Search for: history based writing lessons

Announcing IEW’s Theme-Based Book of the Year: Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons

We are excited to share with you that we have declared Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons to be IEW’s theme-based book of the year. What does this mean for you? Every month Andrew Pudewa... read more

Sep 03, 2021

Product Spotlight: Theme-Based Writing Lessons

  IEW offers many excellent programs for language arts. Among them are products dedicated to written expression, speaking, literature, spelling, and handwriting. In this blog post we take a closer look at our theme-based... read more

Feb 08, 2019

Experience Unit 3 with People and Places in Our Community and World History-Based Writing Lessons

  September is nearly over, but before you switch from retelling stories in Unit 3 to funneling facts in Unit 4, check out these story samples pulled from two of our latest theme-based books.... read more

Sep 27, 2017

Getting Started with Theme-Based Writing Lessons

On Day 3 of Twelve Days of Christmas Giving, IEW is giving you a three-week sample of three theme-based writing lessons. Be sure you are registered for the event to receive the email... read more

Dec 28, 2023

Learning about the Third Edition of Bible-Based Writing Lessons: Podcast Episode 196✝

  Once upon a time, there was only one IEW product—Teaching Writing: Structure and Style. It empowered, and continues to empower, teachers and parents to take the methodology back into their classrooms and homes... read more

Jun 27, 2019

Wonders of Science Writing Lessons

How are astronauts protected from space dust traveling at the speed of a bullet? How do ants know when another ant has died? Which woman scientist was called the Sun Queen and why?... read more

Apr 07, 2023

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

Mar 17, 2020

A Suzuki History: Podcast Episode 155

  “Ten thousand times, and then begins understanding.” Japanese saying That proverb reflects a philosophy that sounds foreign to Western minds, but it is reflective of the Suzuki methodology of instruction. In Podcast 155 Andrew... read more

Sep 12, 2018

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

Aug 10, 2023

Black History Month: Celebrating Paul Laurence Dunbar

  Although I graduated from a large midwestern university with a degree in English and a focus in poetry, I knew next to nothing about this important African-American poet—Paul Laurence Dunbar. It was much... read more

Feb 17, 2017

Teaching through a Theme-Based Book

“I hear and I forget; I see and I remember; I write and I understand.” This axiom is often quoted in the world of education. Writing within content areas helps students build understanding.... read more

May 15, 2025

Lessons Learned Teaching with IEW

  I have been in the “IEW world” since fifth grade when I was first introduced to its method. Since then, I have known it intimately as a student, as a customer service representative,... read more

May 25, 2019

Incorporating Poetry into Your Lessons

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” This first line of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnet 43 is familiar to most people. As we continue with our theme of “Furnishing the... read more

Mar 14, 2024

Life Lessons Learned through Spelling

by Ryan Weins   Recently I had the privilege of completing a level of IEW’s spelling program, The Phonetic Zoo. Throughout my study, I found it enjoyable to finally experience how our approach to teaching... read more

Feb 19, 2018

Lessons Learned from A Christmas Carol

  This year, as the leaves depart from their branches and cover our lawns with their warm colors, I look back on one of the most integral parts of my childhood. Christmastime at the... read more

Dec 17, 2018

Customizing Lessons to Meet Your Students’ Needs – Filtering

   “The optimal learning environment is one which allows each child to progress at his own rate allowing sufficient repetition for mastery.” Andrew Pudewa, IEW Founder, Author, and Director In the Teaching Writing: Structure and... read more

Jan 18, 2020

Special Education Series Part One: Structure and Style™ and Language-Based Learning Disabilities

  by Linda Mikottis and Jean Nichols If you are a classroom teacher, chances are you have a number of students in your classroom with a language-based learning disability. Whether your students have been formally... read more

Feb 17, 2024

Writing Blind

  Imagine a lightless world, full of sound, touch, and smell, but absent of color, visible texture, and sight. In their reading and writing studies, most students rely heavily on their sense of sight,... read more

Apr 30, 2018

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

Feb 17, 2024

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

Feb 17, 2024

IEW Writing Contest 2023

Writing contests are a fabulous way for students to further develop their writing skills, reach a broader audience, and potentially win a prize. They also provide a novel way to insert a little... read more

Mar 03, 2023

Keeping the Writing Rolling

  Summer has arrived! The slower pace of the season brings with it opportunities to read for perhaps hours on end, go swimming at the beach or pool, and enjoy your favorite grilled foods.... read more

Jun 25, 2020

Success in Teaching Writing: A Special Education Writing Conference from IEW

  We are excited to announce Success in Teaching Writing, an upcoming online conference that will focus on special needs. Happening on Saturday, January 16, 2021, this full-day writing conference will offer sessions for... read more

Dec 31, 2020

Grades 3–12 Teachers in Year 2 and Beyond: Customizing Lessons, Part 1 – Choosing Alternate Source Texts

by Jean Nichols and Janet Spitler   We have shared a plethora of information to help teachers and students who are new to the IEW approach to writing. This blog series answers the question, “What does... read more

Feb 16, 2024

Writing Essays with Unit 8

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. At this point in the... read more

Apr 18, 2024

Announcing IEW’s 2021 Writing Contest!

  As winter begins to wane, and the days slowly stretch out longer and longer, we at IEW grow excited because we know the annual IEW Writing Contest is nearly here. We look forward... read more

Mar 05, 2021

Interrogative Thinking – Writing from Pictures

  When I first heard the phrase interrogative thinking, I was immediately drawn to follow this idea. What an interesting combination of words. Of course we want our children to think clearly, quickly, carefully,... read more

May 22, 2017

Unboxing Your Teaching Writing/Student Writing Value Package: A Chart for Your Course

  Our customer service team talks to parents and instructors every day who receive their long-awaited IEW materials, open their bright and shiny package, and are instantly struck with a challenging conundrum of “Where... read more

Apr 08, 2019

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

Jul 24, 2017

Announcing IEW’s 2022 Writing Contest!

We are excited to announce the writing prompts for IEW’s 2022 Writing Contest and invite your students to submit their compositions for a chance to win a cash prize. Why should your students... read more

Mar 03, 2022

The Triangle of Writing Success

Regardless of the educational environment students are in, whether it be a hybrid school, a charter school, or a five-day-a-week school, students learn best when they have unified support. This support primarily comes... read more

Feb 17, 2024

Learning Styles—Overcoming the Writing Barrier

Whether you are teaching two students or twenty, you have likely noticed that each of your students learns a bit differently. One child might happily read a book and remember what he’s read,... read more

Oct 13, 2016

Announcing IEW’s Online 2021 Writing Conference!

  On June 26, IEW is hosting the 2021 Online Writing Conference. We invite you to attend! Developed with teachers, administrators, tutors, parents, and students in mind, this free event will span the day,... read more

Jun 02, 2021

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

Aug 19, 2019

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

Sep 14, 2023

Writing a Paper with Unit 2

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. After one, two, or maybe... read more

May 24, 2024

When My Daughter Finally Started Writing

  Learning is a struggle for some, and sometimes learning to write seems like an impossible task. We received this testimony from a mom whose daughter—now in college—had extreme learning difficulties. With IEW’s help,... read more

Aug 28, 2015

Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing

Have you committed one of these four errors in your teaching? Overcorrecting, holding back help, unclear assignments, and over-expectation can frustrate your students and hamper your best efforts. How can you overcome these... read more

Mar 21, 2016

The Solar Eclipse: A Writing Activity

  All across the United States, people today peered up into the skies to participate in a unique heavenly event, a solar eclipse. Were you among the many? Here’s a way to extend the... read more

Aug 22, 2017

On Popcorn, Pudewa and Video Writing Instruction

  You may have already heard some of the buzz from IEW® about an upcoming important announcement. It’s exciting news that we are looking forward to sharing with you all. While the clock has... read more

Oct 31, 2019

Writing across the Curriculum: Podcast Episode 294

“Writing across the curriculum” continues to be a common educational trend in the United States. In podcast Episode 294 Andrew and Julie discuss what writing across the curriculum actually means and how IEW’s... read more

Nov 03, 2021

Inventive Writing: Podcast Episodes 131a and 131b

  The blank page. It’s a formidable foe for young and old. Just looking at a blank page can be enough to increase the heart rate and make the palms sweat. Fortunately, IEW tackles... read more

Mar 21, 2018

Virtual Teaching Writing: Structure and Style®

What: Three-session workshop for classroom teachers and administrators grades K-12Where: OnlineWhen: August 5, 6, and 7, 2025Time: 10:00 AM‒2:30 PM CT Presenters and Facilitator: Jeff Nease, IEW Implementation Coach The three-session workshop will be offered... read more

Nov 09, 2023

Product Spotlight: Teaching Writing: Structure and Style

  Each month in 2019, we would like to highlight one of our products and answer a few questions about it. It is our hope to create a space where you can learn more... read more

Jan 29, 2019

Announcing the 2020 IEW Writing Contest Winners!

  It’s become a tradition that each spring, we announce the prompts for the annual IEW Writing Contest. This year’s prompts were as follows: Level A: Write a 2-paragraph composition about why kindness is important,... read more

May 27, 2020

Writing Speeches - The Importance of Note-Taking

Recently, I attended the 2024 NCFCA National Championship. Sitting at the IEW table, I was privy to all of the buzz as students swarmed around me, entering and exiting the student center of... read more

Jul 03, 2024

Congratulations to IEW’s 2016 Writing Contest Winners!

This spring, we were delighted to host our second annual writing contest, receiving submissions from students all around the world. Our online writing instructors served as the judges, carefully reading each submission and... read more

Jun 15, 2016

Unit 5: Writing from a Christmas Picture

# #   The month of December is a hectic one. You may barely be through the Thanksgiving turkey leftovers, and then suddenly you find yourself in the midst of Christmas decorating, baking, and socializing. Rather... read more

Dec 11, 2017

Writing Critiques: Podcast Episodes 139a and 139b

  The month of May doesn’t just bring flowers; if you have been keeping up with the suggested IEW unit pacing, it also brings Unit 9, the formal critique. But what is a formal... read more

May 09, 2018

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

Jun 03, 2025

A Brief Tour through the IEW Writing Units

  When you teach writing with IEW®, you are constructing a solid writing foundation for your students. IEW’s writing structure is based upon nine units or structural models. But what are those models? A... read more

Sep 20, 2017

A Compelling Competition: The IEW Essay Writing Contest

  One of my favorite jobs is working at a local academic homeschool co-op. This year I am the high school English teacher. I’m quite proud of my little IEW class. We’ve had a... read more

Mar 12, 2021

Many Educational Choices: One Writing Method Hybrid Schools

In 2013 as an IEW Educational Consultant, I conducted the Teaching Writing: Structure and Style® (TWSS) seminar at Legacy Christian Academy, a hybrid school in Bakersfield, California. As the school prepared for the... read more

Dec 03, 2024

Unit 5: Writing from Pictures: Podcast Episode 167

  In Podcast 167 Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss Unit 5, Writing from Pictures. This unit is distinct from the other writing units in that the student uses pictures in order to describe... read more

Dec 05, 2018

Sue Ewing: Helping Students Overcome Their Writing Obstacles

  At IEW, we mean it when we say our Structure and Style™ method works for students who have a wide range of abilities. This includes special learners. Sue Ewing is a Certified IEW... read more

Jul 05, 2017

Reviewing Our Greatest Hits: Why Teach Cursive Writing?

