Homographs, and Homonyms: How do they differ?
In the very first lesson of the very first level of Fix It! Grammar: Level 1 Nose Tree, students are asked to select the correct word from among three homophones: there, their, and... read more
Tutoring with IEW—A Win-Win!
IEW is taught across homes and schools all around the world. Often it is a teacher or parent who guides students through the IEW approach to writing, but tutors who meet with students... read more
From the Forums: Teachers Making a Difference
“We now must exhort each other; let us continue to train our students in the use of this great weaponry—the skills of written and spoken English, so that when the crises arise, we... read more
How to Progress: Structure and Style for Students
Structure and Style® for Students (SSS) video-based courses build on each other. Although many begin at Level A, older students who have used other curricula may begin at Year 1 of Level B... read more
To hyphenate or not to hyphenate, that is the question.
The humble hyphen ( ‐ ) is a subdued punctuation mark indicated by a short dash line. It serves a number of purposes grammatically, many of which we will take a look at... read more
Observations of an IEW Online Class
IEW Online classes are a perfect option for students who want to work through the Structure and Style for Students program but whose parents would prefer someone else to review the students’ work. The... read more
Where Are They Now? Oliver Mauser: College, Construction, and Effective Communication
From time to time we enjoy highlighting former structure and style students to showcase their achievements both academically and professionally. Students who learn this writing method are able to confidently use the skills... read more
On Marking and Grading
Parents and teachers who use IEW’s approach to teaching writing love it. Structure and Style®️ provides the direction and framework, making the job of teaching writing concrete and enjoyable for instructor and student... read more
A Parent’s Perspective: The Value of Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
Recently in IEW’s official Facebook Group, mom Marcela B. wrote a post in which she explained how valuable she found the teacher training she received in Teaching Writing: Structure and Style to be.... read more
Nurture Communication—Build Vocabulary!
Every year, new words are added to the dictionary. In 2018, for instance, words like “bougie,” “bingeable,” and “predictive” were added by Merriam-Webster. But did you know that behind the scenes there is... read more
Words That Shape Minds
“People laugh at me because I use big words. But if you have big ideas, you have to use big words to express them, haven't you?” Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery) Throughout this... read more
Parent and Student Perspectives: Structure and Style for Students: Renee’s and Benjamin’s Views
Recently we had the opportunity to catch up with one of the Level A Structure and Style Students along with his mother. Benjamin participated in both years of the Level A course, and... read more
Parent and Student Perspectives: Structure and Style for Students: Jenny’s, Eli’s, and Caleb’s Views
As a mom of two students who participated in the filming of IEW’s new Structure and Style Students, Jenny observed first-hand the difference that Structure and Style made in her boys’ writing. Caleb... read more
An Invaluable Resource: The 2018–2019 Updated Premium Membership
Value. As professionals and parents, we yearn to find value not only in the way we teach our students, but also in the materials we purchase to assist us in those efforts. And... read more
Teaching IEW in a Classical Homeschool Cooperative
Frederick East Classical, a relatively new homeschool cooperative, is taking central Maryland by storm. In its inaugural year alone, many families flocked to it, filling it to capacity. Structured using a classical approach,... read more
Support for a Memorable Year Ahead
The year 2020 has certainly been extraordinary. In early spring we were plunged into a worldwide pandemic that we are still trying to navigate. In response to the interruption of schools and the... read more
Wrestling with Words
“Why do I have to underline the dress-ups?” Any parent or teacher who has used the Structure and Style® methodology for any length of time has undoubtedly heard these words, usually in a... read more
I Learned English in a Latin Classroom
It is said that English is one of the hardest languages to learn. It breaks its own rules more than it follows them, and the rules it does follow can be confusing. However,... read more
Taking a Peek into Windows to the World
IEW’s pathway features a great progression of coursework to help your students develop their writing skills, but those are not the only courses IEW has. Additionally IEW offers materials that support all components... read more
Announcing IEW’s 2022 Summer Conference
Spring is in the air. How can you tell? Birds are building nests, trees are beginning to bud, and conferences for teachers and parents are starting to occur all over the country. Andrew... read more
A New Option in College Prep Testing: The Classic Learning Test
For many years there have been two primary diagnostic exams for students preparing to attend college, the SAT® and the ACT®. Now, though, there is a new exam available that is an even... read more
Ask Andrew Anything: Podcast Episode 130
Every ten episodes of The Arts of Language Podcast is extra special. On those occasions, Andrew takes the opportunity to answer your questions that come in through Podcast@IEW.com. It’s an enjoyable podcast to... read more
‘Tis the Season for Fun and Games!
Now that we are in the holiday season and are rapidly approaching the mid-point in our school year, it’s a great time to throw a party—an IEW party, that is! Over in our... read more
The Story of a Story
My connection with the Lee family began with a phone call. One of IEW’s customer service agents spoke with a woman about her daughters who were interested in becoming accredited IEW instructors—at the... read more
Special Education Series: Structure and Style™ and Language-Based Learning Difficulties, Part 3: The Checklist
by Linda Mikottis and Jean Nichols In the previous post in this series, we compared traditional methods for teaching grammar with those used in IEW’s Structure and Style™ process that are more successful and... read more
A Bookish Discussion, Part 3: Podcast Episode 285
With podcast Episode 285 Andrew Pudewa concludes recounting the accumulated twenty-year tally of his “Best Book of the Year List.” To listen to the first two episodes, visit the links here for Episode... read more
Letter to the Editor: Podcast Episode 333
In Andrew’s classroom he requests that his students hire an editor to look over and mark up their rough drafts prior to turning them in. In fact, Andrew has even written a letter... read more
Writing, a Model That Imitates Life: Teacher Testimonial from Johannah Mackin
We recently received this powerful testimonial from Johanna Mackin, a middle school teacher in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Hoping that it will inspire other teachers, we are pleased to be able to share it with... read more
Teaching Structure and Style Virtually with Fidelity
As educators continue to adjust to life COVID-19, the difficult reality is that 5-day-a-week traditional schools that were teaching in person may once again be moving to virtual instruction. I taught for over... read more
Filling Your Educational Bucket
Summer. It’s a season to rest and recover from the hard work of being an educator, right? Whether you are a five-day-a-week teacher in a brick and mortar school, a co-op facilitator teaching... read more
Getting Started with Writing Across the Curriculum
On Day 3 of Twelve Days of Christmas Giving, IEW is giving you a three-week sample from Writing Across the Curriculum. Be sure you are registered for the event to receive the email... read more
Changing Someone’s Mind – the Power of Persuasive Writing: Podcast Episode 307
What is an essay? How is it distinguished from a report? Why is it important to teach our students how to write persuasively? And how do we help our students transition from writing... read more
Understanding Idioms
Idioms. We use them in our everyday conversations, but because they are so ingrained into our language structure, we rarely stop to give them a thought. If you had asked me to define... read more
Getting Started with Primary Materials
On Day 6 of IEW’s Twelve Days of Christmas Giving, we offer several gifts to help with your youngest learners. Be sure you are registered for the event to receive the email with... read more
Getting Started with Primary Materials
On Day 6 of IEW’s Twelve Days of Christmas Giving, we offer several gifts to help with your youngest learners. Be sure you are registered for the event to receive the email with... read more
“Equipping Your Student with Secret Weapons for the Fall”: Podcast Episode 194
School’s out! Time to put away the books and forget about school for a few precious, sun-drenched, fun-filled months, right? Wrong! And in Podcast Episode 194, Andrew and Julie talk about why. As... read more
Compose or Comprise? A Dictionary Investigation
Which words correctly fill in the blanks? Fifty states ________________ the Union. (compose, comprise) The Supreme Court typically ______________ nine justices. (composes, comprises) Do you know the answers? If not, you’re in good company. Truth be... read more
Ask Andrew Anything: Podcast Episode 310
It’s that time again! Every tenth podcast is set aside so that listeners can “ask Andrew anything.” In podcast Episode 310 listeners asked the following questions: How do I know if I’m expecting too... read more
Exploring Homophones: Peek, Peak, and Pique
Some people collect stamps. Others search out rocks or spoons. I love to collect homophones. First off they’re free for the scooping up. Secondly they make me feel smarter. Finally they don’t need... read more
Jill’s Gems: There is Value in the (Brain)storm
As we seek to teach stylistic techniques to our students, it is easy to search for ways to streamline the process. One of these temptations is the worksheet. Filled with practice sentences and... read more
Ask Andrew Anything: Podcast Episode 340
Another ten episodes have been recorded and launched, which means it’s time for another “Ask Andrew Anything!” This series is an opportunity for Andrew to directly answer questions posed by our podcast listeners.... read more
Where are they now? Jacob McDonald: Aspiring Screenwriter
Thanks to IEW and the Student Writing Intensive courses, which teach you how to write, not just what to write, I am able to express myself through my passion—screenwriting. IEW alum Jacob McDonald is a college student from... read more
Suffixing: The Doubling Rule
In the first blog post dedicated to suffixing, I addressed the dropping rule. This rule essentially states that one should drop the final nonsyllabic (silent) e before applying a vowel suffix. There are... read more
“I Don’t Want To, but I Will”—Beating the Mid-Semester Blues
It was a classic mid-spring semester burnout. Cold and cloudy got me feeling uninspired and unprepared, to the point I found myself intently hoping that the roads would be icy enough to provide... read more
Jill’s Gems: There is Value in the (Brain)storm
As we seek to teach stylistic techniques to our students, it is easy to search for ways to streamline the process. One of these temptations is the worksheet. Filled with practice sentences and... read more
Savoring the Sweetness of Summer
Doldrums. The word describes a feeling of lassitude or torpor and was derived from an area called the doldrums, located around the equator. Having very little air movement, sailing vessels can sometimes become... read more
Taking Time to Reflect: Am I a Better Thinker?
Have you been trekking along with us as we have spent the year focusing on how to think? It has been an amazing journey full of insightful podcasts and blog posts, all focusing... read more
Taking Notes with Unit 1
IEW teaches students to write with structure and with style. Style includes vocabulary. Structure is the elements found in compositions. Throughout the year, students progress through nine structural units. Every paper a student... read more
Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Spirit in Kids
In today’s blog post we welcome guest blogger Mark Baker, co-founder of Christian Homeschool Entrepreneurship, as he shares four important reasons why helping to create an entrepreneurial spirit in your kids is so... read more
Encouraging Creativity: Out of the Mouths of Babes
Our IEW forum is a robust community of parents, teachers, co-op facilitators, and hybrid school instructors all coming together to support one another in implementing IEW. Every once in a while, a forum... read more
IEW Accreditation: It’s Worth the Journey
In general, accreditation means official recognition that an individual, program, or institution meets certain established standards of quality. It’s a stamp of approval from an outside authority saying, “Yes, this meets the requirements... read more
Launching the Foundations of Literacy through Structure and Style™ in Grades K–2 Foundation #3: Teaching Phonics through Poetry
In this blog series, we’ve focused on how the lesson plans in IEW's primary classroom materials use poetry study and memorization as the launching point for building oral language and vocabulary. Poetry is... read more
Parent and Student Perspectives: Structure and Style for Students: Juhls’ and Hunter’s Views
One of the students who participated in Andrew Pudewa’s Level B Structure and Style for Students is Hunter. His mother is Juhls. We recently reached out to the pair to get their thoughts... read more
Jill’s Gems: Timed Essay Writing
It’s the height of summer. Summertime conjures thoughts of lazy days spent escaping the heat in the community swimming pool, binge reading a favorite book series in the icy cold air conditioning of... read more
The Benefits of Entering Writing Contests
I started IEW when my twins were in fifth grade. I bought my Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (TWSS) in the spring. Truth be told, I was a little intimidated to begin, so... read more
Getting Started with Structure and Style for Students
On Day 2 of IEW’s Twelve Days of Christmas Giving, we spotlight getting started with writing using IEW’s video courses. IEW’s mission is to equip teachers and teaching parents with methods and materials... read more
A New Box of Crayons
As an adult, I still associate going back to school with a particular scent—the aroma of a freshly opened box of sixty-four crayons. And at the end of the summer, when I’m shopping... read more
Launching the Foundations of Literacy through Structure and Style in Grades K–2 Foundation #1: Language Development through Poetry
IEW’s instructional materials for the primary grades are based on the proven methods of the Institute for Excellence in Writing’s Structure and Style approach and are inspired by the language development activities of... read more
Fix It! Grammar for Internationals
I am excited to share a new way to use Fix It! Grammar that... read more
Fix It! Grammar: Digging Deeper
Last week we answered some of your general questions about Fix It! Grammar. This week we thought we’d take a closer... read more
Introducing the New Fix It! Grammar
Since 2007, teachers and students have delighted in Fix It! Grammar. One of the most appreciated outcomes from using the program... read more
Getting Started with Fix It! Grammar
On Day 4 of IEW’s Twelve Days of Christmas Giving, IEW is giving the perfect gift for helping new and veteran... read more
Assessing Student Growth with Fix It! Grammar
Teachers in school classrooms need opportunities for assessing student growth whether by traditional tests or by some other assessment. Educational assessments... read more
Fix It! Grammar: Practice That Leads to Mastery
Practice, practice, practice. Mastery of any skill takes practice—lots of it. Musicians repeat scales and basketball players run drills. Until the... read more
Learn about the New Fix It! Grammar, Fourth Edition: Podcast Episode 303
Happy New Year! For the first podcast of 2022, Julie Walker invited Denise Kelley into the recording studio to discuss the... read more
The Making of Fix It!: IEW Author and Grammar Guru Pamela White
Pamela White is IEW’s “grammar guru.” Author of the popular Fix It! Grammar series and IEW’s online department head for Level C... read more
Why Grammar?
The three R’s—reading, writing, and arithmetic—are generally agreed to be the foundation upon which all other subjects, including science and history,... read more
Saving Grammar
“Grammar is important. Language should be precise. We must teach it well. However, let us not be confused or distracted by... read more
Take It “EZ+1”
As educators we have a lot to keep track of. Planning lessons, grading, evaluating progress, and communicating with students and parents... read more
It Keeps Getting Better
When teachers logged into their IEW® Gradebook accounts this July, one comment summed it up best: “It just keeps getting better!”... read more
Is grammar boring?
Do your students hate grammar? Do they think it’s boring, confusing, or pointless? Do you? If so, I want to recommend... read more
Is it worth the time?
Why watch IEW's parent/teacher training course? Have you ever wondered why IEW’s core product is a parent/teacher training course? Busy homeschoolers often... read more
Answering Your Grammar Questions
IEW’s Customer Service team often receives grammar questions from customers. Most often these questions have to do with why something is... read more
Grammar on the Go
If you missed the gifts given for Day 12, you can still access the digital 2023 edition of the Magnum Opus... read more
Getting to the Root of It
The English language is a challenging one to learn. This difficulty primarily stems from the fact that English is a melting... read more
Furnishing the Mind with Grammar
This year at IEW, we are focusing on furnishing the mind. Just as we arrange furniture in our homes to create... read more
Engaging Grammar That Students Enjoy
If you missed the gifts given for Day 4, you can still access these resources: Free Grammar Lessons Podcast Episode 228: The Great... read more
Grammar Check: Affect or Effect?
Words are funny little things. Each letter matters. Words that sound alike, called homophones (homo = same, phone = sound), have... read more
Grammar Check: Farther or Further?
“I have come home at last! This is my real country! I belong here. This is the land I have been... read more
Reinforcing Grammar Concepts in Students’ Writing
As a homeschooling mom, co-op teacher, and now a classroom teacher, I have found that Fix It!™ Grammar is the most... read more
But . . . but . . . but . . . What about Grammar?
Everyone has opinions about grammar. Because grammar is foundational to writing, IEW is often asked about the teaching of grammar. In... read more
Writing across the Curriculum and Why It Matters
In her 1977 article “Writing as a Mode of Learning,” Janet Emig states, “Writing serves learning uniquely because writing as process-and-product... read more
A Conversation about Grammar: Podcast Episode 181
March is National Grammar month, so for this month we have been highlighting the topic in our blog as well as... read more
You Don’t Have to Like It: Podcast Episode 291
Over the decades that Andrew Pudewa has been speaking to teachers and parents, he has heard many of them make one... read more
Co-op teachers: Make it your best year yet!
I love the sound of children giggling as they work together to choose a quality adjective or come up with a... read more
The Grammar of Everyday Phrases: Part 1
Any time or anytime? Every day or everyday? A while or awhile? There are so many of these types of homophones.... read more
The Grammar of Everyday Phrases: Part 2
Although speaking English comes naturally to most native speakers, writing it can sometimes feel fraught with potential pitfalls. If you have... read more
Grammar and Thinking in the Age of AI
Of the skills that produce a well-written essay, IEW’s top two, structure and style, are certainly key linchpins. Equally important, however,... read more
Less or Fewer? A Baker’s Experiment in Grammar
These days, it seems that I am perpetually in my home. I suspect many of us are. Being in my home... read more
Where It All Began – IEW’s Founding and Mission: Podcast Episode 329
Andrew Pudewa is the founder and director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing and has been teaching writing for over... read more
Why Great Grammar Doesn’t Guarantee Great Writers: Podcast Episode 304
In this week’s podcast, Episode 304, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss grammar and its role in the writing process. Relating... read more
Jill’s Gems: The Art of Invention: Breaking It Down into Meaningful Steps
Enjoy Jill Pike's concrete response to a parent’s recent request for help regarding the art of invention. Inventive writing is difficult because... read more
The Great Grammar Give and Take, Part 2: Podcast Episode 229
In the current episode, podcast Episode 229, of The Arts of Language Podcast, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker continue their conversation... read more
The Great Grammar Give and Take, Part 1: Podcast Episode 228
The summer months are a period of preparation for educators and teaching parents. Curriculum considerations and decisions dominate during this time.... read more
Special Education Series: Structure and Style™ and Language-Based Learning Difficulties, Part 2: Teaching Grammar
by Linda Mikottis and Jean Nichols In part one of this series, we described the importance of a multi-sensory approach to language... read more
Launching the Foundations of Literacy through Structure and Style in Grades K–2 Foundation #2: Building Grammar Skills with Poetry
In Part 1 of this series on IEW’s primary materials, we discussed poetry as a powerful tool in language development, specifically... read more
Punctuation Marks: Colons and Semicolons
Look closely at the title. Why is there a colon? How does a colon differ from a semicolon? Fix It! Grammar has... read more
Learn about IEW’s Online Classes: Podcast Episode 328
While Andrew was out of the office this past week, Julie invited Denise Kelley into the podcast recording studio. Because Denise... read more
Comma Quandary: The #3 Sentence Opener
An essential part of using IEW’s stylish sentence openers is knowing when and where to add commas. In response to a... read more
Powerful Courses for College Preparation
In many ways, the high school years are a staging ground for adulthood. For some students high school represents the culmination... read more
Onboarding Students Who Join Midyear
School has started, and Mrs. Jones’s students are steadily improving as they move through the structural units. They’ve also learned the... read more
Punctuation Matters!
Many of us have seen the meme, Let’s eat Grandma! It’s a powerful reminder how a tiny little punctuation mark, the... read more
Teacher Spotlight: Amy Bell, Crescenza Studio
Amy Bell is the founder of Crescenza Studio, where she and a team of teachers offer private tutoring, writing classes, and... read more