  Centering around the teaching of cursive, our latest “Best of” podcast episode deserves another listen. Why should cursive be taught? Isn’t it obsolete now that everyone can type on their phones, laptops, and... read more

Aug 28, 2019

Many Educational Choices: One Writing Method 5-Day Schools

During my thirty-four-year career as an elementary school teacher, I taught at seven schools in four school districts in three states. The districts ranged from rural to suburban to inner city, each with... read more

Dec 03, 2024

How the Structure and Style Writing Approach Supports Reading

  While the act of reading appears, at least on the surface, to be simple, it is anything but. Reading is actually an extremely complicated activity that involves lots of simultaneous processes within the... read more

Mar 20, 2021

Announcement: It’s time for the 2020 IEW Writing Contest!

  The last several months have been filled with exciting events such as IEW’s twenty-fifth birthday bash and the brand new Structure and Style for Students courses. And the year is just getting started!... read more

Feb 28, 2020

Three Ways Our Students Grow in Their Writing Skills

It’s best to think of language acquisition as a journey, and every student is somewhere on the path. Our goal for our students is not perfection; our goal is progress. We want to... read more

Feb 17, 2024

Do I Really Need Teaching Writing: Structure and Style?

  If your students are using IEW’s new Structure and Style for Students (SSS) program this year, you may be wondering whether you actually need Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (TWSS) in order to... read more

Sep 18, 2020

The Value of a Consistent Writing Process for Schools

A History of Inconsistency Over the course of my thirty-four-year career as an elementary school teacher, I taught at seven schools in three school districts in three different states. The districts ranged from rural... read more

Feb 17, 2024

How to Teach Writing with Confidence: Podcast Episode 339

Here at the Institute for Excellence in Writing, our mission is to equip teachers and teaching parents with methods and materials which will aid them in training their students to become confident and... read more

Sep 14, 2022

Writing Rewarded: A Conversation with Nataly and Breesa Pierce

  Meet Nataly and Breesa Pierce, IEW students ages 8 and 11. Each of them competed in her first writing contest this past summer. Nataly won first place, and Breesa took third in separate... read more

Jan 15, 2018

Many Educational Choices: One Writing Method Formal Co-ops

We are blessed to live in a time where there are many educational options available for our students. The beauty of IEW methodology is that it is easily adaptable to most educational settings.... read more

Jan 06, 2025

Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing: Podcast Episode 359

Have you committed one of these four errors in your teaching? Overcorrecting, holding back help, unclear assignments, and over-expectation can frustrate your students and hamper your best efforts. Andrew Pudewa refers to these... read more

Feb 08, 2023

Flying Solo with Teaching Writing: Structure and Style: Part 2

  In our last blog post, we described the initial steps you need to take in order to plan for a successful year utilizing our flagship course, Teaching Writing: Structure and Style, as the... read more

Aug 25, 2017

Unit 3: Powerful Narrative Tools Inform and Improve Academic Writing

by Jean Nichols and Janet Spitler   When I began using IEW’s Structure and Style method in my classroom in 2001, I was anxious about teaching Unit 3: Summarizing a Narrative. Classroom Supplements hadn’t been... read more

Feb 17, 2024

Many Educational Choices: One Writing Method Private Tutoring at Home

People are unique. Just as some people feel most at home in an urban environment, others chafe at the sounds and sights of the city and long for the quiet comfort of a... read more

Jan 03, 2025

Flying Solo with Teaching Writing: Structure and Style: Part 1

  Once upon a time, IEW offered a single product—Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (TWSS). Since then the TWSS has undergone a few updates with the most recent one occurring in 2015 (TWSS2). Additionally... read more

Aug 23, 2017

Little Birdie in the Snow: A Unit 5 Writing Opportunity

While some educators are beginning to move into Unit 6 with their students, there are still several who choose to spread out Unit 5 over both December and January. For those who are... read more

Jan 11, 2022

My IEW Journey: Becoming a Successful IEW Classroom Writing Teacher

  As a child, I wanted to become a second-grade teacher. In college, though, my parents pushed me to study business instead. Poor grades followed, and a degree change became imperative. I switched paths... read more

Feb 16, 2024

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

Jul 09, 2021

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

Jun 01, 2017

Summer Writing Fun with Structure and Style: Podcast Episode 271

If the summer break hasn’t started for you yet, most likely it is just around the corner. While teachers and teaching parents love having a nice break to rest and recharge for the... read more

May 27, 2021

Overcoming Obstacles in Teaching Reading and Writing: Podcast Episode 255

  Recently IEW hosted an online conference called “Success in Teaching Writing: A Special Education Writing Conference from IEW.” If you missed it, you can watch the recording of it by visiting this link.... read more

Jan 27, 2021

On Teaching and Evaluating Writing, Part 2: Podcast Episode 234

  Last week Andrew and Julie began a conversation about how to teach writing. In this week’s podcast, Episode 234, they continue their discussion, this time centering more on how to appropriately evaluate writing.... read more

Aug 26, 2020

On Teaching and Evaluating Writing, Part 1: Podcast Episode 233

  This year it seems as if there are more and more children who will be learning from home. With all of these new at-home learners, there are more and more at-home teachers. Parents... read more

Aug 19, 2020

The 2021 IEW Online Writing Conference: Recorded and Ready to Watch!

The 2021 IEW Online Writing Conference: Recorded and Ready to Watch! It’s a wrap! This past Saturday marked IEW’s second annual Online Writing Conference. Did you participate? It was a fabulous day featuring workshops... read more

Jun 30, 2021

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

Nov 12, 2021

Unit 7 and the 2019 IEW Writing Contest: Podcast Episode 182

  The month of March is traditionally when students encounter Unit 7: Inventive Writing. In Podcast 182, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss this writing unit and introduce the writing prompts for this year’s... read more

Mar 22, 2019

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

Feb 16, 2024

Teacher Training Method Options: Virtual Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Workshop

Learning to teach writing effectively is one of the most powerful investments teachers can make in improving their instruction. In parts one and two of this training methods series, we featured video training... read more

Feb 27, 2025

Begin Reading and Writing with a Pal: IEW’s Primary Arts of Language

  Do you have a new or struggling reader in your home? If so, find direction and encouragement in our June 26 webinar with Jill Pike, author of Primary Arts of Language (PAL). Jill’s... read more

Jun 19, 2017

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

Feb 02, 2022

Point-less: On the Value of a Mastery Approach to Writing Instruction

Some instructors teaching with Structure and Style for Students have noticed something that appears to be missing from the checklists: the point values. While we do offer checklists with points as an optional... read more

Sep 08, 2021

Product Spotlight: A Word Write Now: A Thematic Thesaurus for Stylized Writing

    Getting students to write using vivid language is easier said than done. Asking them to “show, not tell” when they write or to write in a way that creates a movie in... read more

Feb 17, 2024

Announcing IEW’s Winter Retreat 2023: A Virtual Writing Workshop for Classroom Teachers

Are you a classroom teacher, hybrid school instructor, co-op facilitator, or tutor? Do you teach your students in person or online? We have a special event just for you! On Saturday, February 11,... read more

Jan 27, 2023

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

Jul 03, 2020

Product Spotlight – Portable Walls: Desktop Writing Stations for Information at Your Fingertips

  “You Are There” was a popular television show in the 1950s. Aired on CBS and hosted by Walker Cronkite, the program featured events in world and United States history such as the death... read more

Feb 17, 2024

More about Overcoming Obstacles in Teaching Reading and Writing: Podcast Episode 256

  During last week’s Arts of Language Podcast episode, Andrew and Julie discussed effective ways to overcome obstacles in teaching reading and writing. One of the techniques they mentioned was implementing copywork. But rather... read more

Feb 03, 2021

Off to a Strong Start: Preparing for Writing Instruction with Structure and Style

Arranging desks, unpacking new textbooks, and dusting off classroom libraries in a freshly cleaned classroom gives even the most seasoned veteran a happy feeling of anticipation for the year ahead. Making a new... read more

Feb 16, 2024

Teaching Writing: Structure and Style—IEW‘s Most Important Message, Part 2: Podcast Episode 58

In this podcast, Andrew and Julie uncover the powerful educational content in IEW's core product, Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (TWSS). Additionally, they discuss each one of the stylistic techniques as well as the supplemental contents... read more

Aug 30, 2016

Reviewing Our Greatest Hits: How Busy Moms Teach Writing: A Conversation with Author and Speaker, Heidi St. John

  The most recent “Best of” podcast features popular homeschool speaker and author Heidi St. John. During the podcast Julie Walker and Heidi St. John discuss how busy homeschool moms “do it all.” Quick... read more

Nov 25, 2019

Training Method Options, Part 4A – Live On-Site Professional Development: Launching Young Writers with Primary Writing with Structure and Style Two-Day Seminar

Primary Writing with Structure and Style was designed specifically with primary teachers in mind. Providing a bridge between Anna Ingham's Blended Sound-Sight Program of Learning and the Structure and Style method, this seminar... read more

Feb 17, 2024

Empowered across the Curriculum

  Many years ago when I was a much younger, somewhat bewildered homeschool mom standing in front of the IEW® booth at a homeschool convention, I had one goal in mind—finding support to help... read more

Jan 08, 2019

Author Interview: Lori Verstegen—Helping Students Succeed

There are many options available to teach IEW writing to your students. One of the most enjoyable and successful ways to begin is to use Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (TWSS2) and the Structure... read more

Dec 01, 2016

Week 9 of The Great TWSS Adventure: Unit 9

This week marks the penultimate week for this year’s Great TWSS Adventure. If you have kept up with the schedule, you will be encountering the final unit, Unit 9. In this section of... read more

Aug 09, 2021

Happy 20th Birthday, Classical Conversations! IEW and CC: Celebrating Fifteen Years of Collaboration and Camaraderie

  Today is October 18, 2017, and while Andrew Pudewa is heading to Charlotte, NC for Classical Conversations’ 20th anniversary event, I am heading to Dallas, TX to join the live video simulcast from... read more

Oct 18, 2017

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

Jun 15, 2020

Where are they now? Jemma Swift: Author of Forever Riders

  Authoring a book is an intimidating prospect. And if it’s illustrated, that introduces even more challenges. For Jemma Swift—homeschooled student, first-time-author, and sister to co-illustrator Eliza Swift—”intimidating” was not in her vocabulary. Oh,... read more

Nov 20, 2017

Where Are They Now? Kimberly Johnson—Writer and Graphic Designer

  Some students immerse themselves in music; still others pursue athletics. And there are those who enjoy art. Today we would like to feature a student who has a passion for writing fiction and... read more

Jan 18, 2019

Applying IEW across Your School

Like many people, I first became acquainted with IEW while I was homeschooling my children, and I taught IEW in homeschool co-ops for many years. However, when my kids were grown, I started... read more

Jan 23, 2025

Customer Service Answers: How do I teach Structure and Style to multiple ages?

“How do I use one writing course for my kids who are all different ages?” We often receive this question in customer service. Whether your reasons are because of time limits, money constraints, or... read more

Jun 24, 2022

Where Are They Now? Ethan Sink: Journalist with a Passion for Communication

  Occasionally at IEW we receive questions from parents wondering if our curriculum will work for students who are interested in pursuing careers in journalism. We would unequivocally say yes! As proof, we would... read more

Jul 07, 2017

Week 7 of the Great TWSS Adventure: Unit 7

Teachers and teaching parents from across the globe who are participating in the Great Adventure will tackle Unit 7 this week. Many teachers are very excited to reach this unit because it is... read more

Jul 27, 2021

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

Jan 13, 2023

Week 8 of The Great TWSS Adventure: Unit 8

If you are participating in this year’s Great TWSS Adventure, this week you will be encountering formal essay models. The essay is the goal for formal writing. Units 4 and 6 have provided... read more

Aug 02, 2021

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

Oct 18, 2021

Where are they now? Brenna Fisher: Criminologist-in-Training

  Ever wonder if you made the right decision to homeschool? If your hopeful expectations for your children will be realized? I recently had the opportunity to interview Brenner Fisher, who is now studying... read more

Jun 13, 2016

Teaching Documentation with Confidence

  For those of you who have an older version of the Student Resource Packet (SRP) and have updated to the most recent edition, you may have noticed that we no longer include bibliography... read more

May 17, 2021

Preparing for College and Career

In the 1970s Dr. James B. Webster began each of his university history classes with lessons from his program Blended Structure and Style in Composition because his students could not write well enough... read more

Jan 18, 2024

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

Jul 30, 2020

A Buffet of Options

"Which should I choose?" is a common question from parents and teachers exploring IEW's two main options for teaching the Structure and Style® methodology. While some create their own lessons, most prefer ready-made... read more

Nov 19, 2024

Sage Advice for a Successful School Year

If you have recently strolled into your local big box store, you likely have seen shelves upon shelves of back to school supplies. The waxy scent of crayons, the colorful array of notebooks... read more

Aug 06, 2021

Prepositional Pursuits

  My little class and I have been cruising right along this year. Working through Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons, they’ve learned how to insert all of the dress-ups. The kids are doing great! I... read more

Nov 18, 2019

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

Sep 06, 2022

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

Jul 27, 2018

Sharing Gratitude: Podcast Episode 243

  We love to hear from you. Whether it be through email, social media, a phone call, or even snail mail, it truly delights us to hear how our materials are impacting the lives... read more

Nov 04, 2020

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

Jul 05, 2021

Special Learning Needs and IEW

If you missed the gifts given for Day 8, you can still access these resources: Podcast R14: Learning Differences Struggles and Suggestions, Part 1 – Dyslexia Podcast R15: Learning Differences Struggles and Suggestions, Part 2 – Dysgraphia Podcast... read more

Jan 02, 2023

IEW’s Promise: Satisfaction Guaranteed

  At IEW we are very committed to our mission. In fact, we are so confident you will love our products, we stand behind everything we sell with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We even... read more

Oct 03, 2019

Furnishing the Mind with Great Sources – ReadWorks®

IEW is widely recognized for exceptional writing courses for the homeschool, classroom, co-op, and tutorial, providing students with excellent content to cover a wide range of subject matter and topics. Whether you use... read more

Feb 13, 2024

Additional Source Material to Teach Structure and Style

  We recently received a request from a parent who just completed Structure and Style for Students: Year 1 Level A and is waiting patiently for Year 2 Level A to launch in January.... read more

Nov 13, 2020

“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

Oct 28, 2019

Sharing Fairy Tales: Time Well Spent and Much Enjoyed

  If you ask a child what his favorite part of the school day is, he’s likely to blurt out, “Recess!” But if he stops and considers for a moment longer, he will likely... read more

Sep 09, 2019

Three Powerful Courses for Preparing Students for College

  I’ve been journeying through this thing called homeschooling for some time now. This family adventure began when my oldest, who is now entering his senior year of college, stayed home to learn his... read more

Jul 15, 2019

Student Perspectives: Structure and Style® for Students: Level A, Joshua’s View

  Meet Joshua (Josh for short). One of Andrew Pudewa’s students in IEW’s newly released video-based Structure and Style for Students: Level A classes, he is ten years old. When he first started taking the... read more

Dec 02, 2019

Where are they now? Taylor Bennett: Porch Swing Girl

  We love to hear from students who have experienced success with IEW. Today’s blog post features one who not only learned to write with IEW, but used her skills to write a novel,... read more

Dec 03, 2018

Hot Off the Press! Following Narnia Volume 2: Aslan’s Country

  Narnia lovers, rejoice! If you’ve used and loved Following Narnia® Volume 1: The Lion’s Song, you’ll be delighted to know that IEW has recently released the sequel: Following Narnia® Volume 2: Aslan’s Country.... read more

Sep 02, 2016

IPS in the Classroom

A word of warning from Dr. Webster. “A bad idea well presented can be more effective than a good idea poorly presented. History proved this.” Presentation matters, and IEW can help! Introduction to... read more

Jul 27, 2023

EZ+1 Reiterated

  Accomplished instructor and IEW author Jill Pike has provided invaluable advice to many IEW teachers and parents. Much of it reiterates the EZ+1 philosophy. In this particular exchange she helps a co-op instructor... read more

Jul 26, 2019

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

May 16, 2024

Why IEW Works for Students with Learning Differences: Podcast Episode 356

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... read more

Jan 18, 2023

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

May 02, 2024

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

Aug 27, 2020

Where are they now? Tommy Kelley—Looking Back with Gratitude

Volunteer firefighter since the age of fifteen, EMT, competitor in the Olympic trials for rifle, political campaign manager, and more—Tommy Kelley has packed in a lot of life in his twenty-five years. Now... read more

Dec 20, 2016

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

Mar 15, 2019

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

Mar 12, 2018

A Classic Resource

Which IEW product has been around nearly as long as the Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (TWSS) seminar? The Writing Source Packet is one of the original resources that IEW produced for parents... read more

Sep 21, 2023

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

Feb 16, 2024

Motivation and the Four Forms of Relevancy: Podcast Episode 358

Are there factors that make learning easier? As Andrew notes, “If something is relevant to you, if it is significant, meaningful, useful, interesting, and helpful to you, then it is easy to study... read more

Feb 01, 2023

What about Comprehension?

Today’s post is all about comprehension. This is an area where many students struggle. Possibly the difficulty stems from a learning disability such as expressive or receptive processing difficulties or even dyslexia or... read more

Oct 24, 2022

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

Feb 17, 2024

However Imperfectly: Podcast Episode 342

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... read more

Oct 06, 2022

Party in the (IEW) House!

  On Tuesday night approximately one hundred people gathered together at IEW’s Bixby campus for an extra special evening. They were there to celebrate IEW’s twenty-fifth birthday. Flying in from all across the country,... read more

Nov 22, 2019

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

Feb 16, 2024

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

Nov 16, 2023

Where Are They Now? Nathanael Olander: Future Computer Scientist

#   Nathanael Olander grew up an “IEW kid.” His mom, Danielle Olander, is an IEW homeschool exhibitor. Together the two of them authored Rockets, Radar, & Robotics*, a technology-themed writing curriculum. The idea for... read more

Oct 30, 2017

Teacher Resources

If you missed the gifts given for Day 5, you can still access these resources: Podcast Episode 104: However Imperfectly, Part 1 Podcast Episode 105: However Imperfectly, Part 2 Podcast Episode 106: However Imperfectly, Part 3 However... read more

Dec 30, 2022

Announcing IEW’s Theme-Based Book of the Year: Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons

We are excited to share with you that we have declared Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons to be IEW’s theme-based book of... read more

Product Spotlight: Theme-Based Writing Lessons

  IEW offers many excellent programs for language arts. Among them are products dedicated to written expression, speaking, literature, spelling, and handwriting.... read more

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Experience Unit 3 with People and Places in Our Community and World History-Based Writing Lessons

  September is nearly over, but before you switch from retelling stories in Unit 3 to funneling facts in Unit 4, check... read more

Getting Started with Theme-Based Writing Lessons

On Day 3 of Twelve Days of Christmas Giving, IEW is giving you a three-week sample of three theme-based writing lessons.... read more

Learning about the Third Edition of Bible-Based Writing Lessons: Podcast Episode 196✝

  Once upon a time, there was only one IEW product—Teaching Writing: Structure and Style. It empowered, and continues to empower, teachers... read more

Wonders of Science Writing Lessons

How are astronauts protected from space dust traveling at the speed of a bullet? How do ants know when another ant... 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

A Suzuki History: Podcast Episode 155

  “Ten thousand times, and then begins understanding.” Japanese saying That proverb reflects a philosophy that sounds foreign to Western minds, but it... 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

Black History Month: Celebrating Paul Laurence Dunbar

  Although I graduated from a large midwestern university with a degree in English and a focus in poetry, I knew next... read more