Style Check: Learning about the -ly Adverb
In IEW’s list of stylistic techniques, the first dress-up students learn and practice is the -ly adverb. One of the eight... read more
Popular Questions at Our First Facebook Party
Last night we launched our first “Facebook Party,” an event that included over five hundred parents and educators. Andrew Pudewa and... read more
IEW Curriculum Aligns with State Standards
School teachers and curriculum directors often call IEW’s Schools Division asking if our curriculum meets state educational standards. Some schools or... read more
Where Are They Now? Rachel Averitt: Pursuing a Path Towards Law School
# Meet Rachel Averitt. Rachel was homeschooled through the sixth grade and then began attending a small Christian school in Oklahoma called Mingo... read more
Choosing a Package: Structure and Style for Students
A common question that IEW’s customer service team receives is “What is the difference between the Structure and Style® for Students... read more
It’s a Wrap!
With the final day of IEW’s Twelve Days of Christmas Giving event only recently completed, we wanted to take a moment... read more
Catching Up with Janet Spitler: Podcast Episode 129
# # In our latest podcast, Julie Walker had the opportunity to catch up with Janet Spitler, and that’s no easy feat! Janet... read more
Checking the Boxes for High School Credit
Many of our customers reach out to customer service as their student approaches high school. They want to be sure that... read more
A Helping Hand for Home-Based Instruction: Free Language Arts Lessons from IEW
With all that is happening in the world and across the United States, IEW wanted to do what we could to... read more
Demystifying Verbals: Gaining Clarity on Infinitives, Participles, and Gerunds
One of the elements in the stylistic techniques list is the strong verb. A strong verb is a verb that works... read more
Editing Made Easy
If you missed the gifts given for Day 9, you can still access these resources: Podcast Episode 333: Letter to the Editor “How... read more
Taking a Look at IEW’s 2022 Online Class Offerings
With the arrival of June, many parents are beginning to plan in earnest for the upcoming school year. If you have... read more
Stylistic Techniques: More about the Strong Verb
In a blog post last week, I introduced the strong verb dress-up. The third dress-up to be introduced, the strong verb... read more
Where are They Now? Alayna Mitchell: A Passion for Writing
Occasionally we get calls from parents of older children who are just starting out with IEW. They are worried that their... read more
Usage: Eminent or Imminent?
Homophones, words that sound the same but that have different spellings or meanings or both, can be tricky to remember. Some... read more
Are -ing Words Verbs or Adjectives?
Students commonly struggle to mark -ing words correctly in papers and in Fix It! Grammar. Students who ask the right questions... read more
Apostrophes and Their Applications
Apostrophes are important little punctuation marks. Most people know that they can be used in different ways. For example, one of... read more
Where Are They Now? Carly Torres: Confident in College
IEW® writing method works in a variety of environments. Many students encounter it in their homeschools. Others, though, learn to write... read more
Dual Enrollment with IEW
We are thrilled to share with you this fabulous news: High school students can now earn dual credit for both Comp... read more
Edit with a Smile
Teaching writing would be my favorite job if it weren’t for grading. When a student hands in a composition and a... read more
Premium Membership: Continually Adding Teacher Resources
Investing in IEW’s Premium Membership is an investment in yourself as well as your students. Several fabulous perks have been added... read more
Structure and Style for Students: What’s in the Box?
By now you’ve likely heard the buzz about Structure and Style for Students, IEW’s new video-based student course. Every day, our... read more
Contrived and Enforced Relevancy: Podcast Episode 166
In Podcast 164 Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker began a discussion about the four forms of relevancy. In the first podcast... read more
Customer Service Answers: A Little Help along the Way
At IEW we want the courses we provide to be ones that will excite and engage both you and your student.... read more
The Journey’s End: Written Communication
Which IEW courses will help prepare your students for writing at the collegiate level? Most colleges expect students to be able... read more
Receive dual enrollment credit for Comp I and Comp II with IEW!
We are thrilled to share with you this fabulous news: High school students can now earn dual credit for both Comp... read more
Usage: Lay or Lie?
Lay versus lie. These two verbs perennially perplex even the most astute grammarian in terms of correct usage. Hopefully in today’s... read more
Stylistic Techniques: The Who/Which Clause
After students learn how to insert a -ly adverb, the next stylistic technique they learn to construct is a who/which clause,... read more
“Motivated to Write”: Tutor Testimonial from Kathleen Van Every
The month of October marks National Learning Disabilities Month as well as Dyslexia Awareness Month. This year on IEW’s blog, we... read more
Teaching Writing Can Be Easier Than You Think! Podcast Episode 277
In June IEW presented its second annual Online Writing Conference. Attended by people from all around the world, the conference offered... read more
Planning an IEW Lesson for Multiple Grades
We live in a time where there are many options for educating our students. Since the pandemic more and more families... read more
Ready, Steady, Start!
Believe it or not, it is almost time to start back to school. In one form or another, whether it be... read more
“A Remarkable Leap Forward”: Tutor Testimonial from Sherry Grubbs
It has been a tremendous blessing to have discovered IEW early on in my homeschooling journey. With... read more
Celebrating 500 Podcast Episodes
Celebrate Episode 500 of the Arts of Language podcast with Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker. There is so much to celebrate... read more
Perfecting Pieces for Publication—An Interview with Maria Gerber
Behind every great writer is a great editor. This holds true for nearly all great authors, and for us at IEW.... read more
Where Are They Now? IEW Intern Kaitlyn Butts
This summer, our IEW team grew by a few more people—college interns who have been helping in a variety of ways... read more
Pursuing College in a Whole New Way – A Conversation with Dr. Nicholas Ellis: Podcast Episode 331
Recently Dr. Nicholas Ellis paid a visit to IEW’s campus in Bixby, Oklahoma. Dr. Ellis is the founder and CEO of... read more
IEW’s Highest Level of Student Support
Registration for Fall 2025 opens April 1, 2025. IEW® Online, which started in 2011 with just two instructors and a handful of... read more
IEW Tools for the Journey: IEW Online Classes
As part of IEW’s continued commitment to providing parents and teachers with help for the journey of training students to be... read more
From Imitation to Innovation: Teaching writing can be easier than you think!
This past Saturday, people from all around the world gathered together virtually to participate in IEW’s online writing conference, From Imitation... read more
Premium Membership: Meaningful Support for Busy Educators
Whether during summertime or school time, teachers and parents are busy. Inevitably, there’s always another errand to run, room to tidy,... read more
Securing Your Oxygen Mask
In the somewhat musty memories tucked into the corners of my mind, I can vaguely recall my thoughts about homeschooling before... read more
Where Are They Now? Jessica Andress—Entrepreneur, Editor, and College Student
Our latest “Where Are They Now Student,” Jessica Andress, is a bit of a Renaissance gal. At her young age she... read more
Why Hire an Editor?
F. Scott Fitzgerald had Maxwell Perkins. For that matter, Ernest Hemingway did as well. Harper Lee had Tay Hohoff. While Fitzgerald,... read more
Theme-Based or Video-Based? Either Is a Win-Win!
Whether you use one of IEW’s theme-based courses or a Structure and Style for Students video-based course, it is a win-win... read more
Identifying the Function of Past Participles
A recent blog post discussed the different functions that a participle ending in -ing can have. More confusion may arise when... read more
Homophones, Homographs, and Homonyms: How do they differ?
In the very first lesson of the very first level of Fix It! Grammar: Level 1 Nose Tree, students are asked... read more
Tutoring with IEW—A Win-Win!
IEW is taught across homes and schools all around the world. Often it is a teacher or parent who guides students... read more
From the Forums: Teachers Making a Difference
“We now must exhort each other; let us continue to train our students in the use of this great weaponry—the skills... read more
How to Progress: Structure and Style for Students
Structure and Style® for Students (SSS) video-based courses build on each other. Although many begin at Level A, older students who... read more
To hyphenate or not to hyphenate, that is the question.
The humble hyphen ( ‐ ) is a subdued punctuation mark indicated by a short dash line. It serves a number... read more
Observations of an IEW Online Class
IEW Online classes are a perfect option for students who want to work through the Structure and Style for Students program but... read more
Where Are They Now? Oliver Mauser: College, Construction, and Effective Communication
From time to time we enjoy highlighting former structure and style students to showcase their achievements both academically and professionally. Students... read more
On Marking and Grading
Parents and teachers who use IEW’s approach to teaching writing love it. Structure and Style®️ provides the direction and framework, making... read more
A Parent’s Perspective: The Value of Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
Recently in IEW’s official Facebook Group, mom Marcela B. wrote a post in which she explained how valuable she found the... read more
Nurture Communication—Build Vocabulary!
Every year, new words are added to the dictionary. In 2018, for instance, words like “bougie,” “bingeable,” and “predictive” were added... read more
Words That Shape Minds
“People laugh at me because I use big words. But if you have big ideas, you have to use big words... read more
Parent and Student Perspectives: Structure and Style for Students: Renee’s and Benjamin’s Views
Recently we had the opportunity to catch up with one of the Level A Structure and Style Students along with his... read more
Parent and Student Perspectives: Structure and Style for Students: Jenny’s, Eli’s, and Caleb’s Views
As a mom of two students who participated in the filming of IEW’s new Structure and Style Students, Jenny observed first-hand... read more
An Invaluable Resource: The 2018–2019 Updated Premium Membership
Value. As professionals and parents, we yearn to find value not only in the way we teach our students, but also... read more
Teaching IEW in a Classical Homeschool Cooperative
Frederick East Classical, a relatively new homeschool cooperative, is taking central Maryland by storm. In its inaugural year alone, many families... read more
Support for a Memorable Year Ahead
The year 2020 has certainly been extraordinary. In early spring we were plunged into a worldwide pandemic that we are still... read more
Wrestling with Words
“Why do I have to underline the dress-ups?” Any parent or teacher who has used the Structure and Style® methodology for... read more
I Learned English in a Latin Classroom
It is said that English is one of the hardest languages to learn. It breaks its own rules more than it... read more
Taking a Peek into Windows to the World
IEW’s pathway features a great progression of coursework to help your students develop their writing skills, but those are not the... read more
Announcing IEW’s 2022 Summer Conference
Spring is in the air. How can you tell? Birds are building nests, trees are beginning to bud, and conferences for... read more
A New Option in College Prep Testing: The Classic Learning Test
For many years there have been two primary diagnostic exams for students preparing to attend college, the SAT® and the ACT®.... read more
Ask Andrew Anything: Podcast Episode 130
Every ten episodes of The Arts of Language Podcast is extra special. On those occasions, Andrew takes the opportunity to answer... read more
‘Tis the Season for Fun and Games!
Now that we are in the holiday season and are rapidly approaching the mid-point in our school year, it’s a great... read more
The Story of a Story
My connection with the Lee family began with a phone call. One of IEW’s customer service agents spoke with a woman... read more
Special Education Series: Structure and Style™ and Language-Based Learning Difficulties, Part 3: The Checklist
by Linda Mikottis and Jean Nichols In the previous post in this series, we compared traditional methods for teaching grammar with those... read more
A Bookish Discussion, Part 3: Podcast Episode 285
With podcast Episode 285 Andrew Pudewa concludes recounting the accumulated twenty-year tally of his “Best Book of the Year List.” To... read more
Letter to the Editor: Podcast Episode 333
In Andrew’s classroom he requests that his students hire an editor to look over and mark up their rough drafts prior... read more
Writing, a Model That Imitates Life: Teacher Testimonial from Johannah Mackin
We recently received this powerful testimonial from Johanna Mackin, a middle school teacher in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Hoping that it will inspire... read more
Teaching Structure and Style Virtually with Fidelity
As educators continue to adjust to life COVID-19, the difficult reality is that 5-day-a-week traditional schools that were teaching in person... read more
Filling Your Educational Bucket
Summer. It’s a season to rest and recover from the hard work of being an educator, right? Whether you are a... read more
Getting Started with Writing Across the Curriculum
On Day 3 of Twelve Days of Christmas Giving, IEW is giving you a three-week sample from Writing Across the Curriculum.... read more
Changing Someone’s Mind – the Power of Persuasive Writing: Podcast Episode 307
What is an essay? How is it distinguished from a report? Why is it important to teach our students how to... read more
Understanding Idioms
Idioms. We use them in our everyday conversations, but because they are so ingrained into our language structure, we rarely stop... read more
Getting Started with Primary Materials
On Day 6 of IEW’s Twelve Days of Christmas Giving, we offer several gifts to help with your youngest learners. Be... read more
Getting Started with Primary Materials
On Day 6 of IEW’s Twelve Days of Christmas Giving, we offer several gifts to help with your youngest learners. Be... read more
“Equipping Your Student with Secret Weapons for the Fall”: Podcast Episode 194
School’s out! Time to put away the books and forget about school for a few precious, sun-drenched, fun-filled months, right? Wrong!... read more
Compose or Comprise? A Dictionary Investigation
Which words correctly fill in the blanks? Fifty states ________________ the Union. (compose, comprise) The Supreme Court typically ______________ nine justices. (composes, comprises) Do... read more
Ask Andrew Anything: Podcast Episode 310
It’s that time again! Every tenth podcast is set aside so that listeners can “ask Andrew anything.” In podcast Episode 310... read more
Exploring Homophones: Peek, Peak, and Pique
Some people collect stamps. Others search out rocks or spoons. I love to collect homophones. First off they’re free for the... read more
Jill’s Gems: There is Value in the (Brain)storm
As we seek to teach stylistic techniques to our students, it is easy to search for ways to streamline the process.... read more
Ask Andrew Anything: Podcast Episode 340
Another ten episodes have been recorded and launched, which means it’s time for another “Ask Andrew Anything!” This series is an... read more
Where are they now? Jacob McDonald: Aspiring Screenwriter
Thanks to IEW and the Student Writing Intensive courses, which teach you how to write, not just what to write, I am able to express... read more
Suffixing: The Doubling Rule
In the first blog post dedicated to suffixing, I addressed the dropping rule. This rule essentially states that one should drop... read more
“I Don’t Want To, but I Will”—Beating the Mid-Semester Blues
It was a classic mid-spring semester burnout. Cold and cloudy got me feeling uninspired and unprepared, to the point I found... read more
Jill’s Gems: There is Value in the (Brain)storm
As we seek to teach stylistic techniques to our students, it is easy to search for ways to streamline the process.... read more
Savoring the Sweetness of Summer
Doldrums. The word describes a feeling of lassitude or torpor and was derived from an area called the doldrums, located around... read more
Taking Time to Reflect: Am I a Better Thinker?
Have you been trekking along with us as we have spent the year focusing on how to think? It has been... read more
Taking Notes with Unit 1
IEW teaches students to write with structure and with style. Style includes vocabulary. Structure is the elements found in compositions. Throughout... read more
Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Spirit in Kids
In today’s blog post we welcome guest blogger Mark Baker, co-founder of Christian Homeschool Entrepreneurship, as he shares four important reasons... read more
Encouraging Creativity: Out of the Mouths of Babes
Our IEW forum is a robust community of parents, teachers, co-op facilitators, and hybrid school instructors all coming together to support... read more
IEW Accreditation: It’s Worth the Journey
In general, accreditation means official recognition that an individual, program, or institution meets certain established standards of quality. It’s a stamp... read more
Launching the Foundations of Literacy through Structure and Style™ in Grades K–2 Foundation #3: Teaching Phonics through Poetry
In this blog series, we’ve focused on how the lesson plans in IEW's primary classroom materials use poetry study and memorization... read more
Parent and Student Perspectives: Structure and Style for Students: Juhls’ and Hunter’s Views
One of the students who participated in Andrew Pudewa’s Level B Structure and Style for Students is Hunter. His mother is... read more
Jill’s Gems: Timed Essay Writing
It’s the height of summer. Summertime conjures thoughts of lazy days spent escaping the heat in the community swimming pool, binge... read more
The Benefits of Entering Writing Contests
I started IEW when my twins were in fifth grade. I bought my Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (TWSS) in the... read more
Getting Started with Structure and Style for Students
On Day 2 of IEW’s Twelve Days of Christmas Giving, we spotlight getting started with writing using IEW’s video courses. IEW’s... read more
A New Box of Crayons
As an adult, I still associate going back to school with a particular scent—the aroma of a freshly opened box of... read more
Launching the Foundations of Literacy through Structure and Style in Grades K–2 Foundation #1: Language Development through Poetry
IEW’s instructional materials for the primary grades are based on the proven methods of the Institute for Excellence in Writing’s Structure... read more
Recently IEW announced the release of the fourth edition of our award-winning Fix It! Grammar program. Because of the release, Julie welcomes Denise Kelley, a good friend and IEW's senior product manager. Join us as Denise shares a bit about her role at IEW, discusses her involvement in the fourth edition of the product, and talks about the improved changes that customers can expect to see in the new edition. You won't want to miss this episode as Julie and Denise even walk through a Fix It! Grammar sentence to show you what fixing sentences is like in the new edition.
Referenced Materials:
- Denise Kelley
- Fix It! Grammar
- Online Classes
- Structure and Style® for Students
- Pamela White
- Town Mouse and Country Mouse: Week 14, Day 1
- Fix It! Grammar Cards
- Click here to enter the Fix It! Grammar drawing.
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com.
Because it's National Grammar Month, Andrew and Julie sit down and have a conversation about grammar. Join us as Andrew and Julie discuss the different divisions of grammar and learn the story behind one of our favorite products: Fix It! Grammar.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- "Humor in Teaching"
- Audio talk
- Podcast Series: Part 1 | Part 2
- "But, but, but...What about Grammar?"
- "Nurturing Competent Communicators" Audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization by Andrew Pudewa
- The Columbian Orator by David W. Blight
- Fix It! Grammar
- Anna Ingham
- Caught'ya! Grammar with a Giggle by Jane Bell Kiester
- Pamela White
- Online Classes
- Blog
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style [Premium Membership]
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
Grammar is certainly important, but it doesn't guarantee a good writer. Why? This week, Andrew and Julie address the question. Andrew will tell you that grammar is most effective for better writing when taught in the right context and at the right time. Tune in to learn about the value of incorporating grammar instruction within writing assignments, and gain insight on when is a good time to begin teaching grammar. Andrew and Julie will also touch on how Fix It!™ Grammar fits into our methodology. 
Referenced Materials:
- Fix It! Grammar
- Podcast with Denise Kelley
- Enough about Grammar by Joe Floren
- But, but, but ... What about Grammar? by Andrew Pudewa
- The War Against Grammar by David Mulroy
- Structure and Style® for Students
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com.
Continuing the discussion on grammar, Andrew and Julie steer the conversation towards our program Fix It! Grammar. Join us as the duo explains the approach of the program, and even learn what Andrew suggests after you've completed Book 6! Maybe after Fix-It! Grammar, you'll be able to paraphrase the first sentence of the Declaration of Independence.
GO TO PART 1
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- "The Great Grammar Give and Take"
- But, but, but ... What about Grammar?
- Enough about Grammar by Joe Floren
- Fix It! Grammar
- Caught'ya! Grammar with a Giggle by Jane Bell Kiester
- Ten Thousand Times and Then Begins Understanding by Andrew Pudewa
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
Can you paraphrase the first sentence of the Declaration of Independence? Without a good grammar foundation, it would be rather challenging. This week Andrew and Julie turn their attention to grammar, specifically its paradoxes and divisions. Tune in and learn the value of grammar as it allows for the accurate transmission of ideas across distance and time.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- "The Great Grammar Give and Take"
- But, but, but ... What about Grammar?
- The War Against Grammar by David Mulroy
- "The Lost Tools of Learning" by Dorothy Sayers
- Nurturing Competent Communicators
- Memoria Press
- Fix It! Grammar
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