Teaching through a Theme-Based Book

“I hear and I forget; I see and I remember; I write and I understand.” This axiom is often quoted in... read more

Lessons Learned Teaching with IEW

  I have been in the “IEW world” since fifth grade when I was first introduced to its method. Since then, I... read more

Incorporating Poetry into Your Lessons

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” This first line of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnet 43 is familiar... read more

Life Lessons Learned through Spelling

by Ryan Weins   Recently I had the privilege of completing a level of IEW’s spelling program, The Phonetic Zoo. Throughout my study,... read more

Lessons Learned from A Christmas Carol

  This year, as the leaves depart from their branches and cover our lawns with their warm colors, I look back on... read more

Customizing Lessons to Meet Your Students’ Needs – Filtering

   “The optimal learning environment is one which allows each child to progress at his own rate allowing sufficient repetition for mastery.”... read more

Special Education Series Part One: Structure and Style™ and Language-Based Learning Disabilities

  by Linda Mikottis and Jean Nichols If you are a classroom teacher, chances are you have a number of students in your... read more

Writing Blind

  Imagine a lightless world, full of sound, touch, and smell, but absent of color, visible texture, and sight. In their reading... 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

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

IEW Writing Contest 2023

Writing contests are a fabulous way for students to further develop their writing skills, reach a broader audience, and potentially win... read more

Keeping the Writing Rolling

  Summer has arrived! The slower pace of the season brings with it opportunities to read for perhaps hours on end, go... read more

Success in Teaching Writing: A Special Education Writing Conference from IEW

  We are excited to announce Success in Teaching Writing, an upcoming online conference that will focus on special needs. Happening on... read more

Grades 3–12 Teachers in Year 2 and Beyond: Customizing Lessons, Part 1 – Choosing Alternate Source Texts

by Jean Nichols and Janet Spitler   We have shared a plethora of information to help teachers and students who are new to the... read more

Writing Essays with Unit 8

IEW teaches students to write with structure and with style. Style includes vocabulary. Structure is the elements found in compositions. Throughout... read more

Announcing IEW’s 2021 Writing Contest!

  As winter begins to wane, and the days slowly stretch out longer and longer, we at IEW grow excited because we... read more

Interrogative Thinking – Writing from Pictures

  When I first heard the phrase interrogative thinking, I was immediately drawn to follow this idea. What an interesting combination of... read more

Unboxing Your Teaching Writing/Student Writing Value Package: A Chart for Your Course

  Our customer service team talks to parents and instructors every day who receive their long-awaited IEW materials, open their bright and... 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

Announcing IEW’s 2022 Writing Contest!

We are excited to announce the writing prompts for IEW’s 2022 Writing Contest and invite your students to submit their compositions... read more

The Triangle of Writing Success

Regardless of the educational environment students are in, whether it be a hybrid school, a charter school, or a five-day-a-week school,... read more

Learning Styles—Overcoming the Writing Barrier

Whether you are teaching two students or twenty, you have likely noticed that each of your students learns a bit differently.... read more

Announcing IEW’s Online 2021 Writing Conference!

  On June 26, IEW is hosting the 2021 Online Writing Conference. We invite you to attend! Developed with teachers, administrators, tutors,... 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

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

Writing a Paper with Unit 2

IEW teaches students to write with structure and with style. Style includes vocabulary. Structure is the elements found in compositions. Throughout... read more

When My Daughter Finally Started Writing

  Learning is a struggle for some, and sometimes learning to write seems like an impossible task. We received this testimony from... read more

Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing

Have you committed one of these four errors in your teaching? Overcorrecting, holding back help, unclear assignments, and over-expectation can frustrate... read more

The Solar Eclipse: A Writing Activity

  All across the United States, people today peered up into the skies to participate in a unique heavenly event, a solar... read more

On Popcorn, Pudewa and Video Writing Instruction

  You may have already heard some of the buzz from IEW® about an upcoming important announcement. It’s exciting news that we... read more

Writing across the Curriculum: Podcast Episode 294

“Writing across the curriculum” continues to be a common educational trend in the United States. In podcast Episode 294 Andrew and... read more

Inventive Writing: Podcast Episodes 131a and 131b

  The blank page. It’s a formidable foe for young and old. Just looking at a blank page can be enough to... read more

Virtual Teaching Writing: Structure and Style®

What: Three-session workshop for classroom teachers and administrators grades K-12Where: OnlineWhen: August 5, 6, and 7, 2025Time: 10:00 AM‒2:30 PM CT Presenters... read more

Product Spotlight: Teaching Writing: Structure and Style

  Each month in 2019, we would like to highlight one of our products and answer a few questions about it. It... read more

Announcing the 2020 IEW Writing Contest Winners!

  It’s become a tradition that each spring, we announce the prompts for the annual IEW Writing Contest. This year’s prompts were... read more

Writing Speeches - The Importance of Note-Taking

Recently, I attended the 2024 NCFCA National Championship. Sitting at the IEW table, I was privy to all of the buzz... read more

Congratulations to IEW’s 2016 Writing Contest Winners!

This spring, we were delighted to host our second annual writing contest, receiving submissions from students all around the world. Our... read more

Unit 5: Writing from a Christmas Picture

# #   The month of December is a hectic one. You may barely be through the Thanksgiving turkey leftovers, and then suddenly you... read more

Writing Critiques: Podcast Episodes 139a and 139b

  The month of May doesn’t just bring flowers; if you have been keeping up with the suggested IEW unit pacing, it... 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 Brief Tour through the IEW Writing Units

  When you teach writing with IEW®, you are constructing a solid writing foundation for your students. IEW’s writing structure is based... read more

A Compelling Competition: The IEW Essay Writing Contest

  One of my favorite jobs is working at a local academic homeschool co-op. This year I am the high school English... read more

Many Educational Choices: One Writing Method Hybrid Schools

In 2013 as an IEW Educational Consultant, I conducted the Teaching Writing: Structure and Style® (TWSS) seminar at Legacy Christian Academy,... read more

Unit 5: Writing from Pictures: Podcast Episode 167

  In Podcast 167 Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss Unit 5, Writing from Pictures. This unit is distinct from the other... read more

Sue Ewing: Helping Students Overcome Their Writing Obstacles

  At IEW, we mean it when we say our Structure and Style™ method works for students who have a wide range... read more

Reviewing Our Greatest Hits: Why Teach Cursive Writing?

  Centering around the teaching of cursive, our latest “Best of” podcast episode deserves another listen. Why should cursive be taught? Isn’t... read more

Many Educational Choices: One Writing Method 5-Day Schools

During my thirty-four-year career as an elementary school teacher, I taught at seven schools in four school districts in three states.... read more

How the Structure and Style Writing Approach Supports Reading

  While the act of reading appears, at least on the surface, to be simple, it is anything but. Reading is actually... read more

Announcement: It’s time for the 2020 IEW Writing Contest!

  The last several months have been filled with exciting events such as IEW’s twenty-fifth birthday bash and the brand new Structure... read more

Three Ways Our Students Grow in Their Writing Skills

It’s best to think of language acquisition as a journey, and every student is somewhere on the path. Our goal for... read more

Do I Really Need Teaching Writing: Structure and Style?

  If your students are using IEW’s new Structure and Style for Students (SSS) program this year, you may be wondering whether... read more

The Value of a Consistent Writing Process for Schools

A History of Inconsistency Over the course of my thirty-four-year career as an elementary school teacher, I taught at seven schools in... read more

How to Teach Writing with Confidence: Podcast Episode 339

Here at the Institute for Excellence in Writing, our mission is to equip teachers and teaching parents with methods and materials... read more

Writing Rewarded: A Conversation with Nataly and Breesa Pierce

  Meet Nataly and Breesa Pierce, IEW students ages 8 and 11. Each of them competed in her first writing contest this... read more

Many Educational Choices: One Writing Method Formal Co-ops

We are blessed to live in a time where there are many educational options available for our students. The beauty of... read more

Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing: Podcast Episode 359

Have you committed one of these four errors in your teaching? Overcorrecting, holding back help, unclear assignments, and over-expectation can frustrate... read more

Flying Solo with Teaching Writing: Structure and Style: Part 2

  In our last blog post, we described the initial steps you need to take in order to plan for a successful... read more

Unit 3: Powerful Narrative Tools Inform and Improve Academic Writing

by Jean Nichols and Janet Spitler   When I began using IEW’s Structure and Style method in my classroom in 2001, I was... read more

Many Educational Choices: One Writing Method Private Tutoring at Home

People are unique. Just as some people feel most at home in an urban environment, others chafe at the sounds and... read more

Flying Solo with Teaching Writing: Structure and Style: Part 1

  Once upon a time, IEW offered a single product—Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (TWSS). Since then the TWSS has undergone a... read more

Little Birdie in the Snow: A Unit 5 Writing Opportunity

While some educators are beginning to move into Unit 6 with their students, there are still several who choose to spread... read more

My IEW Journey: Becoming a Successful IEW Classroom Writing Teacher

  As a child, I wanted to become a second-grade teacher. In college, though, my parents pushed me to study business instead.... 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

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

Summer Writing Fun with Structure and Style: Podcast Episode 271

If the summer break hasn’t started for you yet, most likely it is just around the corner. While teachers and teaching... read more

Overcoming Obstacles in Teaching Reading and Writing: Podcast Episode 255

  Recently IEW hosted an online conference called “Success in Teaching Writing: A Special Education Writing Conference from IEW.” If you missed... read more

On Teaching and Evaluating Writing, Part 2: Podcast Episode 234

  Last week Andrew and Julie began a conversation about how to teach writing. In this week’s podcast, Episode 234, they continue... read more

On Teaching and Evaluating Writing, Part 1: Podcast Episode 233

  This year it seems as if there are more and more children who will be learning from home. With all of... read more

The 2021 IEW Online Writing Conference: Recorded and Ready to Watch!

The 2021 IEW Online Writing Conference: Recorded and Ready to Watch! It’s a wrap! This past Saturday marked IEW’s second annual Online... 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

Unit 7 and the 2019 IEW Writing Contest: Podcast Episode 182

  The month of March is traditionally when students encounter Unit 7: Inventive Writing. In Podcast 182, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker... 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

Teacher Training Method Options: Virtual Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Workshop

Learning to teach writing effectively is one of the most powerful investments teachers can make in improving their instruction. In parts... read more

Begin Reading and Writing with a Pal: IEW’s Primary Arts of Language

  Do you have a new or struggling reader in your home? If so, find direction and encouragement in our June 26... 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

Point-less: On the Value of a Mastery Approach to Writing Instruction

Some instructors teaching with Structure and Style for Students have noticed something that appears to be missing from the checklists: the... read more

Product Spotlight: A Word Write Now: A Thematic Thesaurus for Stylized Writing

    Getting students to write using vivid language is easier said than done. Asking them to “show, not tell” when they... read more

Announcing IEW’s Winter Retreat 2023: A Virtual Writing Workshop for Classroom Teachers

Are you a classroom teacher, hybrid school instructor, co-op facilitator, or tutor? Do you teach your students in person or online?... 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

Product Spotlight – Portable Walls: Desktop Writing Stations for Information at Your Fingertips

  “You Are There” was a popular television show in the 1950s. Aired on CBS and hosted by Walker Cronkite, the program... read more

More about Overcoming Obstacles in Teaching Reading and Writing: Podcast Episode 256

  During last week’s Arts of Language Podcast episode, Andrew and Julie discussed effective ways to overcome obstacles in teaching reading and... read more

Off to a Strong Start: Preparing for Writing Instruction with Structure and Style

Arranging desks, unpacking new textbooks, and dusting off classroom libraries in a freshly cleaned classroom gives even the most seasoned veteran... read more

Teaching Writing: Structure and Style—IEW‘s Most Important Message, Part 2: Podcast Episode 58

In this podcast, Andrew and Julie uncover the powerful educational content in IEW's core product, Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (TWSS). Additionally, they... read more

Reviewing Our Greatest Hits: How Busy Moms Teach Writing: A Conversation with Author and Speaker, Heidi St. John

  The most recent “Best of” podcast features popular homeschool speaker and author Heidi St. John. During the podcast Julie Walker and... read more

Training Method Options, Part 4A – Live On-Site Professional Development: Launching Young Writers with Primary Writing with Structure and Style Two-Day Seminar

Primary Writing with Structure and Style was designed specifically with primary teachers in mind. Providing a bridge between Anna Ingham's Blended... read more

Empowered across the Curriculum

  Many years ago when I was a much younger, somewhat bewildered homeschool mom standing in front of the IEW® booth at... read more

Author Interview: Lori Verstegen—Helping Students Succeed

There are many options available to teach IEW writing to your students. One of the most enjoyable and successful ways to... read more

Week 9 of The Great TWSS Adventure: Unit 9

This week marks the penultimate week for this year’s Great TWSS Adventure. If you have kept up with the schedule, you... read more

Happy 20th Birthday, Classical Conversations! IEW and CC: Celebrating Fifteen Years of Collaboration and Camaraderie

  Today is October 18, 2017, and while Andrew Pudewa is heading to Charlotte, NC for Classical Conversations’ 20th anniversary event, I... 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

Where are they now? Jemma Swift: Author of Forever Riders

  Authoring a book is an intimidating prospect. And if it’s illustrated, that introduces even more challenges. For Jemma Swift—homeschooled student, first-time-author,... read more

Where Are They Now? Kimberly Johnson—Writer and Graphic Designer

  Some students immerse themselves in music; still others pursue athletics. And there are those who enjoy art. Today we would like... read more

Applying IEW across Your School

Like many people, I first became acquainted with IEW while I was homeschooling my children, and I taught IEW in homeschool... read more

Customer Service Answers: How do I teach Structure and Style to multiple ages?

“How do I use one writing course for my kids who are all different ages?” We often receive this question in customer... read more

Where Are They Now? Ethan Sink: Journalist with a Passion for Communication

  Occasionally at IEW we receive questions from parents wondering if our curriculum will work for students who are interested in pursuing... read more

Week 7 of the Great TWSS Adventure: Unit 7

Teachers and teaching parents from across the globe who are participating in the Great Adventure will tackle Unit 7 this week.... 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

Week 8 of The Great TWSS Adventure: Unit 8

If you are participating in this year’s Great TWSS Adventure, this week you will be encountering formal essay models. The essay... 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

Where are they now? Brenna Fisher: Criminologist-in-Training

  Ever wonder if you made the right decision to homeschool? If your hopeful expectations for your children will be realized? I... read more

Teaching Documentation with Confidence

  For those of you who have an older version of the Student Resource Packet (SRP) and have updated to the most... read more

Preparing for College and Career

In the 1970s Dr. James B. Webster began each of his university history classes with lessons from his program Blended Structure... 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 Buffet of Options

"Which should I choose?" is a common question from parents and teachers exploring IEW's two main options for teaching the Structure... read more

Sage Advice for a Successful School Year

If you have recently strolled into your local big box store, you likely have seen shelves upon shelves of back to... read more

Prepositional Pursuits

  My little class and I have been cruising right along this year. Working through Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons, they’ve learned how... 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

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

Sharing Gratitude: Podcast Episode 243

  We love to hear from you. Whether it be through email, social media, a phone call, or even snail mail, 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

Special Learning Needs and IEW

If you missed the gifts given for Day 8, you can still access these resources: Podcast R14: Learning Differences Struggles and Suggestions, Part... read more

IEW’s Promise: Satisfaction Guaranteed

  At IEW we are very committed to our mission. In fact, we are so confident you will love our products, we... read more

Furnishing the Mind with Great Sources – ReadWorks®

IEW is widely recognized for exceptional writing courses for the homeschool, classroom, co-op, and tutorial, providing students with excellent content to... read more

Additional Source Material to Teach Structure and Style

  We recently received a request from a parent who just completed Structure and Style for Students: Year 1 Level A and... 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

Sharing Fairy Tales: Time Well Spent and Much Enjoyed

  If you ask a child what his favorite part of the school day is, he’s likely to blurt out, “Recess!” But... read more

Three Powerful Courses for Preparing Students for College

  I’ve been journeying through this thing called homeschooling for some time now. This family adventure began when my oldest, who is... read more

Student Perspectives: Structure and Style® for Students: Level A, Joshua’s View

  Meet Joshua (Josh for short). One of Andrew Pudewa’s students in IEW’s newly released video-based Structure and Style for Students: Level A... read more

Where are they now? Taylor Bennett: Porch Swing Girl

  We love to hear from students who have experienced success with IEW. Today’s blog post features one who not only learned... read more

Hot Off the Press! Following Narnia Volume 2: Aslan’s Country

  Narnia lovers, rejoice! If you’ve used and loved Following Narnia® Volume 1: The Lion’s Song, you’ll be delighted to know that... read more

IPS in the Classroom

A word of warning from Dr. Webster. “A bad idea well presented can be more effective than a good idea poorly... read more

EZ+1 Reiterated

  Accomplished instructor and IEW author Jill Pike has provided invaluable advice to many IEW teachers and parents. Much of it reiterates... 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

Why IEW Works for Students with Learning Differences: Podcast Episode 356

Why is IEW a good fit for students with special needs? This week Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker read through testimonials... 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

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

Where are they now? Tommy Kelley—Looking Back with Gratitude

Volunteer firefighter since the age of fifteen, EMT, competitor in the Olympic trials for rifle, political campaign manager, and more—Tommy Kelley... 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

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

A Classic Resource

Which IEW product has been around nearly as long as the Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (TWSS) seminar? The Writing Source... 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

Motivation and the Four Forms of Relevancy: Podcast Episode 358

Are there factors that make learning easier? As Andrew notes, “If something is relevant to you, if it is significant, meaningful,... read more

What about Comprehension?

Today’s post is all about comprehension. This is an area where many students struggle. Possibly the difficulty stems from a learning... 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

However Imperfectly: Podcast Episode 342

Having gathered insights and experiences over three decades of teaching, Andrew presents seven lessons he's learned. These seven lessons are listed... read more

Party in the (IEW) House!

  On Tuesday night approximately one hundred people gathered together at IEW’s Bixby campus for an extra special evening. They were there... 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

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

Where Are They Now? Nathanael Olander: Future Computer Scientist

#   Nathanael Olander grew up an “IEW kid.” His mom, Danielle Olander, is an IEW homeschool exhibitor. Together the two of them... read more

Teacher Resources

If you missed the gifts given for Day 5, you can still access these resources: Podcast Episode 104: However Imperfectly, Part 1 Podcast... read more

In this podcast Andrew and Julie announce the third edition of Bible-Based Writing Lessons. Tune in as the duo walks through the theme-based book, discussing what's different in the new edition and explaining how the Bible stories are so beautifully woven into the units. 

Referenced Materials:

† Contains distinctly Christian content

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 dive into inquiry-based learning, which leads to critical thinking skills and problem solving skills. They walk listeners through the nine units of Structure and Style® and how they encourage creativity, thinking skills, and problem solving.

 

Referenced Materials

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

Wonders of Science Writing Lessons joined the theme-based writing series in March 2023. In this podcast Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker bring clarity to the IEW theme-based product line and give recommendations on where to start and where to continue. They also explore the reason why these are the most frequently asked questions from our customers. Listen in as they praise the benefits and wonders of the IEW theme-based writing lessons.

Referenced Materials

 

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

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:

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 honor of National Novel Writing Month, Andrew and Julie interview the young author of Forever Riders, Jemma Swift, and her mother and sister. Since using IEW's materials at a young age, Jemma has cultivated a love and special interest in writing. Learn about Jemma's journey in producing the book and gain some insight on her simple yet vital advice to young writers: never give up!

Referenced Materials:

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

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:

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 as Andrew and Julie interview Sharon Ashford, an IEW instructor and Educational Consultant, to provide insight on Black History Month. Sharing little-known stories about African-American historical figures, Sharon will provide listeners with fascinating information about African-American history and share how she came to teach IEW's methodology. 

Referenced Materials:

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

Listen as Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker reflect on the wonderful journey from IEW’s humble beginnings to where they are today. They look back at the first newsletter and share anecdotes about people and events that have advanced the company through the years.

 

Referenced Materials

 

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 this final episode honoring National Novel Writing Month, Andrew and Julie interview teen authors Cecelia and Solomon Schmidt. Having taken IEW's online classes, Cecelia and Solomon acquired the ability to structure paragraphs and write creatively. Gain some insight on both of their journeys in writing their novels, and learn how being read to aloud was key to their success. 

Referenced Materials:

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 teacher himself, Andrew has given many talks on pedagogical lessons at conferences across the nation. This week, Andrew shares a few of his favorite movies that relate to some of those lessons. Join us for part one of this two-part series, and learn about the different insights Andrew has gleaned from movies over the years.