In celebration of National Grammar Day (March 4), Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker talk with Pamela White about why grammar is important, how it relates to thinking and reading comprehension, and how she came to write the Fix It!® Grammar series. They also address sentence diagramming and why it does not necessarily translate into better grammar skills.
Referenced Materials
- Fix It! Grammar
- Fix It! Grammar free lessons
- Pamela White
- But . . . but . . . but . . . What about Grammar? audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 467
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

Continuing the conversation, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker ask Pamela White additional questions about the amount of grammar students should study and the benefits to learning grammar in developing thinking skills and reading comprehension. They finish with a discussion of AI tools and why most do not benefit students.
Referenced Materials
- “Writing Maketh an Exact Man”
- Fix It!® Grammar
- Structure and Style® for Students: Year 1 Level C
- Fix It! Grammar free lessons
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 468
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

You can’t teach writing for long without people asking, “But what about grammar?” Most people have an extreme opinion about grammar: either start at a very early age and hammer it in year after year or believe that grammar just isn’t that important in our modern world. IEW believes that wisdom is found in the balance between the two. Join Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker in this week’s podcast as they discuss the importance of grammar and how much is enough.
Referenced Materials
- But, but, but ... What about Grammar? audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Structure and Style for Students
- NCFCA Christian Speech & Debate League
- Episode 364: Health and Wellness with Katie Wells
- Magnum Opus Magazine
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 389
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to Podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
Writing is certainly a complicated process. It's no surprise that many students simply don't enjoy the task. But do they have to? This week, Andrew and Julie address the question. With insight and stories, Andrew discusses how IEW's methodology creates an environment where students strive for excellence, and he talks about the motivation students experience once they are given the tools to succeed.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- However Imperfectly by Andrew Pudewa
- "You Don't Have to Like It"
- The Principles of Motivation and Skills Development
- Structure and Style for Students®
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
In this episode, Julie Walker interviews Heidi Thomas, the “wizard behind the curtain” who has helped develop IEW® Gradebook as well as many of the Writing Across the Curriculum courses. Heidi shares how IEW Gradebook helps teachers efficiently and effectively grade papers and get their weekends back.
Referenced Materials
- IEW Gradebook
- “It Keeps Getting Better!”
- “Simplify Grading with IEW Gradebook”
- “Teacher Spotlight: Laura McMahon, Ivywood Classical Academy”
- “Teacher Spotlight: Heidi Plocher, Michigan Lutheran High School”
- Heidi Thomas
- Transcript for Podcast Episode 512
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
This is the twelfth episode of twenty-four in the podcast series Reviewing Our Greatest Hits. This show was initially launched on January 5, 2016, as Episode 24.
Andrew and Julie open up their conversation this week by discussing the fading motivation to "do hard things" in our society. With an ever-growing need for proficient communicators, Andrew directs his attention to the importance of cultivating an environment where students strive for excellence and desire to become competent communicators and thinkers.
Referenced Materials:
- "Reaching the Reluctant Writer"
- Do Hard Things by Alex Harris
- "Nature Deficit Disorder"
- "The Strenuous Life" by Theodore Roosevelt
- Study Is Hard Work by William Howard Armstrong
- What Got You Here Won’t Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith
- The Global Achievement Gap by Tony Wagner
- "Soft Skills to Help Your Career Hit the Big Time" by Daniel Bortz
- The Science and Art of Motivation
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
Over the years, IEW has grown tremendously as its writing method is taught in various educational settings. The company offers an abundance of resources, from encouraging blog posts to effective curriculum. How did IEW get to where it is now? This week, Andrew and Julie go back to where it all began and unpack the story of how Andrew discovered the Structure and Style method of teaching writing. Give this episode a listen to learn about the success of the writing method and to understand our mission of equipping teachers and teaching parents.

Referenced Materials:
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- The Blended Sound-Sight Program of Learning by Anna Ingham
- Blended Structure and Style in Composition by Dr. James B. Webster
- Structure and Style for Students
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Classical Conversations
- University Model-Schools International
- Lead to Win Podcast
- Berwyn School District Study
- Rocklin School District Study
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 329
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com.
Are you teaching through Unit 5, Writing from Pictures, and interested to know the ins and outs of the unit? Join Andrew Pudewa in part two of this webinar recording as he discusses the how-to of Unit 5, explaining both the process and purpose of the unit.
GO TO PART 1
Referenced Materials:
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Sailing Through Style webinar.
- Webinar Archive
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Upgrade
- Grammar
- Fix It! Grammar
- Portable Walls
- Bible-Based Writing Lessons by Andrew Pudewa and Dr. James Webster
- Introduction to Fix It! Grammar Webinar
- Magnum Opus Magazine
- Premium Subscription
- Mini Posters
- IEW Teachers Forum
- Monthly e-Newsletter
- IEW Writing Tools Lite
- IEW Writing Tools
- Questions from the Audience
- 27:40- Anne asks "Would you have a child copy a poster?"
- 29:10-Juella asks "Is it possible to teach multiple levels of writing without doing multiple curricula?"
- 30:44-Kim asks "Where is the fix it grammar webinar?"
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
Often students as well as parents struggle with moving forward on the checklist. In this two-part episode, Andrew provides salient points on the stylistic techniques and offers advice, from being strict with the checklist to not drowning your students with more than they can handle.
Go To Part 1
Referenced Materials:
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Sailing Through Style webinar.
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Upgrade
- But, but, but ... What about Grammar? Audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Fix It! Grammar
- Fix It! Grammar: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by Pamela White
- Blog
- Monthly e-Newsletter
- IEW's YouTube Channel
- Andrew's Joke of the Month
- Magnum Opus Magazine
- High School Essay Intensive
- Andrew's Engagements
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
Outlines, checklists, grammar, oh my! This week, Andrew tackles these topics by answering technical questions submitted by our listeners. Tune in to hear Andrew provide insight on writing the key word outline, and learn the importance of the checklist as it builds mastery over the stylistic techniques.
Referenced Materials:
- "The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing"
- "Process versus Product"
- Fix It! Grammar
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com.
As the school year fast approaches, many parents are looking for writing instruction for their students. IEW's online classes are a great option! For this podcast episode, Julie welcomes IEW's senior project manager and director of the online class department, Denise Kelley. Denise discusses the high quality of instructors who teach the classes, explains what a typical class day looks like, and talks about the curriculum used. Tune in to learn how the classes give the students an opportunity for a personalized experience with helpful feedback on their writing.

Referenced Materials:
- Denise Kelley
- Structure and Style® for Students
- Fix It! Grammar
- Online Classes
- Andrew's Engagements
- IEW's Accredited Instructors
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 328
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com.
Andrew once again answers just about anything our podcast listeners ask. Tune in to hear Andrew's response to questions on topics like memorization, grammar, and mind mapping.
Referenced Materials:
- Podcast with Monica Swanson
- Mastery Learning, Ability Development, and Individualized Education audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Podcast with Susan Barton
- Cursive Knowledge
- Anna Ingham
- Fix-It! Grammar
QUESTIONS ASKED:
1:52 - Ann asks, “I heard Andrew say many times to always spell any word a child asks you to spell. Does he feel the same about math facts? I so commonly hear, ‘Mom, what is six times seven?’ My kids, ages eleven and fourteen, have a difficult time memorizing math facts. They are continuing to improve, but it is quite a process. They have a times table chart to refer to during math and drill math facts. I want them to continue learning new concepts, so often I give them the answer to not muddy the water. I am curious to hear your take on this situation.
7:11 - Jennifer asks, “Teaching class today regarding who/which clauses, I had a parent ask about ‘whose’ and where that fits in the IEW curriculum. For instance: ‘The bicycle whose chain is broken is mine.’”
8:40 - Emily asks, “I have been listening to the podcast and getting prepared all summer. I am telling everyone IEW is my ‘curriculum crush’ of the year! Andrew mentions using this with his dyslexic son. As I recall, he got 20 minutes to copy 100 words and got 1 point per word, but there were also various ways to lose points. Can you explain that?”
16:13 - Anonymous asks, “I have a sixth grader and was wanting to get Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization, but wasn’t sure whether we should start with Level 1. Will it be as effective as a first grader starting? Is it worth it?”
19:58 - Anonymous asks, “I have a seven-year-old who writes his numbers backwards. He used to write his letters backwards, but that has since been corrected with making them out of clay per the Gift of Dyslexia method. He has made the numbers in clay models too, but the method didn't take with those. Any suggestions for how to help writing with numbers?”
24:27 - Amber asks, “I love the podcast. I am a homeschool mom and have a six-year-old gifted child. She is on the last few lessons of the first Fix It!. We have modified it by having her write the sentence the next day for copywork versus writing the whole paragraph in one day. She completed the PAL writing program at the age of five and writes amazingly well on her own. Should I move her into the second Fix It! right away or switch to traditional copywork?”
27:13 - Janet asks, “What does Andrew say about mind-mapping?”
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker welcome Dr. Nicholas Ellis to this episode. Dr. Ellis is the founder and CEO of Christian Halls International (CHI), an organization that organizes and nurtures local communities for students in higher education programs. In this week’s episode, he discusses the dual enrollment opportunities offered through the partnership between Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) and CHI.
Referenced Materials
- Dr. Nicholas Ellis
- Christian Halls International
- Christian Halls International and the Institute for Excellence in Writing
- ”Learning from Dirty Jobs” by Mike Rowe
- Structure and Style for Students: Year 1 Level C
- Fix It! Grammar: Level 5 Frog Prince
- IEW Online classes
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 383
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to Podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

In this Live Ask Andrew Anything episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker answer questions submitted by listeners. They discuss how to encourage a child to continue practicing a musical instrument, how to help students who are struggling with the questioning skills for Unit 5 and Unit 7, what to do after completing the six books in the Fix It!® Grammar series, what to use for writing a novel, and more. Andrew ends with some letters that he has received from students.
Referenced Materials
- Principles of Motivation audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Structure and Style® for Students: Year 2 Level A
- Fix It!® Grammar: Level 6 Little Mermaid
- One Year Adventure Novel
- “Where are they now? Taylor Bennett: Porch Swing Girl”
- Episode 115: National Novel Writing Month – Special Interview with Taylor Bennett
- Structure and Style for Students: Year 1 Level C
- Structure and Style for Students: Year 3 Level B
- Link to Episode 490 video
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 490
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

It’s time for another Live Ask Andrew Anything episode! Join Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker as they answer questions from listeners. They were joined by Nicki Truesdell, who asked “How much grammar and writing do you think is necessary throughout the years of K-12?” Andrew and Julie also answer questions about Structure and Style® for Students, The Phonetic Zoo, instructor accreditation, and many others. This episode covers all things IEW!
Referenced Materials
- Nicki Truesdell
- Structure and Style® for Students
- Fix It!™ Grammar
- U.S. History-Based Writing Lessons
- Episode 398: Think like Shakespeare, Part 1
- How to Think like Shakespeare: Lessons from a Renaissance Education by Scott Newstok
- Anyone Can Homeschool by Nicki Truesdell
- University-Ready Writing
- Free Fix It! Grammar lessons
- Structure and Style for Students: Year 1 Level B
- Find an Instructor
- Primary Arts of Language
- The Phonetic Zoo
- Spelling and the Brain audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- All About Spelling
- From Composition to Copywork audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Apply for Accreditation
- Introduction to Public Speaking
- IEW Speech Contest
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 430
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
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In this Live Ask Andrew Anything episode, Andrew Pudewa answers questions submitted by listeners. Andrew, along with Julie Walker, discusses how to implement IEW if the parent has learning differences, whether a formal spelling curriculum is needed, how to differentiate the roles of editor and grader, and other questions. Andrew shares anecdotes from the class he is teaching with his grandchildren and their friends and provides encouragement for new-to-IEW moms!
Referenced Materials
- Structure and Style® for Students
- Structure and Style for Students free lessons
- Accredited Instructors
- IEW® Gradebook
- Primary Arts of Language (PAL)
- The Phonetic Zoo
- “Why Hire an Editor?”
- Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Premium Membership
- Portable Walls™ for Structure and Style Students
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Fix It!® Grammar
- Fix It! Grammar free lessons
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 470

If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

“You can’t think a thought if you don’t have the words to think it.” In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker talk about how building vocabulary enhances thinking skills. Throughout IEW’s history, thinking about words and their meanings has been incorporated into nearly all of our courses. Listen as Andrew and Julie discuss how we teach vocabulary and why it is important to teach it in the context of other courses.
Referenced Materials
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization
- A Word Write Now
- Structure and Style® for Students
- Fix It!® Grammar
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- The Phonetic Zoo spelling program
- Transcript for Podcast Episode 494
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
Beginning the series on "The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing," Andrew and Julie address the first error: overcorrecting. Listen as Andrew and Julie discuss the negative effect of overcorrecting your student's writing, and stay tuned as Andrew elaborates on how a student's editor should take a "minimalist" approach.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- "The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing"
- Reaching the Reluctant Writer by Andrew Pudewa
- Nurturing Competent Communicators by Andrew Pudewa
- Teaching Boys and Other Children Who Would Rather Make Forts All Day by Andrew Pudewa
- Hire an Editor!
- Letter to My Student's Editor
- "But it's so ... so ... awkward!" by Andrew Pudewa
- Caught'ya! Grammar with a Giggle by Jane Bell Kiester
- Fix It! Grammar
- Structure and Style for Students
- "Process versus Product" by Andrew Pudewa
- Online Classes
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
Continuing the Homeschool 101 series, Andrew and Julie welcome homeschool mom, YouTuber, and IEW affiliate Karla Canon. Homeschooling her three children, Karla has witnessed the benefits of home education and enjoys sharing her wisdom with others. In this episode Karla shares how homeschooling has allowed her to individualize education in a way that motivates her children to learn and discusses how IEW has impacted her children's ability to communicate effectively.

Referenced Materials:
- "Homeschool 101 - A Conversation with Karla Canon"
- Karla Canon's YouTube Channel
- Classical Conversations®
- The Blended Sound-Sight Program of Learning by Anna Ingham
- Dr. James B. Webster
- "You Don't Have to Like It ..." by Andrew Pudewa
- Magalog
- Ellie Diaz
- Fix It!™ Grammar
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com.
In the school system the purpose of studying is often solely to pass a test. Is that really the most valuable form of learning? This week Andrew and Julie discuss the benefits of mastery learning. Tune in to this episode as Andrew shares how repetition and reinforcement empower students to think better, and learn how the mastery of subjects enables students to form skills and apply their knowledge later in life.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- Mastery Learning, Ability Development, and Individualized Education audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Shinichi Suzuki
- All About Spelling
- Fix It! Grammar
- Kumon
- Seven Myths about Education by Daisy Christodoulou
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

Renee Cook from the Everyday Homeschool Podcast joins Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker to talk about adding other creative writing assignments that build on Structure and Style® methods and ideas. Andrew and Julie also address diagramming sentences, motivating a reluctant student, and using Structure and Style for Students in a dual enrollment course. Be sure to listen for encouragement and ideas as you start a new school year.
Referenced Materials
- Everyday Homeschool Podcast
- Renee Cook
- Structure and Style for Students: Year 3 Level B
- How to Write a Story by Lee Roddy
- Where are they now? Taylor Bennett: Porch Swing Girl
- But . . . but . . . but . . . What about Grammar? audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Fix It!® Grammar
- Mastery Learning, Ability Development, and Individualized Education audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- "You Don’t Have to Like It" article by Andrew Pudewa
- Principles of Motivation audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Kumon Learning
- Facebook: Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) Curriculum (official)
- Hacking High School: Rethinking the Teen Years audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Episode 385: Hacking High School, Part 1
- Structure and Style for Students: Year 1 Level C
- Dual Enrollment with Christian Halls International
- Magnum Opus Magazine
- Link to Episode 440 Video
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 440
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

As the school year winds down and summer approaches, parents may be pondering strategies to enrich their students’ writing. Summer is a great time to take a break from regularly scheduled academics and embrace new activities to retain or expand writing skills. In this week’s podcast Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker suggest some creative ways to do just that.
Referenced Materials
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Structure and Style for Students
- Fix It! Grammar
- Episode 368: National Poetry Month
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization
- Storyworth
- IEW Facebook Page
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 373
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to Podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
Email, snail mail, mail bag! Once again Andrew and Julie open and read mail sent from students, teachers, and parents. In this delightful episode students share how confident they are since learning IEW's writing method, and teachers and parents express gratitude for the transformation they've witnessed in their students' writing ability. By the way, many of the students wrote their letters using the five-paragraph model!
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- Structure and Style for Students
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- IEW's 2021 Writing Conference
- IEW's School Site
- Fix It! Grammar
- Episode 280: Ask Andrew Anything
- Beth O'Connor
- The Phonetic Zoo
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
Join us in this enjoyable episode as Andrew and Julie welcome homeschool mom, blogger, and our top affiliate, Erica Arndt. In today's episode Erica describes her life as a homeschooling mom, tells the story of how her blog grew, and provides insight on how to juggle the many responsibilities of teaching your students at home.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- IEW Affiliate Program
- Confessions of a Homeschooler
- Erica's YouTube Channel
- Heidi St. John
- Fix It! Grammar
- Structure and Style® for Students
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- High School Essay Intensive
- The Elegant Essay
- Erica's Instagram
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
As a mom, it can be easy to get bogged down and overwhelmed with the busyness of schooling. In this episode Andrew and Julie chat with Kristi Clover, a homeschool mom of five whose goal is to inspire women with "simple solutions for a more joy-filled life." Join us as Kristi shares her tips on getting organized and offers advice on bringing joy to a mom's crazy, chaotic, but wonderful homeschool life.
Referenced Materials:
- Kristi Clover's Website
- Sanity Savers for Moms by Kristi Clover
- Primary Arts of Language
- The Ultimate Homeschool Organization eCourse by Kristi Clover
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Fix It! Grammar
- The Phonetic Zoo
- Kristi's Facebook Page
- Kristi's YouTube Channel
DISCOUNT CODE:
Enter coupon code IEW30 during checkout to get $30 off The Ultimate Homeschool Organization eCourse by Kristi Clover. Hurry! The offer ends December 31.
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
Andrew has been going through his top read of each year. But does he have a top read of the decade? He just might! With insight and context Andrew and Julie continue down the list of Andrew's top reads from the years 2013 through 2020. Since Andrew hasn't picked his top read of 2021, he instead talks about books that have helped shape his health and well-being during this year.
Go to PART 1 | Part 2
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- The War Against Grammar by David Mulroy
- Fix It! Grammar
- Ten Ways to Destroy the Imagination of Your Child by Anthony Esolen
- The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri
- The World of Dante
- The Republic by Plato
- The Awakening of Miss Prim by Natalia Fenollera
- Out of the Ashes: Rebuilding American Culture by Anthony Esolen
- Cultural Literacy by E.D. Hirsch
- Seven Myths About Education by Daisy Christodoulou
- Live Not by Lies by Rod Dreher
- The Benedict Option by Rod Dreher
- Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
- Eat to Beat Disease by William Li, M.D.
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
It's that time again when Julie tries to stump Andrew with questions submitted by our listeners. How do I start with IEW? How do I deal with students that use stylistic techniques awkwardly? In this Ask Andrew Anything, Andrew provides insight when answering these inquiries and more. Stay tuned until the end to hear Julie ask Andrew some fun questions submitted by our customer service team. By the way, listen for Michelle's question — she stumps Andrew!
Referenced Materials:
- "Ask Andrew Anything"
- Structure and Style® for Students
- Fix-It! Grammar
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization
- "The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing"
- Jill Pike
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com.