Referenced Materials:

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 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

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

Picking up where he left off last week, Andrew continues to share pedagogical lessons that he has learned from movies over the years. As Andrew points out, not all movies are suitable for students, but the stories found in them have shaped him into a better teacher.

GO TO: PARt 1

Referenced Materials:

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:

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 head into the busyness of December, listen to Andrew and Julie walk through Unit 5: Writing from Pictures. Gain confidence moving forward as Andrew and Julie explain the vital role Unit 5 plays in unlocking students' imagination and in developing their thinking skills.

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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

Summer is a great time for relaxing, spending time outdoors, and taking a break from the long school year. It can also be a time when students forgot the skills they've learned. This week, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker suggest ways to keep your students writing throughout the summer season. From writing postcards to crafting commentary on recipes, the duo encourages some fun application of writing skills.

Referenced Materials:

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:

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 last episode in the podcast series Reviewing Our Greatest Hits. This show was initially launched on December 12, 2018, as Episode 169.

As they finish up their conversation on movies, Andrew and Julie head into a different direction: the book versus the movie. Join us to hear Andrew and Julie compare certain movies with the book that inspired the movie and listen to both of their takes on if you should read the book before watching the movie.

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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:

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 committed one of these four errors in your teaching? Overcorrecting, holding back help, unclear assignments, and over-expectation can frustrate your students and hamper your best efforts. Andrew Pudewa refers to these as the “Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing.” Join the Arts of Language podcast as Andrew and Julie Walker discuss these errors along with practical ways to overcome them.

Referenced Materials

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 engaging episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss the idea of writing across the curriculum with Dr. Kathleen O’Toole, Associate Vice President for K-12 Education at Hillsdale College. They discuss the exciting partnership IEW has formed with the Hillsdale K-12 program that provides guidance and partnership for classical schools as well as teacher training events. They also share the benefits for students and teachers when writing can be integrated with the overall curriculum. 

 

Referenced Materials

 

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 school year rolling around, Andrew and Julie turn their attention to teaching and evaluating writing. Join us in this two-part series where the duo hones in on teaching writing. Andrew goes through a series of decisions that need to be made when teaching writing and emphasizes the importance of providing length to your student's assignments as it dictates structure.

Go to Part 2

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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's the purpose of the checklist? This question is often asked by students as well parents. Join Andrew Pudewa as he shares salient points about IEW's stylistic techniques and discusses the powerful benefits that come about when you require the checklist for your students' writing.

Go to Part 1

Referenced Materials:

  • Questions Asked
    • 23:07- Jenny asks "I gave my 9th grader source text about beowulf for a commentary analysis and he used that for his research. He is excited about it and is eager to add in an intro and conclusion and some transitions between paragraphs. Is there a reason why I should hold him back from that at this point if I haven't taught him these skills yet? Or should I tell him to wait until unit 7 and 8 before adding those elements to make a complete 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

As they finish up their conversation on movies, Andrew and Julie head into a different direction: the book versus the movie. Join us to hear Andrew and Julie compare certain movies with the book that inspired the movie and listen to both of their takes on if you should read the book before watching the movie.

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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:

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

Is your student overwhelmed by having too many sources to write from? Join Andrew as he discusses Unit 6 and provides tips and suggestions for collecting, organizing, and summarizing facts from multiple references.

Go To Part 1

Referenced Materials:

  • Questions Asked
    • 23:07- Jenny asks, "I gave my 9th grader source text about Beowulf for a commentary analysis and he used that for his research. He is excited about it and is eager to add in an intro and conclusion and some transitions between paragraphs. Is there a reason why I should hold him back from that at this point if I haven't taught him these skills yet? Or, should I tell him to wait until unit 7 and 8 before adding those elements to make a complete 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

In this podcast Andrew and Julie welcome Leigh Bortins, founder of Classical Conversations, to discuss the Global Home Education Conference which took place in Russia this summer. Tune in to enjoy Andrew and Leigh's stories of their experience in Russian culture and learn about the role Leigh plays in promoting home education both nationwide and internationally.

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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 uncover the powerful educational content in IEW's core product, Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (TWSS). They also discuss how Andrew first discovered this methodology of writing and explain the purpose of each of the nine units.

GO TO PART 2

Referenced Materials:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

This is the ninth episode of twenty-four in the podcast series Reviewing Our Greatest Hits. This show was initially launched on May 18, 2017, as Episode 94.

In this podcast Andrew and Julie address some of the elements of individualized learning. Discover how customizing your students' materials can enhance their learning abilities and motivate them to complete their tasks.

Referenced Materials:

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 4 and interested to know the ins and outs of the unit? Join Andrew in this two-part webinar recording, as he discusses Unit 4, the lynchpin unit, explaining both the process and purpose of the unit as well as the topic/clincher rule and how it is to be used.

GO TO PART 1

Referenced Materials:

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 episode of "Ask Andrew Anything" as Andrew responds to questions submitted by our podcast listeners. Offering helpful tips and humorous insight, Andrew explains ways to motivate students and where to get started with IEW.

Referenced Materials:

QUESTIONS ASKED:

2:11 - Shannon asks, "I have a girl, but she would rather be digging in the dirt, doing science experiments, or playing in her tree house than doing sit-down work, especially writing. How can you make IEW work for a kinesthetic/tactile learner that prefers to play and experiment?"

9:24 - Karen asks, "I have high school students, and I use a literature-based English curriculum. The books are fantastic, but my students are reluctant to do the reading outside of class time. They also do not want to do other homework outside of class time. Do you have suggestions for motivating students to work independently?" 

14:11 - Julie asks, "My son has a short attention span when it comes to lesson time. How can I help with that but still let him build forts?"

16:45 - Angela asks, "I've been a homeschooling mom for over ten years. Normally I'm not nervous about how my kids are doing in the grand scheme of things. Dealing with high school, however, has been a totally different story. How do you know for sure that this is really enough? I think about how my son will succeed in life, what is he doing after high school and college. How can I really know that what we're doing is enough and all will be well?"

23:26 - Julie asks, "How do you deal with a moody and incompliant teen?"

27:22 - Brianne asks, "Where do I start? What do I need in order to teach my middle school student to be prepared for high school 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

As you welcome the May flowers, be encouraged to have a strong finish of your school year with Unit 9: Formal Critique. Go beyond the "boring book report" with Andrew as he explains the structural model of Unit 9 and shares the power of the critique thesaurus.

Referenced Materials:

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 interview longtime friend and homeschool mom Pam Barnhill. Pam explains how she came to create her own podcast and shares her goal of fostering an environment of truth, goodness, and beauty.

Referenced Materials:

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

 

Having participated in countless conventions, Andrew and Julie reminisce about past events in IEW's history. Andrew also offers teachers and teaching parents ways to skillfully generate their own lesson plans. Join us this week to hear about the growth of IEW's products, and listen for the questions that Andrew asks himself before imagining lesson plans for his students.

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

 

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?"  
  • 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?"
    • 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."

    • 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?"

    • 22:04 - Brandy asks "Is there any creative writing course with IEW? "

    • 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

 

In Part 1 of this new three part series, Andrew shares two of the seven important lessons he has learned in almost thirty years of teaching to help teachers and students alike excel in their skills. With characteristic wisdom and insight, Andrew offers valuable tips for teaching any subject from music to writing with confidence. 

GO TO Part 2 | Part 3

Referenced Materials:

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:

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.

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:

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:

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 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:

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:

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 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:

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

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:

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:

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

Are you teaching through Unit 4 and interested to know the ins and outs of the unit? Join Andrew in this two-part webinar recording, as he discusses Unit 4, the lynchpin unit, explaining both the process and purpose of the unit as well as the topic/clincher rule and how it is to be used.

GO TO PART 2

Referenced Materials:

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 one of this webinar recording as he discusses the how-to of Unit 5, explaining both the process and purpose of the unit.

Referenced Materials:

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 sixth episode of twenty-four in the podcast series Reviewing Our Greatest Hits. This show was initially launched on April 24, 2019, as Episode 188.

Although many schools are shifting away from cursive writing, Andrew and Julie hone in on its great value. While citing studies and speaking from experience, Andrew evaluates the pros of teaching cursive as it can have practical uses as well as neurological benefits.

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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 has come again when Julie tries to stump Andrew with questions submitted from our listeners. From inquiries on literature to a question regarding Andrew's tie count in Structure and Style for Students (SSS), Andrew provides answers with insight, suggestions, and a little bit of humor.

Referenced Materials:

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:

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

Although many schools are shifting away from cursive writing, Andrew and Julie hone in on its great value. While citing studies and speaking from experience, Andrew evaluates the pros of teaching cursive as it can have practical uses as well as neurological benefits.

Referenced Materials:

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 as he shares some salient points on this important topic and answers your questions on writing, thinking, and speaking.

Many children (and some adults) have difficulty learning to spell, but the difficulty may not be with the student so much as with the method of presentation. Find out in this workshop how spelling information is most efficiently stored in the brain, and why. Parents and teachers, be well-equipped to meet the needs of all your children, not just the naturally good spellers. Bonus content: Learn best practices for using IEW’s Phonetic Zoo, our award-winning independent study spelling program!

Go To Part 1

Referenced Materials:

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

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

Conclude this podcast series with Andrew and Julie as they discuss evaluating writing. With the current mainstream grading system not being an effective motivator for students, the duo explores alternatives to providing good and insightful feedback on your student's writing and encourages teachers and teaching parents to nurture an environment of excellence. 

GO TO PART 1

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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:

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:

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 and teaching parents teach writing confidently? This week, Andrew and Julie address the question. Andrew first explains the complex task of writing. Once teachers understand the process, they can then break it down into manageable steps that make the skill both teachable and learnable. Be encouraged by the episode and learn how IEW's methodology equips you to separate the complexity of writing so that you and your students can find success!

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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 announce the prompts for the 2025 IEW Writing Contest. Andrew talks about why students should participate in writing contests, and Julie shares a story from her past about the importance of following instructions. Be sure to listen for the special prizes for the tenth annual IEW Writing Contest!

 

Referenced Materials

 

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 answer the question: What should I buy? They simplify the steps for implementing IEW’s Structure and Style materials in your homeschool or classroom.

Referenced Materials

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 and Julie discuss the most concrete of the language arts: writing. Learn how writing can be cultivated before your student even begins to put words to paper, and gain some insight on the tremendous value of copy work as it builds fluency and stamina. 