While our Homeschool 101 episodes are generally curated for people who are new to or are considering homeschooling, this episode offers wisdom for anyone who is impacting young lives, including teachers, grandparents, siblings, as well as parents. During this episode Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker explore what this wisdom entails. Andrew outlines two powerful measures to take to help students furnish their minds and cultivate their writing skills.
REFERENCED MATERIALS
- Cultivating Language Arts – Preschool through High School
- Structure and Style for Students
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Fix It! Grammar
- "One Myth and Two Truths" by Andrew Pudewa
- However Imperfectly by Andrew Pudewa
- "Scintillate, Scintillate"
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 395
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

Since 2015 Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker have been adding to the “Ask Andrew Anything” series. The series is an opportunity for Andrew to respond directly to questions asked by our podcast listeners. This week Andrew offers insight and advice as he answers questions on topics like motivating older students and helping students with learning challenges. Almost all of Andrew’s answers have a common theme: the importance of furnishing the mind through memorized language.
Referenced Materials
- Episode 100: Four-Wheelers and Make-Up: A Radio Drama
- Episode 200: Ask Andrew Anything
- Structure and Style for Students
- Fix It! Grammar
- Special needs? IEW can help!
- Barton Reading and Spelling System
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization
- Teaching Boys & Other Children Who Would Rather Make Forts All Day
audio talk by Andrew Pudewa - “You Don’t Have to Like It …”
- The HomeScholar
- Cultivating Language Arts: Preschool through High School
audio talk by Andrew Pudewa - Transcript of Podcast Episode 350
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

Join Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker in this episode to find out if it is really necessary for students to write on paper in 2023. Learn why Andrew advocates for the writing process to include what he calls the “sloppy copy.” Discover how rubrics and checklists take the guesswork out of grading papers. Andrew and Julie offer tips and tricks for correcting and grading papers in a way that is truly helpful to students.
Referenced Materials
- “Marking and Grading” by Andrew Pudewa
- However Imperfectly by Andrew Pudewa
- Fix It! Grammar
- “Convert...to Pens!” by Andrew Pudewa
- Paper and Pen audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Dr. James B. Webster
- Structure and Style for Students
- “Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing”
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Premium Membership
- Episode 281: Talking about the Intangibles
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
Last week, Andrew and Julie discussed creating the right listening and speaking environment for English language learners. Continuing the discussion, the duo turn their attention to reading and writing. Discover how reading the studied language helps the learner with organization, learn how key word outlines help to better understand the text, and understand how the checklist enables the learner to recognize parts of speech and style techniques.
GO TO PART 1
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- "IEW and the English Language Learner, Part 2"
- Anna Ingham
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style®
- Structure and Style for Students
- Grammarly
- Fix-It! Grammar
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Online Classes
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
What motivates anybody to learn? Answering this question, Andrew and Julie begin this two-part series by discussing the four forms of relevancy. Learn the importance of capitalizing on your student's interests, and gain insight on the least effective form: enforced relevancy.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- "The Art and Science of Motivation" by Andrew Pudewa
- Maria Montessori
- Shinichi Suzuki
- "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot
- Structure and Style® for Students
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Online Classes
- Fix It! Grammar
- Episode 220: Ask Andrew Anything
- Podcast with Dr. Leonard Sax
- "4, 3, 2 Motivate!"
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
With the school year closing and the sun coming out, teachers and students alike enjoy the nice summer break. However, with the cumulative subjects such as music, language, and math, a break is just the thing that allows students to forget all the memorization they had worked so diligently on throughout the year. Join us as Andrew and Julie encourage you to set a little time aside during the summer to continue building that repertoire of mastery in your students.
Referenced Materials:
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Student Writing Intensive (Discontinued)
- The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing
- Online Classes
- Fix It! Grammar
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

Motivated by a desire to set teachers up for success, Denise Kelley, IEW Manager of Product Development, works tirelessly to ensure all IEW products and services are aligned with the company’s cornerstone product, Teaching Writing: Structure and Style. Join Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker as they discuss with Denise how her over two decades of experience at IEW have shaped her philosophy of product development.
Referenced Materials
- Denise Kelley
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Structure and Style for Students (SSS)
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Fix It! Grammar
- Introduction to Public Speaking
- University-Ready Writing
- IEW Online Classes
- How to Think like Shakespeare: Lessons from a Renaissance Education by Scott Newstok
- Episode 398: Think Like Shakespeare, Part 1
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 403
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
To change things up a bit, Andrew and Julie open some mail from our customers and podcast listeners who describe how IEW has helped them in their educational journey. Join Andrew and Julie as they read the letters and express their joy and gratitude.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- Dr. James B. Webster
- What Are We Really Doing Here?
- However Imperfectly
- Audio talk
- Podcast Series: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
- Book
- The Iliad by Homer (Amazon Affiliate)
- Fix It! Grammar
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

Why is IEW a good fit for students with special needs? This week, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker read through testimonials from teaching parents to help answer the question. Tune in to this inspiring episode and learn how IEW's Structure and Style methodology breaks the complex task of writing into small, manageable steps that teach students the process and give them the confidence to succeed.
Referenced Materials
- Learning Differences? IEW can help!
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Structure and Style for Students
- Barton Reading & Spelling System
- Podcast Episode with Susan Barton
- Podcast Episodes with Brock and Fernette Eide
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Premium Membership
- The Phonetic Zoo
- Principles of Motivation and Skills Development audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Fix It! Grammar
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 356
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
With summer just around the corner, many parents and teachers are wondering how to help their students to continue building their writing and thinking skills. Tune in to this week's podcast as Andrew and Julie provide suggestions on how to incorporate and encourage learning in a fun manner throughout the summer.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- "Summer Writing Fun with Structure and Style"
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- IEW's Facebook Page
- "Tips & Tricks for Teaching through the Nine Units"
- Writing Contests
- Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
- Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls
- Fix-It! Grammar
- Structure and Style for Students
- Free Language Arts Lessons from IEW
- IEW's 2021 Writing Conference
- IEW's Forum
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
From inspiring to technical, IEW's blogs are here to support and guide teachers and parents and aid students in their educational journey. In this podcast Andrew and Julie welcome the IEW blog "curator," Jennifer Mauser. Enjoy a fun conversation with Jennifer as she explains her role with IEW's blog, and learn about the different content that she publishes on the website.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- Blog
- Jennifer Mauser
- Laura House
- Student Writing Intensive
- Jill Pike
- Forum
- Fix It! Grammar
- World History-Based Writing Lessons by Lori Verstegen
- Online Classes
- Blog: Testimonials
- "Checklists—Not Just for Enchiladas!" by Jennifer Mauser
- "Celebrating the Checklist" by Jill Pike
- "Sentence Openers: #2 or #5?" by Jill Pike
- Click here to subcribe to our blog!
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
Are you hoping to enrich the time spent with your students at home? Tune in to this week's episode! Andrew and Julie continue the series on homeschooling help. This episode, the duo lays out some practical tips for parents when educating at home. Be encrouaged as Andrew and Julie share the importance of setting realistic expectations and focusing on the main priorites.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- "Homeschool 101"
- Homeschooling Help Facebook Page
- Podcast with Dr. Carol Swain
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
- Culture, Curriculum, and Care
- Free Language Arts Lessons from IEW
- Try a free Fix It! Grammar Lesson
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization Freebie
- Primary Arts of Language
- Spelling Sample Lessons
- "IEW Book Recommendations" by Andrew Pudewa
- Read-Aloud Revival
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker open the mailbag (or the email inbox) and read letters IEW has received from students, parents, and teachers. Listen to this episode to find out how IEW has assisted refugee students, how teachers are incorporating IEW into their classrooms, and how IEW assists students long after they have completed high school. Often students send Andrew samples of their work, and he shares some excerpts in this podcast.
Referenced Materials
- Bible Heroes
- Structure and Style® for Students: Year 1 Level A
- Fix It!® Grammar
- IEW Schools Department
- IEW Schools Educational Consultants
- Structure and Style for Students
- Structure and Style for Students: Year 1 Level C
- IEW® Gradebook
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization
- Poetic Power Poetry Contest
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization free lessons
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 472
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
This is the third episode of twenty-four in the podcast series, Reviewing Our Greatest Hits. This show was initially launched on November 21, 2018, as Episode 166.
To finish up this conversation on relevancy, Andrew and Julie discuss the last of the four forms of relevancy: contrived relevancy and enforced relevancy. Learn how creating a game can motivate your student to learn, and discover how enforced relevancy is the least effective motivator as it can lead to a dislike for learning.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- Episode 199: A Special Announcement
- Teaching Boys and Other Children Who Would Rather Make Forts All Day
- Why Gender Matters by Dr. Leonard Sax (Amazon Affiliate)
- Mastery Learning, Ability Development, and Individualized Education
- The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing
- Dr. James B. Webster
- Outmatched™: Ancient History
- U.S. History-Based Writing Lessons by Lori Verstegen
- Fix-It! Grammar
- Motivation
- Article
- Audio talk
- Podcast Series: Part 1 | Part 2
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
To finish up this conversation on relevancy, Andrew and Julie discuss the last of the Four Forms of Relevancy: Contrived Relevancy and Enforced Relevancy. Learn how creating a game can motivate your student to learn, and discover how Enforced Relevancy is the least effective motivator as it can lead to a dislike for learning.
GO TO: Part 1 | Part 2
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- Teaching Boys and Other Children Who Would Rather Make Forts All Day
- Why Gender Matters by Dr. Leonard Sax (Amazon Affiliate)
- Mastery Learning, Ability Development, and Individualized Education
- The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing
- Dr. James B. Webster
- Outmatched™: Ancient History
- U.S. History-Based Writing Lessons by Lori Verstegen
- Fix-It! Grammar
- Motivation
- Article
- Audio talk
- Podcast Series: Part 1 | Part 2
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
The Arts of Language Podcast is honored to welcome Dr. Nicholas Ellis this week. Dr. Ellis is the founder and CEO of Christian Halls International (CHI), an organization that organizes and nurtures local communities for students in higher education programs. In the episode you'll learn about the inspiring work Dr. Ellis and his organization are doing and IEW's exciting partnership with CHI, in which students can receive college credit for completing Structure and Style for Students Year 1C paired with Fix It! Grammar.

Referenced Materials:
- Christian Halls: Leadership Team
- Christian Halls International and the Institute for Excellence in Writing
- EDiGlobal
- Structure and Style for Students
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 331
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com.

Many of IEW’s podcast episodes in 2023 follow this year’s theme of exploring how IEW can help students with learning differences. Every tenth episode features questions submitted by our podcast listeners. Join us as Julie Walker presents Andrew Pudewa with questions from parents regarding their struggling students. Offering practical tips, he helps equip parents to assist their students in improving their writing and spelling skills.
Referenced Materials
- Learning Differences? IEW can help!
- Episode 159: IEW and Dyslexia: A Conversation with Susan Barton
- The Dyslexic Advantage: A Conversation with Brock and Fernette Eide
- Episode 356: Why IEW Works for Students with Learning Differences
- Episode 363: IEW Helps Students with Dyslexia
- Episode 362: ADHD — Strategies for Success
- The Phonetic Zoo
- Structure and Style for Students
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Fix It! Grammar
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 370
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
If an episode number ends in zero, then that means it's time for another Ask Andrew Anything! Join us this week as Julie asks Andrew questions submitted by our listeners. Pulling from his experience, Andrew provides insightful and informative answers to questions ranging from how to know if you're expecting too much from your student, to how to help when the source text seems overwhelming.

Referenced Materials:
- Structure and Style® for Students
- Bible-Based Writing Lessons
- Susan Barton
- "Nurturing Competent Communicators"
- Fix It!™ Grammar
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Paradise Lost by John Milton
- Printing with Letter Stories [Blackline Masters]
- Cursive Knowledge
- Paper and Pen: What the Research Says audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com.
How many total gifts were given in the twelve days of Christmas song? Tune in to find out! In the spirit of Christmas, IEW gives away gifts on each of the days of Christmas, and this week Andrew and Julie share what some of those gifts are this year. We're on Day 3 now, so click the link in the show notes to receive notifications on the gifts each day!
Referenced Materials:
- Twelve Days of Christmas Giving 2021
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization
- The Profound Power of Poetry
- Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing
- Pumpkin Spice Cake
- Humor in Teaching and Speaking
- IEW's YouTube Channel
- Spelling and the Brain
- The Phonetic Zoo
- Fix It! Grammar
- Cursive Knowledge
- Principles of Motivation and Skills Development
- Premium Membership
- The Profound Effects of Music on Life
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com.
The time is here when Julie asks Andrew just about anything from questions submitted by our listeners. Have you ever wondered what book Andrew would grab off the shelf if the library were about to shut down? Tune in to find out! From questions about banned words to inquiries about finding voice, Andrew provides answers with insight and clarity.
Referenced Materials:
- "Ask Andrew Anything"
- Cooking with Structure and Style
- The Complete Works of William Shakespeare
- Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
- The Complete Hans Christian Andersen Fairytales
- Grimm's Complete Fairy Tales
- Dr. James B. Webster
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Structure and Style for Students
- Fix It! Grammar
- Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com.
In this podcast Andrew answers questions from our listeners as well as questions our Customer Service Team frequently receives. Join us for another round of inquiries where Andrew offers helpful insight on a variety of topics from how to implement Suzuki method when teaching piano, to how to choose appropriate pieces for copywork.
Referenced Materials:
- IEW and Dyslexia
- The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain (Amazon Affiliate)
- Pamela White
- Fix It! Grammar
- Suzuki Association of the Americas
- Student Writing Intensive Continuation Course Level B
- High School Essay Intensive
- Student Writing Intensive
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Becoming MomStrong by Heidi St. John
QUESTIONS ASKED:
1:18 - Jennifer asks, "In Unit 3, I have always found it confusing to list all the characters in the story under Characters and Setting in the key word outline. When we go to write the first paragraph, sometimes including a character that only shows up later in the story is challenging. Is it okay to only mention that character in the Conflict and Problem or Climax and Resolution sections, or is it good to try to mention all the characters in the first paragraph?”
3:25 - Misty asks, “Thanks for the great info! I was listening to the dyslexia podcast. When you talk about a dyslexic child listening to audiobooks, should they be trying to follow along with the print, or just simply listening to the story?”
6:06 - Christine asks, “Should we have commas after an -ly adverb opener?”
8:27 - Amy asks, “My question for you is regarding teaching my kids how to play the piano. I have listened to your podcasts talking about the Suzuki method and it intrigues me. My oldest is taking piano lessons; however, his teacher is retiring soon. She teaches using the traditional method, which is how I was taught piano. The nearest Suzuki teacher is an hour drive away. I’m wondering what your opinion is on a parent attempting to teach the Suzuki method at home. Of course I would read Suzuki’s books to gain better insight, but I wouldn’t have any formal training in the method. Can you help?”
11:52 - Wendy asks, “I am teaching a group of 16 students through the Continuation Course Level B. They are writing papers about famous people from history. The sources that Mr. Pudewa has required them to write are from a book, an encyclopedia/periodical, and whatever other material they might choose such as Internet or video. One of the questions I received was "Can I choose a Kindle book?" This started me questioning what I should allow. Since the filming of the series, much technology has come into play.”
16:37 - Customers frequently ask our Customer Service team, “Prior to Unit 6, how does a student put a word-for-word quotation on the key word outline?”
17:57 - Customers frequently ask our Customer Service team, “When a student with no previous IEW experience begins with High School Essay Intensive and then wants more help with writing, what program would be best to move on to next?”
20:10 - Customers frequently ask our Customer Service team, “What is the purpose of copywork and how do our families and teachers choose the appropriate pieces for students to copy?”
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
It's time to open the bag: the mailbag, that is. Wanting to share the love, Andrew and Julie open up letters from teachers and students. Tune in to this gratifying episode during which the duo reads letters in which teachers express how equipped they feel to teach writing after using IEW, and they learn how successful their students have been.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- "Sharing Gratitude"
- "From the Mailbag: I Hate IEW!"
- Dr. James B. Webster
- The Phonetic Zoo
- IEW Facebook
- IEW Instagram
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style®
- Free Language Arts Lessons from IEW
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization
- Writing Conference Resources
- Structure and Style® for Students
- Fix It! Grammar
- "The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing"
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