GO TO: PART 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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 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:

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

Has Andrew ever written a formal complaint letter to a restaurant? Tune into this Ask Andrew Anything to find out! From a question about key word outlines to an inquiry about the most valuable thing a writing student should know, Andrew provides answers with clarity, advice, and, of course, some humor.

Referenced Materials:

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

For many, August is a month of anticipation as the start of the school year approaches. In this week's episode, Andrew and Julie address teachers who will be using IEW's method in the classroom. From tips on decorating the classroom to suggestions on equipping yourself, you’ll learn some practical and effective preparations for a successful year of teaching with Structure and Style!

Referenced Materials:

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

 

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:

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 with many opinions, it's important to teach students how to take up an issue and write persuasively. In this episode Andrew and Julie walk through the pathway of developing an essayist and discuss how teachers can cultivate critical thinking. Additionally Andrew and Julie talk about the importance of acknowledging and respecting the opposing point of view when engaging in a discussion or writing persuasively.

Referenced Materials:

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:

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 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

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 and Julie as they welcome teen author Taylor Bennett for another podcast honoring National Novel Writing Month. As a lover of writing, Taylor enjoyed sitting down and writing her first novel: Porch Swing Girl. In this episode Taylor shares her experience with writing her book and offers tips from being responsible with your deadlines to staying focused on learning the craft of writing. 

Referenced Materials:

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 as Andrew and Julie continue the conversation on success in teaching writing to students in special education. This week, Andrew and Julie walk through the nine units of our Structure and Style® program, describe how it's applicable to all students regardless of their obstacles, and share encouragement to parents and teachers to take everything one step at a time.

GO TO PART 1

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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

Happy 30th birthday, IEW! In this special Ask Andrew Anything episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker are joined in the studio by IEW staff members from Oklahoma and around the United States. Listen as Andrew answers questions from listeners presented by the live audience, including how to apply Structure and Style to other languages, how to teach multiple ages, how to translate IEW skills to other assignments, and many others. 

Referenced Materials


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

A week ago, IEW held a virtual conference on success in teaching writing to students in special education. For this two-part series, Andrew and Julie will recount that conference and discuss teaching students with obstacles in reading and writing. Whether your student is dyslexic or experiencing auditory problems, gain insight from Andrew as he shares the importance of surrounding your students with encouragement, and learn the value of creating a language rich environment.

Go to Part 2

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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.

Referenced Materials:

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

 

 

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:

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

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

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 and Julie welcome our Lead Educational Consultant, Sharyn Staggers, to the mic this week. Learn how Sharyn came to know IEW, appreciate her role in aiding teachers and schools, and be inspired by her message about the power of the teacher training.

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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 most learning experiences, there is typically a period of awkwardness when the new skill is attempted. Wrap up the series with Andrew and Julie as they discuss the fourth deadly error of teaching writing: over-expectation. Learn the importance of being aware of the natural learning process, and be inspired by Andrew's expectation of his students.

GO TO: PART 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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

Picking up where they left off, Andrew and Julie hone in on the third of the four deadly errors of teaching writing: unclear assignments. Many of us have experience with the frustration of an unclear assignment and the confusion it can bring. Join Andrew as he discusses what makes for an unclear assignment and provides practical ways to ensure the assignments you give your students are clear and helpful.  

GO TO: PART 1 | Part 2

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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

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

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:

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, Julie Walker asks Andrew Pudewa questions submitted by listeners, including how to follow the topic-clincher rule, what to do when a student uses a dress-up incorrectly, how to help visual learners with communication skills, and how to encourage perseverance and excellence. The episode ends with Andrew reading an assignment from one of his current students who claims to hate writing. Be sure to listen all the way to the end!

 

Referenced Materials

 

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 podcast, Andrew and Julie uncover the powerful educational content in IEW's core product, Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (TWSS). Additionally, they discuss each one of the stylistic techniques as well as the supplemental contents of the Premium Subscription.

GO TO PART 1

Referenced Materials:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

Last week, Andrew and Julie discussed the four forms of relevancy when it comes to motivation. Sharing with you their knowledge based on experience, Andrew and Julie discuss how motivation relates to classroom management. From establishing connections with your students to minimizing distractions for them, Andrew provides strategies to help you in managing the classroom.  

GO TO PART 1

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

 

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

Is using "said" never allowed? Not at all! In this podcast Andrew and Julie address this and other misunderstandings about implementing IEW's stylistic techniques. Tune in to the first episode of this two-part series as Andrew provides insight about our methodology and explains the powerful purposes of the checklist and banned word lists. 

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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

Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office has partnered with IEW to provide the recommended writing curriculum for their member and curriculum schools. IEW will produce a brand new curriculum aligned with Hillsdale’s K-12 Program Guides for third to eighth grades. Join Andrew Pudewa, Julie Walker, and their special guest Dr. Kathleen O’Toole, Assistant Provost for K-12 Education, as they discuss the partnership and the new writing curriculum!

Referenced Materials

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 is time for another Ask Andrew Anything episode! Join us this week as Julie Walker asks Andrew Pudewa questions submitted by our listeners. Along with helpful tips and insightful suggestions on helping students with spelling and poetry writing, Andrew addresses artificial intelligence (AI) writing technology and what parents and teachers need to be aware of.

Referenced Materials

 

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

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 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 2

Referenced Materials:

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 walking the pathway of all nine units, your student can begin to delve deeper into writing about literature. Join us as Andrew and Julie discuss IEW's Response to Literature and Literary Analysis models. Learn the difference between the two models and gain insight on how to help your student make a personal connection with literature in their writing.

Referenced Materials:

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:

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 week’s episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker are joined by Heidi Thomas and Joseph Tabenkin. Heidi is part of IEW's Product Development team. This past year she and her team have worked alongside Joseph, a product and software developer, to create IEW Gradebook, an online tool designed to help teachers grade more efficiently and effectively. Listen in for exciting details!

Referenced Materials

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

 

Keeping up with tradition, Andrew responds to inquiries submitted by our podcast listeners in another "Ask Andrew Anything." This week, Andrew addresses questions about the checklist, grading, teaching in a classroom, and much more! Whether you're a parent, a co-op tutor, or a full-time school teacher, you'll glean much from Andrew's insightful answers. Also, Andrew reads a sweet letter he received in the mail from an IEW student! 

Referenced Materials:

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.

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:

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 do Michael Phelps, Terry Bradshaw, and Michael Jordan have in common? In this episode Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Although students with ADHD face some challenges, there are also advantages! As a mother to two sons diagnosed with ADHD, Julie shares helpful research, advice, and personal experiences.

Referenced Materials

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 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:

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

Is your student overwhelmed by having too many sources to write from? Join Andrew as he discusses Unit 6 and provides tips and suggestions for collecting, organizing, and summarizing facts from multiple references.

Go To Part 2

Referenced Materials:

Questions Asked

  • 7:30 - Debbie asks, "Why is unit 6 not attempted with 3rd graders?" 

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:

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 as he walks you through Unit 8, the daunting essay. Andrew will take you through the step-by-step process of crafting an essay so that you can understand the basic structure, discussing the various essay types and their differences. To ensure maximum understanding, he will also guide you through a practicum assignment.

Go To Part 2

Referenced Materials: 

Questions Asked

  • 18:40-Anne asks "My 11-year-old boy is writing his essay on 'medieval sports.' What would be a (good) question?"
  • 21:21-Deborah asks "I'm not clear about the difference between the essay in unit 6 and 8. In both, we state our opinion in the conclusion. Can you explain?"

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 as he shares some salient points on this important topic and answers your questions on writing, thinking, and speaking.

Many children (and some adults) have difficulty learning to spell, but the difficulty may not be with the student so much as with the method of presentation. Find out in this workshop how spelling information is most efficiently stored in the brain, and why. Parents and teachers, be well-equipped to meet the needs of all your children, not just the naturally good spellers. Bonus content: Learn best practices for using IEW’s Phonetic Zoo, our award-winning independent study spelling program!

GO TO PART 2

Referenced Materials:

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

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:

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, Dr. David Wilkes joins The Arts of Language podcast. As a professor at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, David is passionate about aiding students in discovering truth and knowledge through literature and writing. Learn about David's role at the university and gain insight as David discusses the implications of a Christian worldview.

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

† Contains distinctly Christian content

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

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:

 

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 leading area of growth in IEW is the Schools Division. New Educational Consultants have been added to keep up with the growing number of schools that are excited to implement Structure and Style in their classrooms. Join Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker in this week’s podcast as they converse with Sharyn Staggers, IEW Schools Division Director. Sharyn shares how she became involved with IEW and explains how schools can connect with an Educational Consultant.

Referenced Materials

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

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:

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

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 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:

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 seventeenth episode of twenty-four in the podcast series Reviewing Our Greatest Hits. This show was initially launched on November 8, 2016, as Episode 68. 

Branching off from last week's special education series, Andrew and Julie open up this conversation by discussing Gifted and Talented Education (GATE). Tune in to learn what it is, the challenges involved, and how IEW can be optimized so that students will have opportunities to use their abilities to the fullest. 

Referenced Materials:

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 homeschool families find community by joining a homeschool co-op. Co-ops are an opportunity for teaching parents and students to seek encouragement and educational support. In this week's episode, Andrew and Julie discuss the different types of co-ops, share some of their benefits, and offer resources for those currently enrolled in or interested in joining a co-op. 

REFERENCED MATERIALS

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

A wide array of learning differences exists. While we often focus on those differences, such as dyslexia or ADHD, which cause our students to work below their grade levels, students who fall into the GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) category may also struggle in the classroom. In this week’s podcast Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker look at definitions, myths, challenges, and strategies for teachers with gifted students.

Referenced Materials

 

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, it's a great time for young people to look for entrepreneurial opportunities. Join us this week as Andrew and Julie welcome entrepreneur and co-founder of Christian Homeschool Entrepreneurship, Mark Baker, to the mic. Join us in this insightful episode as Mark shares the value of entrepreneurship from character development to a creative outlet. 

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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

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 continue to discuss and provide tips for teaching through the final five units from Teaching Writing: Structure and Style® if you are not using one of the theme-based lessons or the Structure and Style for Students video courses. 

GO TO PART 1

Referenced Materials

 

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 podcast Andrew and Julie interview Charlene Notgrass of Notgrass History. To Charlene, history is more about in-depth understanding as opposed to the memorization of facts, so she firmly believes in incorporating writing to develop historical knowledge. Learn about Charlene's journey to Notgrass History and gain some insight on how her history curriculum promotes writing.