In Part 3 of the 500th episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker reflect on the deeper purpose of the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW). They emphasize the accessibility of IEW’s materials and share stories from parents and students illustrating the transformative effects of IEW programs for both homeschoolers and full-time schools. Wrapping up, they reinforce the central idea that IEW is ultimately about teaching students to read, write, speak, and think well—prompting the ongoing question: “What are we really doing here?”
Referenced Materials
- Portable Walls™ for Structure and Style® Students
- IEW Premium Membership
- Checklist Generator™
- Fix It!® Grammar
- Structure and Style® for Students
- Adventures in Writing
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (TWSS)
- IEW Online Instructors
- IEW Brand Ambassador Program
- Contact IEW Customer Support
- Chef JoJo Recipe App
- Arts of Language Podcast
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 500 Part 3
500th Episode Giveaway: Receive a free Portable Walls for Structure and Style Students with coupon code E500-PWSS (for the first 500 customers).
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker are pleased to welcome author Monica Swanson to discuss her newest book, Raising Amazing. In this Arts of Language podcast episode, she shares the insight and wisdom gained parenting four boys. How do you raise children who love God, like their family, and do the dishes without being asked? Her practical advice will enlighten parents with children of all ages.
Referenced Materials
- Monica Swanson
- Episode R04: The Joys of Boys
- Raising Amazing by Monica Swanson
- Interview with Monica Swanson's Sons
- Boy Mom by Monica Swanson
- The Secret of Your Naturally Skinny Friends by Monica Swanson
- Monica's Character Training Course
- Growing Slowly Wise by David Roper
- Gladys Aylward by Janet Benge and Geoff Benge
- Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham
- Red Sails to Capri by Ann Well
- Structure and Style for Students
- Fix It! Grammar
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 361
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
† Contains distinctly Christian content
Join us as Andrew discusses his research and cites studies that emphasize the learning differences between boys and girls. Learn how to motivate boys and other active learners by creating relevancy and respecting each child's individual needs.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- Podcast with Jill Pike
- Motivation
- Article
- Audio talk
- Podcast Series: Part 1 |Part 2
- Why Gender Matters by Leonard Sax, Ph.D (Amazon Affiliate)
- Boys Adrift by Leonard Sax, Ph.D (Amazon Affiliate)
- Girls on the Edge by Leonard Sax, Ph.D (Amazon Affiliate)
- The Collapse of Parenting by Leonard Sax, Ph.D (Amazon Affiliate)
- Writing Well by Donald Hall (Amazon Affiliate)
- Writing to Learn by William Zinsser (Amazon Affiliate)
- The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White (Amazon Affiliate)
- Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst (Amazon Affiliate)
- Fix It! Grammar
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
Answering technical IEW questions ranging from topic/clincher sentences to crash writing courses before college, Andrew provides helpful insight and information about where to start and where to go during this Ask Andrew Anything episode.
Referenced Materials:
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Episode 100: Four-Wheelers and Make-up: A Radio Drama
- Online Classes
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Fix it! Grammar
- Student Writing Intensive
- Following Narnia Volume 1: The Lion's Song Laura Bettis
- IEW Forum
- Student Writing Intensive Level C by Andrew Pudewa and Jill Pike
- High School Essay Intensive by Andrew Pudewa
- Advanced Communication Series by Andrew Pudewa and Danielle Olander
- Phonetic Zoo
- Advanced Spelling & Vocabulary by James B. Webster, Andrew Pudewa, and Maria Gerber
- The Elegant Essay by Lesha Myers
- A Guide to Writing Your Novel by Lee Roddy
- How to Write a Story by Lee Roddy
- Pathway
- One Year Adventure Novel
- Integrity College Solutions
Questions Asked:
- 1:50 - Bethany asks, "If a paragraph starts with a #6 Very Short Sentence, does the clincher reflect the Very Short Sentence? Or does the clincher reflect the next sentence?"
-
3:50 - Kathy asks, "My question is related to a sentence my boy wrote which we couldn't decide if it fits one of the openers. The sentence was along the lines of: 'Found around the North Pole, Beluga whales...'"
-
8:30 - Cindy asks, "We feel our 6th grade, almost 12-year-old son has had weak writing instruction to this point. He's a voracious reader with great vocabulary and great grades to date, but he has Aspergers and ADHD. We are familiar with your work and are very interested in your online classes as a good way to meet his needs and receive great instruction. I was wondering if you had a good way of determining if we should select Level A or Level B for an online class?"
-
12:32 - Heidi asks, "I don't think my daughter can handle both Fix It! and the Student Writing Intensive Level A. What should I do first? She is nine and will be in the 4th grade."
-
14:42 - John asks, "I'm trying to determine the right course for my son, who will be in 9th grade this year. I see that Following Narnia Volume 1 is intended for grades 6–8. However, I believe someone mentioned on the IEW forum that Volume 1 can be adapted to make it appropriate for the High School level. Could you please provide some feedback?"
-
18:17 - Rebecca asks, "I'm trying to find a writing program for my daughter to use before she goes to college this fall. She has had some writing, but needs to have basic improvement and practice. What do you suggest?"
-
23:10 - Jacqueline asks, "My daughter is home-schooled and is entering the 9th grade. She writes very well and has not struggled in any area of the programs she has completed. She completed the Student Writing Intensive Level B and will be finishing the Continuation Course Level B in a couple of weeks. She would really like to complete a course geared more toward writing her own books this year. We are wondering if The Elegant Essay or Speech Boot Camp could be swapped out for A Guide to Writing Your Novel?"
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
This week Andrew and Julie are honored to welcome Marie Greenhalgh, the homeschooling mom of an autistic student. After pulling her child out of school, Marie discovered IEW and its methodical step-by-step process. In this episode Marie describes how IEW has helped her student learn, shares her own tips for success, and discusses the importance of not withholding help.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- "Special Needs? IEW can help!"
- SPED: Struggles and Suggestions: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
- The Four Language Arts
- Primary Arts of Language
- The Blended Sound-Sight Program of Learning by Anna Ingham
- Anna Ingham
- Fix It! Grammar
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Student Writing Intensive (Discontinued)
- Fables, Myths, and Fairy Tales Writing Lessons by Maria Gerber
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization by Andrew Pudewa
- Temple Grandin
- "Process versus Product" by Andrew Pudewa
- Marie's letter to IEW
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
As usual, Andrew replies to any question that gets thrown at him. However, in this special edition of "Ask Andrew Anything," Andrew answers questions from our exceptionally experienced online instructors. Learn Andrew's response to questions ranging from where he acquired his sense of humor to advice on explaining dress-up techniques.
Referenced Materials:
- Online Classes
- Online Class Instructors
- Fix It! Grammar
- Webinars
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
QUESTIONS ASKED:
2:16 - Erin Fisher asks, "My students constantly tell me you are so funny. Some of them want to know where do you get your material and who was the funny person that influenced you in your life?"
4:04 - Pamela White asks, "How have your feelings changed over time about the online classes that we offer?"
6:32 - Kim Murphy asks, "One of the common mistakes that I find students making is confusing the strong verb and the quality adjective. Do you have any hints that might help them?"
9:25 - Cathy Flowers asks, "Some of the parents are considering online education and online classes. How are the online classes different than the DVD lessons?"
11:26 - Ginny Lennon asks, "What would you do if all the dress-ups were placed in one sentence?"
13:46 - Robin Osborne asks, "My students love unit 3: Retelling Narrative Stories, but sometimes they have trouble identifying the conflict. What's the best way to figure out the main conflict?"
19:24 - Lizabeth Brasells asks, "What is your favorite style tool and why?"
22:30 - Cinda Tribble asks, "I have some students who love IEW so much and they love the dress-ups that they put in a million -ly words and quality adjectives in one paragraph. Should I limit them or should I allow them to explore?"
26:36 - Denise Kelly asks, "I have some students who would like to know what you like to do in your free time when you're not teaching writing?"
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
Once again, Andrew answers questions from teachers and parents across the country. Whether it be a Latin question or a technical inquiry about sentence openers, Andrew provides helpful insight and clarity. Tune in till the end for an electrifying lightning round, where various students ask questions like "Who is your favorite composer?" and "How many ties do you actually own?"
Referenced Materials:
- Biduum Latinum
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Advanced Communication Series [Discontinued]
- Online Classes
- The Family Hope Center
- Fix It! Grammar
- Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons by Lori Verstegen
- Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan (Amazon Affiliate)
- Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Mandy Walker (Amazon Affiliate)
- The Republic by Plato (Amazon Affiliate)
- The Scarlet and the Black
- Collateral Beauty
- A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (Amazon Affiliate)
QUESTIONS ASKED:
1:44 - Sandra asks, "My son was an A student in high school and is doing well enough in college, except for Latin. He took Latin for three years in high school and did fine, but he's taking his second year of Latin in college and it's proving to be excruciating for him. Do you have any advice for this level of Latin?"
4:55 - Christine asks, "Are there a limited number of words that work as invisible openers? For example, "Being exhausted, the man sank down into a sofa." In this example, it works to drop the word "being." Do all words work this way? It doesn't sound right to me to say, "Tired, the man sank down into a sofa." Or, "Sleepy the man..."
8:42 - Holly says, "It would be great to get a little more help or advice on the taking notes from lectures and then writing paragraphs. I'm finding that my son and I are needing more guidance in this area."
11:18 - Leah asks, "I'm interested in one of your courses for my 10th grade daughter. I would like something that she could work on independently. Do you have recommendations? Are there assessments built into the program?"
13:06 - Melissa asks, "I recently listened to episode 66 of the podcast. My son has ADD and learning disabilities such as significant delays in spelling and mild delays in reading and math. He also has delays in working memory and processing speed. He's currently in the 5th grade in a public school. I am unfortunately unable to homeschool him, but we are working with him after school and in the summers as much as possible. I wanted to see what would be recommended for him? He's currently in 5th grade so I'm unsure whether level A or level B would be best for him."
16:13 - Mary asks, "My fourteen-year-old has some issues: lack of proper punctuation in sentences, run-ons, and tense agreements, to name a few. I have addressed these in editing, but I feel like he's missing something pretty important. Should I continue to coach him through editing? He is grasping all the dress-ups quite well. We are in Unit 4."
23:52 - Paula asks,"Hi there. I'm in a bit of a pickle. I am tutoring an IEW writing class at a tutoring center and the grades range from 3-8. The director insists that we use Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons. It's actually been going really well, but now we have started unit 6 and the younger students are confused. Do you have any suggestions?"
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
With seventy-four countries participating, IEW held a virtual writing conference last month. This week, we are posting one of the recordings from that conference. In this recording Andrew and Julie discuss the different ways to teach writing using Structure and Style. Stay tuned until the end, where Andrew provides insightful answers to questions that were submitted live from the audience!
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- "Teaching Writing Can Be Easier Than You Think!"
- IEW's 2021 Writing Conference
- Writing Conference Resources
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Bible-Based Writing Lessons
- Structure and Style for Students
- Online Classes
- Fix-It! Grammar
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization
- Nurturing Competent Communicators by Andrew Pudewa
- The Phonetic Zoo
- IEW's School Site
- Bible Heroes Writing Lessons
- Primary Arts of Language
- Cooking with Structure and Style
- IEW's Forum
- IEW's Blog
- e-Newsletters
- Michelle Robinson
- "Convert ... to Pens!" by Andrew Pudewa
- Wee Sing
- IEW's YouTube Channel
- Teaching the Classics by Adam and Missy Andrews
- CenterForLit
- "The Colloquium Environment" by Andrew Pudewa
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
Experience excellence in writing as Laura House, IEW's marketing manager, explains IEW's methodology and walks you through both the structure and style of the nine units. With her insightful knowledge and cheery attitude, Laura provides encouragement and demonstrates how you can apply IEW's method to anything you're learning at home or in the classroom.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied Laura in the Experience Excellence in Writing webinar.
- Laura House
- Student Writing Intensive
- Megan Horst
- Magnum Opus Magazine
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Classroom Supplement and Lesson Plans
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Student Writing Intensive Continuation Course
- U.S History-Based Writing Lessons by Lori Verstegen
- World History-Based Writing Lessons by Lori Verstegen
- Following Narnia Volume 1: The Lion's Song by Laura Bettis
- Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons Lori Verstegen
- Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons Lori Verstegen
- Fables, Myths, and Fairy Tales Writing Lessons by Maria Gerber
- All Things Fun & Fascinating by Lori Verstegen
- Bible Heroes Writing Lessons Lori Verstegen
- Portable Walls
- Fix-It! Grammar
- The Phonetic Zoo
- All About Spelling
- Primary Arts of Language
- e-Newsletter
- Webinars
- Forum
- Blog
- IEW's Facebook Page
- Becoming an IEW Instructor
- Online Classes
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
In this episode of "Ask Andrew Anything," IEW's ingenious leader answers questions from our latest Facebook Party, such as "Do you recommend the use of a thesaurus?" and "Is there any creative writing course with IEW?". What would your question be if you could ask Andrew anything?
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- IEW Facebook Page
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons by Lori Verstegen
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- A Word Write Now by Loranna Schwacofer
- U.S History-Based Writing Lessons by Lori Verstegen
- Pen and Paper
- The Four Deadly Errors
- The Five Canons of Rhetoric
- Free Aesop Fables Online
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization by Andrew Pudewa
- Fix it! Grammar by Pamela White
- 24:01-"If you gathered methane gas from cows for two years, would all the gas be able to launch a rocket to space?"
- Answer at AAA Episode 30
- Please Rate and Review our Podcast on iTunes
- Questions asked:
- 2:27 - Carrie Sue asks "I have four children. My eldest is 12 and writing has been a struggle so I have never taught it. Now he has improved and is about the same grade-level and is reading and writing as my 10 year old. Where would I begin to teach writing and could my 8 year old, who is an advance reader, join them too?"
- 7:04 - Ashley asks "Do you recommend the use of a thesaurus and at what age?"
- 9:57 - Leslie asks "I love all your products. My son is needing a vocabulary program. What do you suggest?"
- 13:22 - Clare asks "I have a 12 year old son who insists that he type his writing assignments. I am big fan of handwriting, as it seems to be a lost art. What do you think?"
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16:36 - Courtney asks "How long is it okay to scribe for them? I've been following Jill's advice on scribing for them for as long as needed but sometimes it seems as though they will never learn to do it themselves. I am doing U.S History-Based Writing Lessons with my 13 year old dyslexic daughter, along with my 12 year old. Both of them need quite a bit of handholding."
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18:19 - Lisa asks "On average how long would you expect it to take a 5th grader to do a key word outline and write there own rough draft from their key word outline? This is out first year with TWSS and it's taking a very long time. Do you ever have students try and write their rough draft from scratch because they can't remember what the key word outline means? What's the best thing to do in this case?"
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22:04 - Brandy asks "Is there any creative writing course with IEW? "
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29:06- Kristen asked "Our freshman son has some vision issues which delayed his reading and impacted his spelling and writing. We have some of your products. Am I right in thinking slow and steady wins the race or is there something specific I should be doing to help his written communication become easier? "
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
Why learn Latin? So that you can understand all of Andrew's Latin jokes! This week, Andrew and Julie talk about the dead language and discuss the benefits of learning it. Learn how Latin lays the foundation for learning other languages, and gain insight on how it helps in the understanding of English grammar.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- "Latin Comes to Life"
- Magalog
- But, but, but ... What about Grammar?
- Memoria Press
- SPQR Latin Dictionary and Reader
- "Why Study Latin?" by Cheryl Lowe
- Michelle Robinson
- Henle Latin by Robert J. Henle
- Classical Conversations®
- Classical Academic Press®: Song School Latin
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
Have you ever wondered where it all began? Tune into this twenty-fifth birthday celebration recording where Andrew takes you through the history of IEW and expresses his gratitude toward the people that helped him along his journey.
GO TO PART 2
Referenced Materials:
- Andrew Pudewa
- Dr. James B. Webster
- Anna Ingham
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style®
- The Phonetic Zoo
- Janet Spitler
- Julie Walker
- Bible-Based Writing Lessons
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Jill Pike
- Peter Buscemi
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization
- Cameron Covey
- Classical Conversations
- Leigh Bortins
- Laura House
- Danielle Olander
- Jan Miller
- The Old Schoolhouse®
- Practical Homeschooling Reader Awards
- Lori Verstegen
- U.S. History-Based Writing Lessons
- Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons
- World History-Based Writing Lessons
- Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons
- Advanced U.S. History-Based Writing Lessons
- All Things Fun & Fascinating
- High School Essay Intensive
- The Elegant Essay
- How to Write a Story by Lee Roddy
- Pamela White
- Fix It! Grammar
- A Word Write Now by Loranna Schwacofer
- CenterForLit
- Teaching the Classics by Adam and Missy Andrews
- Linda Mikottis
- Magalog
- Andrew Kern
- Circe Institute
- The Two Andrews: On Writing and Teaching Writing
- Martin Cothran
- "Laelius de Amicitia" by Cicero
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker address questions from our listeners as well as questions that have been sent to our customer service team. The questions include whether IEW helps with specific mnemonics for writing, whether IEW methods provide scaffolding, and what to do when you take the month of December off. Andrew also reads some of the mail that he has received from students. Julie ends with a question about what kinds of books to read, and Andrew’s answer may surprise you.
Referenced Materials
- Structure and Style® for Students
- Fix It!® Grammar
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization
- University-Ready Writing
- Introduction to Public Speaking
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 510
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
It seems that many people are natural-born spellers while others are not. Either way, Andrew and Julie discuss the importance of mastery through repetition when it comes to the subject. Referring to The Phonetic Zoo, Andrew and Julie talk about the history of the program and share the benefits of an auditory-based spelling program.

Referenced Materials:
- The Phonetic Zoo
- Anna Ingham
- Dr. James B. Webster
- Laddie by Gene Stratton-Porter
- Penrod by Booth Tarkington
- Spelling and the Brain
- Why Great Grammar Doesn't Guarantee Great Writers
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com.
In this edition of Ask Andrew Anything, Andrew answers questions from school teachers and parents such as "What can I do to avoid teacher's burnout?" and "Can you please discuss more on character study for reading comprehension and writing?".
Referenced Materials:
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Phonetic Zoo Spelling Program
- Student Writing Intensive
- Online Classes
- The Four Deadly Errors
- Lindamood-Bell
- The Arts of Language
- Latinam Discamus (Let's Learn Latin)
- Fix It! Grammar
- A Word Write Now
- Teaching the Classics by Adam Andrews and Missy Andrews
- A Guide to Writing Your Novel by Lee Roddy
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Questions Asked:
- 1:33-Anne-Marie asks "Can Mr. Pudewa also expand on why the Kindergarten – Second grade class used the word “fox” both in the title and the KWO, but he desired for the students in the 3rd – 5th grade class to not use the word “grasshopper” in the KWO at first since the word “grasshopper” was in the title."
- 3:31-Courtney asks "Andrew mentioned Suzuki like math instruction and the value of drills in education. My question is: What math programs would you recommend that is in alignment with IEW type of instruction (for both K-2 learners and beyond)?"
- 8:56-Kate asks "A question about burnout (teacher's burnout), I teach Masters and Undergraduate students at the University, I homeschool my three kids (ages: 3, 8, 12), I'm a Girl Scout Leader, and I also Lead a Monthly 4H Co-Op Project. Some homeschool parents are even busier with more kids, additional volunteer work, and co-ops. Sometimes I feel I'm tired of "teaching," or better said, tired of the "traditional teacher delivery/image." Do you have any suggestions to avoid teacher's burnout? Or possible alternatives (activities, ideas) to the traditional delivery method?"
- 15:08-Julie asks "My question is this, while my son reads at a college level, he does occasionally come across words that he can't decode and seems to have lost the ability to decode unfamiliar words. I'm unsure if I should go back and focus on decoding (that seems labor intensive considering his reading level is so high and frankly I wouldn't know what method to use at his age), or should I focus on vocabulary building."
- 20:15-Kim asks "I am watching Unit 9 in TWSS. Andrew is really encouraging students to increase their vocabulary. Does he recommend workbooks like Wordly Wise, or are the word lists he provides enough? He only referred to word lists and Greek/Latin roots."
- 24:24-Kaye asks "Can you please discuss more on character study for reading comprehension and writing?"
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

In this Live Ask Andrew Anything episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker answer questions submitted by listeners. Listen as they discuss how to find the literature suggestions in IEW’s courses, how to decide what courses to use first with younger students, why the levels of some of the theme-based books have changed, what books Andrew is reading now, and more!
Referenced Materials
- Structure and Style® for Students: Year 1 Level C
- Structure and Style for Students: Year 2 Level B
- The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting
- Investigations in Writing
- Structure and Style for Students: Year 1 Level A
- Fix It!® Grammar
- Wonders of Science Writing Lessons
- Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons
- The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni
- The Plague by Albert Camus
- 1984 by George Orwell
- Silence by Shūsaku Endō
- Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
- The End of the World Is Just the Beginning by Peter Zeihan
- We Who Wrestle with God by Jordan B. Peterson
- IEW Online Classes
- Structure and Style for Students: Year 3 Level B
- Writing Contests
- Magnum Opus Magazine
- Structure and Style for Students: Year 2 Level C
- Paper and Pen – What the Research Says audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Link to Episode 480 video
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 480
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

It’s here! After many months we are proud to introduce our newest video product, Introduction to Public Speaking! In this program middle and high school students learn memory and delivery techniques for five different types of speeches, tips on where to stand and where to look, and other valuable skills for becoming confident verbal communicators. Join Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker as they elaborate on the new Introduction to Public Speaking.
Referenced Materials
- “IEW's New Introduction to Public Speaking”
- Introduction to Public Speaking
- National Christian Forensics and Communications Association
- National Speech and Debate Association
- Stoa
- "Casey at the Bat" by Ernest Lawrence Thayer
- Structure and Style for Students
- Portable Walls for Structure and Style Students
- Portable Walls for the Public Speaker
- Portable Walls Grammar on the Go
- Tools for Young Writers
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 374
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker welcome Dr. Scott Newstok, a professor of English and founding director of the Pearce Shakespeare Endowment at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. In this podcast they discuss his book How to Think like Shakespeare: Lessons from a Renaissance Education. The discussion centers around how the habits of the mind that shaped the writers, inventors, and thinkers of Shakespeare’s era can apply to education today.
GO TO PART 2
Referenced Materials
- Scott Newstok
- How to Think like Shakespeare: Lessons from a Renaissance Education by Scott Newstok
- The War Against Grammar by David Mulroy
- A Bookish Discussion
- Episode 314: Imitation as the Foundation for Innovation, Creativity, and Development
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 398
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
While you're still in the midst of Unit 5, sail through style with Andrew and Julie as they discuss the different stylistic techniques. Learn about IEW's philosophy of gradually increasing the intensity of the checklist and notice how the checklist allows your students to take ownership of their writing as they discover the world of words.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- Unit 5 Podcast
- Blended Structure and Style in Composition
- "Reaching the Reluctant Writer"
- Audio talk
- Podcast Series: Part 1 | Part 2
- Magalog
- A Word Write Now
- IEW Writing Tools App
- "But, but, but... What about Grammar?" Audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- High School Essay Intensive [Discontinued]
- Redwall by Brian Jacques
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
Join us in this podcast as Andrew and Julie sit down and have a conversation about the upcoming school year. Whether you're a full-time schoolteacher or a homeschooling parent, be invigorated in your quest for this new school year as Andrew provides advice on preparing your classroom and encourages you to keep moving forward.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- Classroom Posters
- Primary Arts of Language
- Portable Walls for Structure and Style Students
- Tools for Young Writers
- Portable Walls: Grammar on the Go
- Portable Walls for the Essayist [Discontinued]
- The Blended Sound-Sight Program of Learning by Anna Ingham, C.M.
- Stucture and Style Overview DVD
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Becoming an IEW Instructor
- Classroom Supplement and Lesson Plans
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
This is the nineteenth episode of twenty-four in the podcast series Reviewing Our Greatest Hits. This show was initially launched on January 3, 2018, as Episode 122.
Share the fun and gain some insights as Julie chats with homeschool mom and author Heidi St. John. After homeschooling for many years, Heidi pulled together her experience and wrote The Busy Homeschool Mom's Guide to Romance. Join us as Heidi shares her goal of strengthening families and offers her advice to busy moms who feel overwhelmed with the tasks at hand.
Referenced Materials:
- Heidi St. John: The Busy Mom
- Podcast with Kristin Boutross
- Podcast with Laura House
- "But, but, but ... What about Grammar?" audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Structure and Style® for Students
- IEW Schools
- Janet Spitler
- The Busy Mom's Guide to Romance by Heidi St. John
- Books by Heidi St. John
- The Firmly Planted Resource Center
- Heidi's Instagram
- Heidi's Facebook Page
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
What is the art of persuasion, really? Join Andrew and Julie as they hone in on this topic by unpacking the six elements of persuasion, and learn how IEW's Structure and Style method encompasses those elements.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- "But, but, but...What about Grammar?" Audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- "Principles of Persuasion" by Dr. Robert Cialdini
- Thinking
- The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing
- Humor in Teaching
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
While Andrew is away, Julie chats with homeschool mom and author Heidi St. John. After homeschooling for many years, Heidi pulled together her experience and wrote The Busy Homeschool Mom's Guide to Romance. Join us as Heidi shares her goal of strengthening families and offers her advice to busy moms who feel overwhelmed with the tasks at hand.
Referenced Materials:
- Heidi St. John's Website
- Podcast with Kristin Boutross
- Podcast with Laura House
- But, but, but ... What about Grammar? audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Student Writing Intensive
- IEW Schools
- Janet Spitler
- The Busy Homeschool Mom's Guide to Romance by Heidi St. John
- Books by Heidi St. John
- The Firmly Planted Resource Center
- Heidi's Instagram
- Heidi's Facebook Page
- Click here to enter the Student Writing Intensive giveaway (ends January 30, 2018)
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
Often students as well as parents struggle with moving forward on the checklist. In this two-part episode, Andrew provides salient points on the stylistic techniques and offers advice, from being strict with the checklist to not drowning your students with more than they can handle.
Go To Part 2
Referenced Materials:
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Sailing Through Style webinar.
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Dr. James B. Webster
- Blended Structure & Style in Composition by James B. Webster
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Mini Posters
- Anna Ingham
- The Blended Sound-Sight Program of Learning by Anna Ingham
- Magnum Opus Magazine
- Portable Walls
- Portable Walls for Essayist
- Tools for Young Writers
- Portable Walls: Grammar on the Go
- IEW Writing Tools
- A Word Write Now
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
This is the eighth episode of twenty-four in the podcast series Reviewing Our Greatest Hits. This show was initially launched on April 13, 2017, as Episode 89.
Although poetry has been around for many ages, fewer children actually seem to read and appreciate poetry today. Join Andrew and Julie as they unpack the importance of poetry, discuss its components, and address the powerful benefits of reading poetry.
Referenced Materials:
- The Iliad of Homer translated by Richmond Lattimore
- The Blended Sound-Sight Program of Learning by Anna Ingham
- Primary Arts of Language by Jill Pike
- The Odyssey of Homer translated by Richmond Lattimore
- Mother Goose, Ph.D. by David Arns
- Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization by Andrew Pudewa
- The Power of Memorization
- Casey at the Bat by Ernest Thayer
- Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll
- Grammar of Poetry by Matt Whitling
- Macbeth by William Shakespeare
- The Hollow Hills by Mary Stewart
- Dante's Purgatorio Translated by Jean and Robert Hollander
- The Death of Christian Culture † by John Senior
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss how children thrive when parents read aloud to them. Reading aloud builds family bonds and shared memories as well as increases vocabulary and comprehension. Listen to this episode to learn more.
Referenced Materials
- Summer Help from IEW
- “Is having a loving family an unfair advantage?”
- Episode 354: Paper and Pen — What the Research Says
- Read-Aloud Revival
- Structure and Style® for Students free lessons
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Grammar for a Full Life by Lawrence Weinstein
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 486
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
As teachers and parents it can be challenging to acknowledge that not all children can be taught the same way. In Part 2 of "However Imperfectly," Andrew addresses the importance of adaptability by teaching at the point of need.
GO TO Part 1 | Part 3
Referenced Materials:
- Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling by John Taylor Gatto (Amazon Affiliate)
- The Underground History of American Education: A School Teacher's Intimate Investigation Into the Problem of Modern Schooling by John Taylor Gatto (Amazon Affiliate)
- The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential
- Process Versus Product
- Understanding Child Brain Development by Matthew and Carol Newell
- SPED Struggles and Suggestions
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Student Writing Intensive
- Dr. James B. Webster
- Why Johnny Can't Write: How to Improve Writing Skills by Myra J. Linden and Arthur Whimbey (Amazon Affiliate)
- Why Kids Can't Write Article by Dana Goldstein
- The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (Amazon Affiliate)
- The Flickering Mind: Saving Education from the False Promise of Technology by Todd Oppenheimer (Amazon Affiliate)
- Pen and Paper
- Podcast Series: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
- Audio Talk
- Article
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

On November 13, 2023, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker celebrated the 400th episode of the Arts of Language podcast by hosting a live event with nearly 400 guests listening. Andrew answered questions from the live audience on topics such as AI, college preparation, and the long-lasting legacy of IEW. He even told a joke. Listen to this extended podcast and hear about new products that IEW will release soon.
Referenced Materials
- Structure and Style for Students
- Portable Walls Grammar on the Go
- Portable Walls for Structure and Style Students
- Introduction to Public Speaking
- University-Ready Writing
- However Imperfectly
- Premium Membership
- Episode 364: Health and Wellness with Katie Wells
- Cultivating Language Arts — Preschool through High School audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Episode 382: Announcing IEW's Partnership with Hillsdale College
- Adventures in Writing
- Discoveries in Writing
- How to Think like Shakespeare: Lessons from a Renaissance Education by Scott Newstock
- Episode 398: Think Like Shakespeare, Part 1
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
With the rise of technology being used in the classroom, it can be difficult for teachers and parents to determine when it is appropriate to use it. In this episode, Andrew and Julie hone in on the topics and discuss when technology in education makes sense. Learn how technology can enhance the learning experience, but also gain insight on the negative effects it can have if not applied appropriately.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- However Imperfectly by Andrew Pudewa
- "Low-Tech Teaching with High-End Results"
- The Flickering Mind by Todd Oppenheimer
- "The God Thoth and the Invention of Writing"
- Structure and Style® for Students
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- When Can You Trust the Experts? by Daniel Willingham
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker talk about how the use of AI for writing impacts the process of training students to be critical thinkers. While it may be tempting for students and parents alike to use AI for writing because it is faster and easier, Andrew encourages parents to realize the dangers, including inaccurate facts, imprecise thinking, and unfounded opinions.
Referenced Materials
- “Writing Maketh an Exact Man” article by Andrew Pudewa
- Arts of Language homeschool magalog
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 483
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

Join Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker as they bring to light the creative and imaginative aspects of Unit 3: Retelling Narrative Stories. They provide some history of how Unit 3 came about and how it became what it is today. Explore how students of all ages can retell, elaborate, and write variations of fables and short stories while expressing extraordinary creativity.
Referenced Materials
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- NCFCA Christian Speech & Debate League
- Episode 364: Health and Wellness with Katie Wells
- Magnum Opus Magazine
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 392
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to Podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

Happy Thanksgiving! In this episode Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss the power of gratitude. Andrew reads a letter from a student expressing his gratitude for the writing courses. In sharing things they are grateful for, Andrew and Julie encourage listeners to see how simply expressing thanks can change your perspective.
Referenced Materials
- Structure and Style® for Students
- “You Don’t Have to Like It” article by Andrew Pudewa
- Principles of Motivation audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 452
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

In this episode Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker reflect on the impact of 2020 and the explosion of homeschooling. Join their conversation as they address some of parents’ most compelling questions when considering homeschooling.
- What does it mean to homeschool?
- Is it legal?
- What about socialization?
- Are there resources readily available?
Referenced Materials
- “Culture, Curriculum, and Care”
- “You CAN Homeschool!”
- “'We're toast'” YouTube Video
- Homeschool Help from IEW
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Homeschool Legal Defense Association
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 365
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

Having gathered insights and experiences over three decades of teaching, Andrew presents seven lessons he’s learned. These seven lessons are listed in his article, “However Imperfectly,” and in the first chapter of his book of the same title. In part one of this two-part series, Andrew unpacks the first four lessons he’s learned. Andrew notes that while he did not adhere to these principles perfectly over the years, teaching has been well worth it—however imperfectly he may have done it.
REFERENCED MATERIALS
- However Imperfectly by Andrew Pudewa
- Premium Membership
- Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto
- The Underground History of American Education by John Taylor Gatto
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 342
Remember to send your questions to podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com.
Frustration and tears are things that many students experience when writing. Consequently, it can be difficult for teachers and parents to encourage these students to complete the task. For the next two weeks, Andrew and Julie will discuss how to reach the reluctant writer. To begin the series, Andrew talks about the importance of understanding why your student is reluctant so that you can best address the issue. Then, Andrew and Julie unpack the writing process and explain the power of the key word outline as it helps students separate the complexity of the process.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- "Reaching the Reluctant Writer, Part 1"
- "Writing without Tears"
- Cursive Knowledge
- Reaching the Reluctant Writer
- The Profound Effects of Music on Life
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

We are wrapping up our year of focusing on how to think. In this episode, Julie Walker asks Andrew Pudewa to share his experience with teaching Unit 5 and how this provides training for the later units. They talk about the history of Unit 5 and how it can help with higher level thinking needed for writing conclusions and critiques. They also discuss how this unit provides a place for students to be a little more creative than the other units and why it fits well as a bit of freedom in the middle of the year.
Referenced Materials
- “Asking Questions with Unit 5”
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style®
- Episode 398: Think like Shakespeare, Part 1
- Transcript to Podcast Episode 507
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
In this two-part webinar recording, Andrew and old-time friend and mentor Dr. Webster walk you through Unit 8: Formal Essay Models. Join us as Andrew explains the elements of an essay and discusses what differentiates Unit 8 from the previous units. Additionally, Dr. Webster answers questions and provides suggestions for tackling essay assignments.
Go To PART 1
Referenced Materials:
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Unit 8 webinar.
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Dr. James B. Webster
- Magnum Opus Magazine
- The Four Deadly Errors
- The Elegant Essay
- Writing Contests
- IEW's Blog
- e-Newsletter
- IEW Families Forum
- IEW Teachers Forum
Questions Asked:
5:04 - Melissa asks, "I have a fourteen-year-old, an eleven-year-old, and a nine-year-old all doing the same Student Writing Intensive group B together this year. The nine-year-old loves to write and is keeping up great with the others. Would it be unheard of for all of them to do the Student Continuation Level B together?"
7:24 - Erica says, "My two daughters are struggling with writing the conclusion and introduction paragraphs. We would appreciate more specifics on how to create a great attention-grabbing intro and a thoughtful conclusion."
11:53 - Christi asks, "My oldest, twelve, is a naturally comfortable writer and is beginning to be very resistant to writing outlines in general. Any suggestions on how to continue to help her see why they are important?"
18:59 - Melissa asks, "Do students write them in this order on their first draft then the correct order on the formal draft? Will it be easy for those typing? I wasn't sure on handwritten."
20:19 - Terra asks, "My fifteen-year-old student has been assigned a ten page science paper. I would like to know if you still include the most important and why. Would you state your opinion as an expert without using "I"? How do you write it in a way that keeps it a factual report and not an essay?"
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
How can teachers keep their students motivated in the classroom? For the next two weeks, Andrew and Julie hone in on the topic and discuss classroom management and motivation. In part one of the series, the duo focus on the four forms of relevancy when it comes to motivating students. Tune in to hear Andrew share how capitalizing on your students' interests is an important aspect in keeping them engaged, and learn why enforced relevancy should be avoided as it doesn't nurture a love for learning.
GO TO PART 2
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- "Motivation and Classroom Management, Part 1"
- Principles of Motivation and Skills Development Audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Anna Ingham
- Structure and Style for Students
- "Casey at the Bat" by Ernest Lawrence Thayer
- The Benefits of Mastery Learning Podcast
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
In part two of this series, Andrew and Julie discuss the second form of relevancy: Inspired Relevancy. Even if a child does not have an intrinsic interest in something, they can still be inspired to learn about it if someone they love has a genuine interest in it. Discover the different ways students are inspired to learn, and gain some insight on how you can apply that to your students' studies.
GO TO: PART 1
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- Motivation
- Article
- Audio talk
- Podcast Series: Part 1 | Part 2
- A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith (Amazon Affiliate)
- Lord of the Flies by William Golding (Amazon Affiliate)
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

In this episode Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss the importance of learning the basic essay model even when many say it is outdated or formulaic. Learn how to take the basic essay model and expand it to a super-essay. Andrew even discusses the name of the longest essay model that uses one of his favorite words.
Referenced Materials
- “De-Confusing Essays” article by Andrew Pudewa
- Unit 8: Easy Essays and Beyond webinar
- University-Ready Writing
- University-Ready Writing free lessons
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Seminar Workbook
- Magnum Opus Magazine Unit 8 samples
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 418
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

If you have been following along all year, we have made it to the final episode in this year’s series on the unit models. Join Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker as they discuss Unit 9: Formal Critique. In some ways, it is the culmination of all the units. Explore the value of learning the skills of analysis and writing about literature even if students are not planning to pursue a literary career.
Referenced Materials
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style®
- Seminar Workbook
- Magnum Opus Magazine Unit 9 Samples
- Formal Critiques: Going beyond the Boring Book Report webinar
- Episode 417: Using IEW through the Years
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 422
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker recorded this two-part podcast at the NCFCA National Championship in St. Paul, Minnesota, in June 2025. They discuss what plagiarism is, why it is easier for students to plagiarize today, and why it is important to avoid plagiarism. Be sure to listen to Part 2 (posts on 9/3) as they discuss some solutions to this problem.
Referenced Materials
- NCFCA Christian Speech and Debate
- Episode 459: Speech and Debate with Christy Shipe
- Hacking High School: Rethinking the Teen Years audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- “Writing Maketh an Exact Man” article by Andrew Pudewa
- Episode 492: Academic Integrity with Dr. Stephen Hale
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 487
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
Recently IEW released its annual magalog, a portmanteau of magazine and catalog. Tune in this week to learn about some of the content inside of this year's magalog. Additionally Andrew and Julie discuss the testimonies featured in the magalog, and Andrew reads letters that he received from students.

Referenced Materials:
- "Announcing the 2022 Arts of Language Magalog"
- Magalog
- "You Don't Have to Like It..." by Andrew Pudewa
- Structure and Style® for Students
- Sharyn Staggers
- Structure and Style® for Students Testimonials
- "What’s Your IEW® Story?"
- "From the Mailbag: I Hate IEW!"
- "Letters to Treasure"
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com.
This is the second episode of twenty-four in the podcast series Reviewing Our Greatest Hits. This show was initially launched on November 14, 2018, as Episode 165.
In part two of this series, Andrew and Julie discuss the second form of relevancy: inspired relevancy. Even if children do not have an intrinsic interest in something, they can still be inspired to learn about it if someone they love has a genuine interest in it. Discover the different ways students are inspired to learn, and gain some insight on how you can apply that to your students' studies.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- Episode 199: A Special Announcement
- Motivation
- Article
- Audio talk
- Podcast Series: Part 1 | Part 2
- A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith (Amazon Affiliate)
- Lord of the Flies by William Golding (Amazon Affiliate)
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

This week’s episode is about preventing summer evaporation! Join Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker as they discuss ideas for summer learning that won’t lead to long faces and complaints. From state history field trips to scavenger hunts, IEW’s customer service team gave Julie a host of ideas for a summer of fun and learning.
Referenced Materials
- 1000 Hours Outside blog
- Episode 367: 1000 Hours Outside – A Conversation with Ginny Yurich
- Episode 323: Preventing Evaporation – Strategies for Summer Writing
- Episode 373: Summer Writing Ideas
- Read Aloud Revival
- Camp BOOK IT! Summer Program
- Principles of Motivation audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 425
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

What is media literacy? In this episode Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker interview Nate Noorlander, who teaches English, history, and philosophy online. They discuss media literacy and its importance in avoiding cynicism and uncertainty in confidently navigating information in the increasingly complex world we live in.
Click the link below for a free session of Media Literacy, including a reflection assignment and an invitation to submit your work.
Referenced Materials
- “Media Literacy Is an Essential Skill. Schools Should Teach It That Way”
- The Nomadic Professor
- Nate Noorlander
- The Nomadic Professor on YouTube
- The Nomadic Professor on Instagram
- Media Literacy course
- Free session from Media Literacy course
- Ground News
- Transcript for Podcast Episode 456
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker talk with Donahue Academy’s Dr. Marc Snyder, principal, and Deacon Edward Watson, assistant principal for curriculum and instruction. They share how and why Donahue Academy has chosen to use IEW, why classical education is growing, and how the IEW Schools Department can assist schools with implementing the Structure and Style® methodology.
Referenced Materials
- Donahue Academy
- Dr. Marc Snyder, Ed.D.
- Deacon Edward Watson, M.S.E
- Teacher Training Method Options: Live On-Site Professional Development
- Structure and Style for Students
- “Writing across the Curriculum and Why It Matters”
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Why Donahue Academy Chose IEW video
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 497
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

Are there factors that make learning easier? As Andrew notes, “If something is relevant to you, if it is significant, meaningful, useful, interesting, helpful to you, then it is easy to study and learn.” This week Andrew and Julie discuss the four forms of relevancy: intrinsic, inspired, contrived, and enforced. Andrew and Julie dive into these ideas and share how they can be used to help both students and teachers!
Referenced Materials
- Teaching Boys & Other Children Who Would Rather Make Forts All Day audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Episode 174: Why Gender Matters — An Interview with Dr. Leonard Sax
- "The Art and Science of Motivation"
- The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization
- Magnum Opus Magazine
- Daughters of the American Revolution Essay Contests
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 358
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
Is IEW for homeschoolers? Or is it for full-time classroom teachers? Does it work well in a hybrid-school model? The short answer is yes! This week, Andrew and Julie unpack how IEW's Structure and Style methodology came to be and discuss how the method of teaching writing is successful in any educational setting.

Referenced Materials:
- Learn to Write and THINK with IEW
- Blended Structure and Style in Composition by Dr. James B. Wesbter
- Dr. James B. Webster
- The Blended Sound-Sight Program of Learning by Anna Ingham
- Anna Ingham
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- The Great TWSS Adventure
- IEW's Schools Division
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Magalog
- "Special needs? IEW can help!"
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com.
In a world where everyone has an opinion, it is important to be able to think, listen, analyze, and communicate effectively. This week Andrew and Julie welcome the Director of Education for the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association (NCFCA), Amy Joy Tofte. Join us as Amy Joy discusses the mission of NCFCA, offers insight on the incredible value of speech and debate as it challenges young people to communicate well and pursue truth, and gives us a sneak peek at NCFCA's online events coming up this summer!
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- "Effective Communication: The Counterweight to All the Yelling" by Kim Cromer
- Episode 219: Entrepreneurship
- The National Christian Forensics and Communications Association
- Amy Joy Tofte
- Christy Shipe
- Kim Cromer
- NCFCA: Find a Club Near Me
- NCFCA 2021 Debate Resolutions
- NCFCA Online Summit
- NCFCA Online Intensive
- Support NCFCA.
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

What skills do students need to succeed in collegiate writing? Listen to Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss this brand new video course that will prepare your high school and college students for college writing. Hear why Andrew would have called this “How to spy on your professor and figure out his or her writing style and imitate it so you can get a better grade on every paper you turn in”!
Referenced Materials
- University-Ready Writing
- Episode 354: Paper and Pen — What the Research Says
- TRIAC
- Episode 236: The Five Canons of Rhetoric
- APA Style
- MLA Style
- Episode 347: A Citation Pathway
- “Teaching Documentation with Confidence”
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 407
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
For teachers and parents, it can be easy to be concerned about your student meeting the expectations set. In this episode Andrew and Julie address the concern and discuss the different stages of learning for students. Gain insight on how helping them during each stage, whether it be a cute or an awkward phase, is important in developing competent communicators, and learn the importance of believing in and encouraging your students.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- "The Different Stages of Learning"
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Structure and Style for Students
- "The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing"
- Bible Heroes Writing Lessons
- People and Places in Our Community
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
This is the twenty-third episode of twenty-four in the podcast series Reviewing Our Greatest Hits. This show was initially launched on December 5, 2018, as Episode 168.
In this podcast Andrew and Julie discuss a long-awaited topic: movies. Tune in to hear the duo explore some insights from a few of Andrew's favorite movies.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- The Greatest Showman
- "[This Is Me] A Mommy Parody"
- The Man Who Invented Christmas
- Inception
- High School Essay Intensive
- Goodbye, Mr. Chips
- Finding Forrester
- Akeelah and the Bee
- Spellbound
- The Phonetic Zoo
- "Spelling and the Brain" by Andrew Pudewa
- A River Runs through It
- "However Imperfectly" by Andrew Pudewa
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
In this podcast Andrew and Julie discuss a long-awaited topic: movies. Tune in to hear the duo explore some insights from a few of Andrew's favorite movies.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- The Greatest Showman
- "This is Me: A Greatest Showman Parody" and "[This Is Me] A Mommy Parody"
- The Man Who Invented Christmas
- Inception
- High School Essay Intensive (Discontinued)
- Goodbye, Mr. Chips
- Finding Forrester
- Akeelah and the Bee
- Spellbound
- The Phonetic Zoo
- "Spelling and the Brain" audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- A River Runs through It
- "However Imperfectly" audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
Andrew Pudewa insists, “If you're ever feeling a little low on hope for the future, get yourself to a speech and debate tournament and just see young people flourishing in every way.” In this episode, learn why he believes this as he and Julie Walker interview three of the NCFCA 2025 Champions: Abbagail Fagot, Pierce Stanton, and Jonathan Paul. These students share how they started with speech and debate, how it prepares them academically, and how it benefitted them in some intangible ways as well.
Referenced Materials
- NCFCA
- Episode 487: Helping Students Avoid Plagiarism, Part 1
- Episode 459: Speech and Debate with Christy Shipe
- Episode 427: NCFCA with Kim Cromer✟
- Introduction to Public Speaking
- Introduction to Public Speaking free lessons
- NCFCA 2025–26 Tournaments
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 514
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
It’s that time again for Andrew to be asked just about anything from various school teachers and parents across the country. Tune in to hear Andrew’s responses to questions, ranging from advice on encouraging reluctant readers to how to go about correcting students' papers.
Referenced Materials:
- "Sitting Is the New Smoking: Ways a Sedentary Lifestyle is Killing You" by The Active Times
- Online Classes
- Teaching Boys & Other Children Who Would Rather Make Forts All Day by Andrew Pudewa
- IEW's YouTube Channel
- Better Late Than Early by Raymond S. and Jane Moore
- The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing
- Episode 6: The Four Language Arts, Part 4 — Writing
QUESTIONS ASKED:
1:36 - Seline asks, "My son is not a fan of reading, but he is not a bad reader, just not motivated. Can you give me some tips to help?
6:52 - Tamara asks, "Are online classes valuable? How does one make the most of them, especially when working with a teen?
10:45 - Rachel asks, "I have an eight-year-old son who is normally congenial. He will consistently tear up and become physically anxious when asked to do something outside of his comfort zone. After encouragement, he will finally attempt whatever was asked of him. I don't think he is purposefully trying to delay, I believe he is actually anxious because he doesn't think he can do it perfectly the first time. He's very bright, but when it comes to writing, he struggles, even with basic copy work. With that background, is there an age where this will be naturally overcome, or is this a matter of mommy needing to train and discipline better?"
18:28 - Sharon asks, "In what order should I help my nine-year-old revise things? If I go over punctuation, spelling, and content, he may just crumble. How do I pick my battles on what to correct?"
22:14 - C.M. asks, "How do you know if your kid genuinely needs to dictate, or would benefit from having to practice getting it from their head to the paper? What skills might they be losing by skipping this?"
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
In this two-part podcast, Andrew reviews the methodology behind and procedure for successfully teaching Unit 3: Retelling Narrative Stories. After a brief overview of the unit, Andrew will walk step-by-step through an assignment, demonstrating Unit 3 methods and concepts for both the teacher/parent and student.
Referenced Materials:
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Units 3 webinar.
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Upgrade
- Premium Subscription
- Free Aesop Fables Online
- Anna Ingham
- Dr. James B. Webster
- Blended Structure and Style in Composition by Dr. James B. Webster, Ph.D
- Mini Posters
- Classroom Posters
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons by Lori Verstegen
- Writing Source Packet
- Magnum Opus Magazine
- IEW Families Forum
- IEW Teachers Forum
- Monthly e-Newsletter
- Blog
QUESTIONS ASKED:
- 24:04 - Liz asks, "What are your recommendations for supporting a parent whose first language is not English?"
- 25:09 - Amy asks, "as the students use computers more and more, I'm finding that the rough draft is being typed on the computer, edited on the computer, and then printed as a final draft. Should I require my students to print the rough draft, mark it up, correct it, and then re-print it?"
- 27:12 - Tracy asks, "I have a fourth grader doing IEW along with two middle school students, still now working on the who/which and adding -ly next week. The two older are doing -ly, who/which, strong verb, and because clause. How do I catch him up and not make him feel we are going too fast?"
- 28:59 - Savina asks, "Regarding the source can you use a child's own story as a starting point?"
- 30:41 - Michelle asks, "When asking questions and you have more than 3 words to answer, can you add the additional info into a new number?"
- 31:26 - Christina asks, "I'm having a hard time getting my child to re-tell the story. He is eight."
- 32:39 - Janet asks, "Do you need to write a line in the outline for each sentence?"
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
Structure and Style is a registered trademark of the Institute for Excellence in Writing, L.L.C.
For this special edition of the Homeschool 101 episodes, Andrew and Julie are honored to welcome actor, author, and homeschool mom Sam Sorbo. In this episode, Sam talks about her journey to homeschooling, or "self-teaching" as Sam calls it. Sam shares how important it is for students to be given the tools of learning so that they can take ownership of their education. Be encouraged as Sam discusses the most important things to focus on in your home: faith, family, and freedom.

REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- Podcast with Yvette Hampton
- Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution
- Sam Sorbo
- Kevin Sorbo
- Hercules: The Legendary Journeys
- God's Not Dead
- Let There Be Light
- The Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer
- They're Your Kids by Sam Sorbo
- Teach from Love by Sam Sorbo
- Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto
- School's Out with Sam Sorbo
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
"I just can't think of what to write!" Why is it that students have a difficult time making a thought concrete? Tune in as Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker address this issue, highlight the power of asking questions, and explain the importance of good thinking as it relates to listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- "The Four Language Arts"
- "What Are We Really Doing Here?" by Andrew Pudewa
- Magalog
- The Profound Effects of Music on Life audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- A Word Write Now
- Teaching Boys & Other Children Who Would Rather Make Forts All Day audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Dr. James B. Webster
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style®
- High School Essay Intensive (Discontinued)
- "I Keep Six Honest Serving Men" by Rudyard Kipling
- Structure and Style for Students®
Remember to send your questions to podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
Since Andrew can't make it to the mic, IEW's Customer Service Manager Jessica Walker steps up and answers a few of Julie's questions. Learn about Jessica's experience with IEW and listen to Jessica's message on the importance of enjoying this journey of education. Listen until the end to hear what product Jessica will be giving away!
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- Jessica Walker
- Demonstration Lesson - Primary
- Click here to enter the Primary Arts of Language: Reading-Writing Complete Package giveaway.
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

In this “While Andrew is Away” episode, Julie Walker is joined by IEW’s Schools Department Manager Jeff Nease. He explains the importance of connecting with an Educational Consultant and staying connected even after the order has been placed. Additionally, he explains how schools use IEW writing courses for student instruction, teacher modeling, and professional development. Jeff wraps up the episode with his personal motivation: “When teachers feel equipped, students flourish.”
Referenced Materials
- IEW Schools Department
- Jeff Nease
- Connect with an Educational Consultant
- Episode 474: Professional Development with Jeff Nease
- Structure and Style® for Students
- 60-Second School
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Select a Training Preference
- “Writing across the Curriculum and Why It Matters”
- Writing Across the Curriculum Writing Lessons (soon to be Theme-Based Writing Lessons)
- IEW Accreditation
- IEW Gradebook
- Studies and Research
- Testimonials
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 504
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

At this time of year, many people take time to reflect. It is through reflection that learning and growing occurs. In this Homeschool 101 episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker have an inspiring discussion that applies to novice and seasoned homeschoolers alike about the benefits of applying the practice of reflection to homeschooling. They offer several things for parents to consider when they reflect on the last few months of homeschooling.
Referenced Materials
- Mastery Learning, Ability Learning, and Individualized Education audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Structure and Style for Students
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
Should writing be confined to a single subject? Andrew and Julie address the question by discussing writing across the curriculum. Whether it be learning about history or studying science, learn how the incorporation of writing across multiple subjects allows for students to be more engaged with the content they're learning and gives them the opportunity for the application of their skills in a variety of ways.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- Dr. James B. Webster
- Anna Ingham
- The Blended Sound-Sight Program of Learning
- Structure and Style for Students®
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
After learning the basic five-paragraph essay model, your student can begin to play with it and explore other types of essays. In this podcast Andrew and Julie introduce the advanced essay models. Tune in to hear Andrew walk through the various essay models and learn about the application they have in the real world.
Referenced Materials:
- Episode 185: Formal Essay Models, Structure and Style Unit 8
- Episode 186: An Interview with Marie Greenhalgh
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Dr. James B. Webster
- High School Essay Intensive (Discontinued)
- "Convert...to Pens!"
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
March forward with Andrew and Julie as you enter into Unit 7: Inventive Writing. This week Andrew and Julie discuss the process of Unit 7 and explore its value in unlocking the student's imagination and pairing it with the thinking skills they have developed. Stay tuned until the end to learn about our writing contest this year as well as the prizes that are awarded to the winners!
Referenced Materials:
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- High School Essay Intensive (Discontinued)
- IEW Facebook
- Writing Contests
- The 2019 IEW Writing Contest (Ended)
- The Story about Ping by Marjorie Flack (Amazon Affiliate)
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
As a student or even a teacher, it can be overwhelming to navigate the amount of sources available for a research paper. In this podcast Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss Unit 6: Summarizing Multiple References. Join us as Andrew provides tips and suggestions for collecting, organizing, and summarizing facts from multiple references.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- National History Day
- LexisNexis
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Becoming an IEW Instructor
Remember to send your questions to podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
Start out strongly this September as Andrew and Julie chat about Units 1 and 2 of the Structure and Style syllabus, laying the foundation for the year. Discover the power of note making and outlining and find out how it paves the path for the upcoming year of writing.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- Webinar Archive
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Ask Andrew Anything
- Dr. James B. Webster
- "Squirrely Students Inspire Structure and Style" by Andrew Pudewa
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
While many writing programs begin with a blank page, IEW understands the importance of developing students' thinking skills before asking them to write creatively. In this episode Andrew talks through the ins and outs of Unit 7, Inventive Writing, while explaining the methodology behind it.
Referenced Materials:
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Unit 7 webinar.
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Blended Structure and Style in Composition by James B. Webster, Ph.D.
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
In November of 2019 IEW released the best thing it has ever done: Structure and Style for Students. Join in on this week's conversation as Andrew and Julie go into the making of the product, and stay tuned to hear the duo's discussion on how it's easy to use, enjoyable, and affordable!
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- IEW's Twenty-Fifth Birthday Bash
- Structure and Style for Students
- SSS1 Credits
- Jill Pike
- Michelle Robinson
- Magalog
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
This is the tenth episode of twenty-four in the podcast series Reviewing Our Greatest Hits. This show was initially launched on April 18, 2018, as Episode 137.
In part one of this two-part series, Andrew and Julie share a few laughs as they discuss humor in teaching. Learn the powerful health benefits of humor and gain some insight on the positive effects it can have in the classroom, from an increase in student participation to a cultivation of a deeper love of learning.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- IEW's YouTube Channel
- Andrew Kern
- Anguished English by Richard Lederer
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
In part one of this two-part series, Andrew and Julie share a few laughs as they discuss humor in teaching. Learn the powerful health benefits of humor and gain some insight on the positive effects it can have in the classroom, from an increase in student participation to a cultivation of a deeper love of learning.
go to part 2
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- IEW's YouTube Channel
- Andrew Kern
- Anguished English: An Anthology of Accidental Assaults upon Our Language by Richard Lederer
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
With the rise of screens being present in the home, exposure to the outdoors has become limited. Is it possible that our children are suffering from a lack of healthy exposure to the great outdoors? Join us for the next two weeks as Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker hone in on this topic and discuss the importance being connected to the natural world.
Go to Part 2
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- Nature Deficit Disorder by Andrew Pudewa
- Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv
- Bud & Me by Alta Abernathy
Remember to send your questions to podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
"Sink or swim!" While we all may use the phrase in a comical sense, it simply isn't true. Today, Andrew and Julie turn to the second of the four deadly errors: withholding help. Join the conversation as Andrew and Julie discuss how committing this error actually impedes the development of your student, and learn why students must prove their independence in a skill before a teacher leaves them on their own.
GO TO: PART 1
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- "The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing"
- Dr. James B. Webster
- IEW Blog
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
Once Andrew finished the book, he immediately went back to page one and read it again. Which book was it? Tune in to this episode to find out! Starting from 2007, Andrew and Julie continue down the list of Andrew's top book of the year. Andrew will discuss books that helped shape some of his best known talks, and he will also discuss fictional books, emphasizing the value of the genre and the importance of children's literature.
REFERENCED MATERIALS
- "A Bookish Discussion, Part 2"
- Boys Adrift by Dr. Leonard Sax
- Teaching Boys & Other Children Who Would Rather Make Forts All Day by Andrew Pudewa
- More of Dr. Sax's Work:
- Podcast Episode with Dr. Sax
- Mysteries of Life in Children's Literature by Dr. Mitchell Kalpakgian
- "Nurturing Competent Communicators" audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
- Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
- Chance or the Dance by Thomas Howard
- Why Johnny Can't Write by Myra J. Linden and Arthur Whimbey
- The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Dr. James B. Webster
- The Book of the Dun Cow by Walter Wangerin Jr.
- Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
- Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
Teaching writing to English language learners can present various challenges. This week, Andrew and Julie address the topic and discuss how IEW's Structure and Style methodology positively impacts these students because it separates complexity. Andrew shares encouraging stories from teachers and students about their progress, and gives strategies on creating a successful environment and building the language database.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- However Imperfectly by Andrew Pudewa
- "In Retrospect: Heroes of Providence"
- Dr. James B. Webster
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Structure and Style for Students
- Berwyn School District Study
- Magalog
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

Join Andrew Pudewa and Nathan King as they interview Jeremy Tate, Founder and CEO of the Classic Learning Test (CLT). Knowing that testing tremendously influences curriculum development in secondary education, Jeremy developed the CLT to connect students with richer, more meaningful content. In the short time of seven years, the CLT has gained tremendous traction. It is now accepted by over two hundred colleges as a complete replacement for the ACT and SAT exams.
Referenced Materials
- Classic Learning Test
- List of CLT Partner Colleges
- The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt
- The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 357
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

When writers gather information from outside sources, it is important to give credit where credit is due and to cite the sources. Although this is important, learning to cite sources in various formats can be overwhelming, especially for younger students. This week, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker welcome IEW's Senior Product Manager, Denise Kelley, to speak about documentation. In this episode Denise discusses how IEW's products utilize the EZ+1 method to teach documentation by gradually teaching students how to cite sources in a step-by-step process.
Referenced Materials
- Denise Kelley
- Live Online Writing Classes from IEW
- EasyBib®
- Citation Machine®
- Dr. James B. Webster
- Purdue OWL®
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 347
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
"Every child can learn; it all depends on the teacher." Dr. Suzuki truly believed that all children could learn when provided the right conditions. Enjoy a fun and inspiring podcast as Andrew talks about his time studying under Dr. Suzuki in Japan, and gain some insight on Suzuki's methodology.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- Shinichi Suzuki
- Ability Development from Age Zero by Shinichi Suzuki (Amazon Affiliate)
- Nurtured by Love by Shinichi Suzuki (Amazon Affiliate)
- Maria Montessori
- "Why and How Music Will Save the World" by Andrew Pudewa
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
While many writing programs begin with a blank page, IEW understands the importance of developing students' thinking skills before asking them to write creatively. In this episode Andrew talks through the ins and outs of Unit 7, Inventive Writing, while explaining the methodology behind it.
Go To Part 1
Referenced Materials:
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Unit 7 webinar.
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Magnum Opus Magazine
- Blog
- IEW Families Forum
- IEW Teachers Forum
- Monthly e-Newsletter
- Andrew's Engagements
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

Hard Work U® is the motto at College of the Ozarks. Valerie Coleman, director of communications and public relations, and Micah, a public relations major and student working in that office, join Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker to talk about the unique environment at College of the Ozarks. They discuss how students are able to pay for college by working in many unique venues on campus. Listen to their conversation and share it with any hardworking, college-bound students that you know.
Referenced Materials
- College of the Ozarks
- College of the Ozarks Ice Cream
- Classic Learning Test
- School of the Ozarks
- College of the Ozarks mission
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 501
If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com
In honor of Mother's Day, Andrew switches things up and interviews Julie Walker, IEW's Director of Marketing and a longtime friend. After meeting Andrew in 1997, Julie took IEW's methodology and used it to teach her three boys and has since applied it to her own life. Join us for this special episode as Julie discusses her journey to IEW, and be encouraged by Julie's wisdom and advice for all moms out there.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- Julie Walker
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Reaching the Reluctant Writer
- Audio talk
- Podcast Series: Part 1 | Part 2
- Mikael Walker
- Where are they now? Mikael Walker: Video Editor Extraordinaire Blog post by Chris Pudewa
- Motivation
- Article
- Audio talk
- Podcast Series: Part 1 | Part 2
- Jessica Walker
- David Walker
- Nurturing Competent Communicators
- Audio talk
- Podcast Series: Part 1 | Part 2
- The Classic Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter (Amazon Affiliate)
- Read Aloud Revival
- Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp (Amazon Affiliate)
- A Child's Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson (Amazon Affiliate)
- The Four Language Arts
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
As you near the end of the school year, get the information and motivation you need to finish strong with Unit 9: Formal Critiques. In this two-part webinar, Andrew explains the purpose of Unit 9 and how to teach it to your students, walks you through a Unit 9 sample composition, describes the difference between a fiction and a non-fiction critique, and much more.
GO TO PART 1
Referenced Materials:
- "Book Report" from "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown!"
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Unit 9 webinar.
- Webinar Archive
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Upgrade
- Windows to the World by Lesha Myers
- The Four Deadly Errors
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- High School Essay Intensive
- Aesop's Fables
- Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons by Lori Verstegen
- Genghis Khan and His Hawk by James Baldwin
- The Story of Gelert
- Micro Business for Teens by Carol Topp
- Classroom Poster
- Mini Posters
- Writing Source Packet
- Forums
- Newsletters
- Magnum Opus Magazine
- Blog
QUESTIONS ASKED:
- 6:03 - Jennifer asks "How do you know a high schooler is ready for literary analysis? What should I be looking for in his essays to know he's proficient? How many times do they need to go through the different units before they're ready to go onto something like Windows to the World"
- 11:31 - Heather asks "Do IEW's material ever teach a three level outline?"
- 12:57 - Sherry asks "Any tips for students to write in the present tense when writing about the story?"
- 14:55 - Anne-Marie asks "In Genghis Khan and his Hawk, my son felt that the death of the hawk was needless. He felt that loyalty is usually rewarded but not in this story. Is his opinion valid because it seems the death of the hawk makes the story so emotional?"
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com
IEW’s Fix It!® Grammar has become wildly popular because it does what traditional grammar programs rarely do: it makes grammar stick.
We will have a drawing to see which lucky attendee will win a $29 IEW gift certificate to purchase one level of Fix It! Grammar!
Learning to write is foundational to a child’s education, but for many students it is confusing and frustrating. Likewise, for some teachers, training students in composition can seem overly complex and burdensome. However, teaching students to write well is not only possible, but it can be enjoyable!
Learning to write is foundational to a child’s education, but for many students it is confusing and frustrating. Likewise, for some teachers, training students in composition can seem overly complex and burdensome. However, teaching students to write well is not only possible, but it can be enjoyable!
We will have a drawing to see which lucky attendee will win a $100 IEW gift certificate!
Learning to write is foundational to a child’s education, but for many students it is confusing and frustrating. Likewise, for some teachers, training students in composition can seem overly complex and burdensome. However, teaching students to write well is not only possible, but it can be enjoyable!
We will have a drawing to see which lucky attendee will win a $100 IEW gift certificate!
Learning to write is foundational to a child’s education, but for many students it is confusing and frustrating. Likewise, for some teachers, training students in composition can seem overly complex and burdensome. However, teaching students to write well is not only possible, but it can be enjoyable!
We will have a drawing to see which lucky attendee will win a $100 IEW gift certificate!
Learning to write is foundational to a child’s education, but for many students it is confusing and frustrating. Likewise, for some teachers, training students in composition can seem overly complex and burdensome. However, teaching students to write well is not only possible, but it can be enjoyable!
We will have a drawing to see which lucky attendee will win a $100 IEW gift certificate!
Learning to write is foundational to a child’s education, but for many students it is confusing and frustrating. Likewise, for some teachers, training students in composition can seem overly complex and burdensome. However, teaching students to write well is not only possible, but it can be enjoyable!
We will have a drawing to see which lucky attendee will win a $100 IEW gift certificate!
Learning to write is foundational to a child’s education, but for many students it is confusing and frustrating. Likewise, for some teachers, training students in composition can seem overly complex and burdensome. However, teaching students to write well is not only possible, but it can be enjoyable!
We will have a drawing to see which lucky attendee will win a $100 IEW gift certificate!
Learning to write is foundational to a child’s education, but for many students it is confusing and frustrating. Likewise, for some teachers, training students in composition can seem overly complex and burdensome. However, teaching students to write well is not only possible, but it can be enjoyable!
We will have a drawing to see which lucky attendee will win a $100 IEW gift certificate!
Learning to write is foundational to a child’s education, but for many students it is confusing and frustrating. Likewise, for some teachers, training students in composition can seem overly complex and burdensome. However, teaching students to write well is not only possible, but it can be enjoyable!
We will have a drawing to see which lucky attendee will win a $100 IEW gift certificate!
Have you heard the buzz about IEW’s Structure and Style for Students? Are you wondering what it’s all about?
Are your students enrolled in a school that presents information and ideas contrary to your personal values? Have you thought that maybe homeschooling is the only viable alternative, but you can’t imagine how you could do it?
Learning to write is foundational to a child’s education, but for many students it is confusing and frustrating. Likewise, for some teachers, training students in composition can seem overly complex and burdensome. However, teaching students to write well is not only possible, but it can be enjoyable!
We will have a drawing to see which lucky attendee will win a $100 IEW gift certificate!
Learning to write is foundational to a child’s education, but for many students it is confusing and frustrating. Likewise, for some teachers, training students in composition can seem overly complex and burdensome. However, teaching students to write well is not only possible, but it can be enjoyable!
We will have a drawing to see which lucky attendee will win a $100 IEW gift certificate!
“A book report? Noooo!!!” Book reports have the unfortunate reputation of being some of the most boring and overwhelming of any of the writing assignments. Fortunately, that’s because they are rarely approached in the right way. Join Andrew Pudewa as he unpacks the process and answers your questions about teaching Unit 9: Formal Critique, because when kids get to say what they love and hate about something and are equipped to do it well, writing about media is no longer a chore!
Traditional grammar programs systematically teach concepts about grammar, punctuation, and usage with sentences artificially contrived to fit the rules. The theory behind such approaches is that after learning the rules, students will be able to apply them to their own writing. Often these programs teach more concepts than are need-to-know in terms of punctuation, correct grammar, or performance on the ACT or SAT, but they cover the rules well.
Diagramming is a method for helping students grasp the underlying structure of sentences, which is critical for punctuating sentences correctly but which seems to work with only about half the population. Most diagramming programs also teach more than is truly helpful to students learning grammar.
Fix It! Grammar emerged from a teacher's frustration with traditional approaches. Like many teachers, Pamela White (who earned her Master's Degree and A.B.D. in English from Vanderbilt University) recognized that students using traditional grammar programs may learn the rules well but seem to have a disconnect in applying them. The more that grammar is rooted in the writing experience, the better it sticks.
The ultimate goal of teaching grammar should be to train students to be able to edit their own writing effectively. When a side benefit is improved performance on the SAT or ACT, so much the better. Fix It! Grammar (third edition) is a complete grammar program for these goals that truly matter, but it teaches students in the context of writing and through editing rather than through exercises focusing on specific rules.
The early books in Fix It! Grammar begin with marking parts of speech and then identifying phrases (mainly prepositional phrases), main clauses, and dependent clauses. This is better than diagramming because it focuses on the structural parts of sentences that matter most and most affect punctuation rather than getting students bogged down in labeling the parts of sentences that rarely become punctuation hurdles.
Gradually, the Fix It! Grammar stories incorporate usage, grammar, and punctuation concepts, taught by asking students to correct the mistakes in passages and then discuss with their teacher the reasons for corrections.
Early stories have advanced concepts which can be used with stronger students and which pave the way for concepts in later stories.
The six books, each lasting a full year, contain some instruction at the start of each week's lesson as well as added instruction and tips to teachers to use as needed.
All six stories use natural sentences--rather than ones artificially contrived to fit an exercise--that closely mimic the kinds of errors in student writing, so students get repeated practice looking for errors in sentences (the same methods achievement tests use), along with the challenge of needing to explain the why's behind fixes. Since the sentences have the normal complexity of real writing, they also deal with the same issues any writer faces in editing his or her own work.
The primary goal of the Institute for Excellence in Writing is teacher training. We offer lessons and video courses for the student to make the job of the teacher as easy as possible, but it is important for teachers to gain the training necessary to help their children write well.
Writing is an art and requires a give and take between student and teacher. The teacher’s course equips you to provide that for your student. If you only have the student videos, your student will learn a good deal, but will only get the answers to whatever questions were asked when the course was originally recorded. If your student has any difficulty, you may find it challenging to provide him the unique help he needs. The teacher’s course provides all the hows and whys behind the program so that you too can become an accomplished writing teacher over time.
One experienced homeschool mother explains, "I homeschool eight children, so I can appreciate how precious time is, but trying to teach writing without taking the time to watch my teacher’s videos was like pushing the car down the highway because I didn’t have time to stop for gas. :)
You don’t have to watch the entire teacher’s course in one sitting. Just watch a video a month or so and you will do just fine.
As Andrew Pudewa has said, our materials are like ice cream—the more the better! But be sure the first serving is for the teacher.
I remember when I was at a homeschool conference looking at some other writing materials and a very nice Mom poked her head over my shoulder and pointed me to IEW. I glanced at it then, but like you, thought it looked overwhelming.
A year later, I decided to give it a try and I absolutely wish I had done it so much sooner. IEW is not difficult to use or teach, in fact, it's easier and clearer than most of what's out there. The "thought" of it is what can be overwhelming, but the program itself is not complicated. Once you get it, begin using it and learn how to teach writing using IEW - you'll wish you started sooner. Plus, you have this great group for support if you ever have questions!!
Blessings,
Tina
I looked at the website yearly for about 4 years before I finally bought it. Each time I looked at the website I thought, "I can't do this. It looks too hard. It's $269 and I won't be able to do it” Fast forward to the next year and I said the same thing.
Finally this year I decided that all the people I admire that recommend it must have a REASON for liking it so much so I bit the bullet.
Between what is in the plans and the help on the (previous) forum, you won't have to put much effort into lesson planning especially if you have a curriculum you already use. Your son will learn the techniques and then apply them to his regular assignments.
I'm currently working through the student videos with my two oldest. I'm going at our own pace (slower than 1 disc/day MUCH faster than the 15 week lesson plan). And I'm NOT a good lesson planner. I'm happy when I'm convinced they 'get' a topic like the KWO or the dress-ups.
This is NOT hard to teach. It really isn't. If you flip through the tezcher's manual without watching the videos it can look confusing and overwhelming. Once you listen to Andrew explain everything it all makes sense.
Last night, dd (13) thanked me for getting IEW. It is making writing 'fun and much easier' for her. My ds (11) feels the same way. He never put pen to paper before. Now he is doing it, enjoying it and showing a creative side that he never has.
(Name withheld)
The PAL: Reading will require about 30 minutes of your time each day you do it, and another 30-60 minutes of your student’s time to do his things with some, but not always significant, supervision.
The PAL: Writing will take about 30 minutes of your day. It also includes a brief discussion of a story every day. You can use any story you are reading to your child, so it works with anything you are already doing. As with most programs, your first week or two will likely require more time, but as you get it running, it does not take much time to maintain. Using the PAL: Reading, your child will likely be reading after just a few months. At that point, less time will need to be spent on the Reading, so you can spend a little more time on the PAL: Writing Composition section when you get to it. However, it won’t really cost you any more time in the long run.
Yes! Two parents respond to this question below. The first teaches a student with Aspergers (on the autistic scale) and the second has a son who is dyslexic.
Jill states:
"IEW is fantastic for those with expressive disorders. A dear friend of mine has a son with Aspergers. This year, I offered to teach him writing. His mom returned immediately with, 'Oh, he can't write.' I asked for a chance.
"We just started the Student Writing Intensive B. He flew through the first disc, outlined and wrote beautifully. I think he will find the help he needs with this program. I am so happy for him!"
Jen writes:
"My ten year old is dyslexic. Written expression has been a chore for him from day 1. Since we started with IEW two years ago, the lights have come on, and slowly but surely he's become a writer. The logical progression, the straightforward steps and checklists, and the knowledge that he can't 'do it wrong' (there are simply ways that he can 'do it better') have been incredible confidence builders for him.
"IEW has helped him get through the blocks that have always made written communication so difficult for him. Two years ago, he threw a literal screaming fit if I asked him to write his name on his paper...now, he journals a page a day and thinks nothing of writing a paper a week.
"IEW is so customizable (yet makes so much sense to the kids) that it works very, very well for kids that just don't 'get it' otherwise."