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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 the fun we had with our 400th episode live question and answer, we invited some of our affiliates to join Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker for this live Q & A episode. This week Mandi Malz asked for Andrew’s advice for preparing a student for college. Alicia Brown asked which of Andrew’s articles in However Imperfectly is the most vital lesson in the book and what aspects make it particularly significant. Listen for these and other questions sent in by listeners.

Referenced Materials

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 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.

GO TO PART 1

Referenced Materials:

QUESTIONS ASKED: 

  • 1:35 - Diane asks, "How long should each lesson take and how often should the lesson be taught?"
  • 2:26 - Lynn asks, "How long till a ten-year-old boy can write on his own without parent help?"
  • 4:19 - Judy asks, "First-year students are struggling with first drafts, dress -ups, and complete sentences all at the same time."
  • 20:14 - Danielle asks, "How many sentences do you have in the key-word outline? 
  • 22:06 - Angela asks, "I have a very hesitant writer. Can we do a lot of this orally or should he write it out?"
  • 24:11 - Jennifer asks, "For high school students, is a chapter of the hobbit too long of a source text?"
  • 25:54 - Judy asks, "Students are also overwhelmed with the story sequence, sentence order, sequence, and making sense with their sentences."
  • 27:06 - Lynette asks, "My daughter likes to have dialogue in her stories. As each character speaks she starts a new paragraph. What are your recommendations?"
  • 28:16 -Deborah asks, "My kids are feeling overwhelmed with the dress ups but are doing well with the sentence openers. Can I back off on the other dress ups and focus on the sentence openers until they are easy?"
  • 30:30 -Amery asks, "IEW seems to be teacher driven, which is fine, yet the school world seem to emphasize on independence for middle schoolers. So helping the students with IEW lessons was different but I'm glad I understand that I am to assist. I just assumed the child was to be more independent because of their age and grade level."

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 trademark of the Institute for Excellence in Writing, L.L.C.

Last week, Andrew and Julie began to cover seven lessons that Andrew has learned over thirty years of teaching. These seven lessons are listed in his article, “However Imperfectly,” and in the first chapter of his book of the same title. Wrapping up the conversation in this week’s episode, Andrew and Julie address the last three lessons learned.

REFERENCED MATERIALS

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 begin this new school year, be encouraged to make a great start in public speaking and writing. Andrew reviews Units 1 and 2 of the IEW syllabus, Note Making and Outlines and Writing from Notes, giving you tips and tricks for easy implementation. Learn how to lay a solid foundation for your students' coming year.

Go to Part 1

Referenced Materials:

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 trademark of the Institute for Excellence in Writing, L.L.C.

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:

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

 

Is your student overwhelmed by having too many sources to write from? Join Andrew as he discusses Unit 6 and provides tips and suggestions for collecting, organizing, and summarizing facts from multiple references.

Go To Part 2

Referenced Materials:

Questions Asked

  • 7:30 - Debbie asks "Why is unit 6 not attempted with 3rd graders?" 

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:

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

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:

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 asks Andrew Pudewa to give tips on teaching the first four units if someone is not using one of the theme-based writing lessons or the Structure and Style® for Students video courses. She asks him, “What do you need to know if you want to teach your students on your own, using topics that your children find interesting or that you are studying in your other classes?”

Go To Part 2

Referenced Materials

 

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

Picking up from last week's podcast, Andrew continues to move through the history of IEW. Stay tuned for the ending where IEW celebrates the future with our new product: Structure and Style® for Students. 

GO TO PART 1

Referenced Materials:

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 with Christy Shipe about why teens should participate in speech and debate. Christy is the board chair of NCFCA Christian Speech and Debate and has been involved in many roles since NCFCA was founded. Learn the history of the organization and the many benefits of speech and debate for your students in all communication skills, not just speaking.

 

Referenced Materials

 

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

April is National Poetry Month. In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss the history of Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization, one of Andrew’s favorite projects. Listen as they talk about how this course works and share some stories we have received from students and adults who have found joy in memorizing poetry. As Andrew says at the end, “Memorizing poetry enriches not just the intellect but also the soul.” 

 

Referenced Materials

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 Julie being away this week, Andrew asked Evan Smith to join him for the podcast. Evan is one of our educational consultants and a member of the accreditation team. By tuning in you'll learn about Evan's experience with IEW, be introduced to the process of becoming an accredited instructor, and gain insight on the benefits of working through the Teaching Writing: Structure and Style teacher-training course. 

Referenced Materials:

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 thirteenth episode of twenty-four in the podcast series Reviewing Our Greatest Hits. This show was initially launched on September 15, 2015, as Episode 8. 

Over the past century there has been a great decline in thinking skills. Be a part of this week's conversation as Andrew and Julie examine what critical thinking actually is, and discover how good thinking is teachable, learnable, and practicable.

Referenced Materials: 

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

For this Homeschool 101 episode, Andrew and Julie welcome Brandy Ferrell to the mic. Brandy is a homeschool mom of four, an IEW affiliate, and the founder of Half-a-Hundred Acre WoodIn the episode Brandy shares her story of homeschooling, talks about her experience with IEW materials, and speaks on the curriculum and resources she offers to other homeschoolers. 

Referenced Materials:

 

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.

† Contains distinctly Christian content

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:

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

Sit back and receive inspiration from Andrew and veteran homeschool mom and Primary Arts of Language author Jill Pike as they discuss their experience and provide suggestions for parents of struggling learners. Whether your child is dyslexic or has comprehension difficulties, Jill encourages parents to work with their student in all that they do, emphasizing her life-long motto: you can never help your child too much!

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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 is away, Julie welcomes one of IEW's project managers, Nathan King, to the mic. In this episode Nathan talks about his background as a youth pastor and explains how he discovered a love for classical learning. Tune in to hear Nathan discuss his product, Bible Quest, and learn how making memorization magical is a vital tool in education and learning God's word.

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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 interview the managing editor of the Magnum Opus Magazine, Megan Horst. Learn about the great student work Megan puts into the magazine and receive some background on the history of Magnum Opus Magazine.

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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 sit down with Kerry Beck, a veteran homeschool mom who has a passion to share with other parents the lessons she learned in her years of homeschooling. They discuss how to intentionally train your children to be leaders, using everyday school subjects and strategies to build critical thinking skills. 

 

Referenced Materials

 

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

How can teachers and parents teach literature to students without losing the joy and value of the subject? Join us in Part 1 of this series as Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker address the topic. Learn the impact good vocabulary has on critical thinking, understand the value of discussion before writing, and gain insight on the right time to have your students write about literature.

GO TO Part 2

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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 interviews Nathan King, IEW’s Customer Marketing Manager. Learn about Nathan’s journey to IEW and his goal to help communicate IEW’s method with clarity and simplicity. 

Referenced Materials:

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 is out traveling, Julie welcomes Beth O’Connor to chat with her. Learn about Beth’s role as an Educational Consultant and receive encouragement from Beth as she shares a special message to those beginning IEW.

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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

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:

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 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:

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 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

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 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:

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 writing so easy for some kids, but not for others? Why do some students not enjoy writing? Join Andrew in our Unit 7 Webinar as he discusses the “Blank-Brain, Blank-Page Syndrome” and addresses a few of the roadblocks to winsome writing.

GO TO PART 2

Referenced Materials: 

Questions Asked

  • 14:15-Jill asks "Is the Topic-Clincher rule connected with the dress-ups?"
  • 15:26-Anne Marie asks "Is the who-which clause the hardest or does it just depend on the student?"

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 podcast moves beyond sentence openers and dress-ups. Andrew and Julie discuss the advanced style techniques. Providing examples, Andrew goes through quite a few of them. To name some, he discusses dual -ly adverbs, alliteration, parallelism, metaphor, and more! Learn how the goal with these techniques is not to make better writing right now but to help form better writers.

Referenced Materials:

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.

Over recent years, more and more parents are enrolling their students in a hybrid school. Because of this, Andrew and Julie welcome hybrid schools manager Laura House. Tune in to hear how the dynamic of hybrid programs might flow, and learn how Laura and her team assess the needs of different schools. 

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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

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:

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

An encomium is a speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly. In this week’s episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker brainstorm ways to show appreciation to teachers and mothers. They also reminisce about teachers who influenced them. Has your student ever written an encomium to show appreciation for you or a teacher? Listen to this episode to hear Andrew’s and Julie’s topic ideas for an encomium in praise of a teacher or mother.

Referenced Materials

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 us as Julie chats with Kristin Boutross, IEW's ebullient Customer Service Manager. With her many years of experience working for IEW, Kristin describes the goal of the customer service team and shares a special message with those starting on their educational journey.

 REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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 episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss another of IEW’s core values. When Andrew first started the Institute for Excellence at Writing, he decided not to offer discounts on products. Why has this remained important to him over the years? Discover the answer and learn a little bit of IEW history in this episode.

Referenced Materials

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 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

 

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 Andrew is unable to make it to the mic, Julie sits down with Laura House, IEW's Marketing Manager, and asks Laura questions about her experience with the company. Laura shares how she came to know IEW and encourages parents and teachers to take that first step and give IEW a try.

Referenced Materials:

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 seven tools IEW provides to help teachers and teaching parents prepare for an excellent school year. Learn about the new support webinars and the history behind the Magnum Opus Magazine. Be equipped and encouraged to start the new school year!

Referenced Materials

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, “the funny man with the wonderful words,” is known for telling jokes to his audiences whether it is to students in a classroom or parents and educators at a conference. Incorporating humor and selecting jokes appropriately is a skill that can be developed. In today’s podcast he and Julie Walker explore the art of telling jokes. Listen in to enjoy a few laughs with Andrew as he defines gelotology, explains how to tell a joke, and of course shares a few jokes too.

Referenced Materials

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

Picking up where they left off last week, Andrew and Julie discuss Dr. Webster's paragraph models and author imitation as ways of challenging students stylistically. Learn how the different paragraphs can fit into a Unit 7: Inventive Writing essay, and gain insight on the benefits of author imitation in learning stylistic techniques. 

GO TO: PART 1

Referenced Materials:

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.

A webinar for Classical Conversations communities who would like support using Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons in a class setting.

A webinar for Classical Conversations communities who would like support using Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons in a class setting.

A webinar for Classical Conversations communities who would like support using Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons in a class setting.

A webinar for Classical Conversations communities who would like support using Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons in a class setting.

A webinar for Classical Conversations communities who would like support using Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons in a class setting.

A webinar for Classical Conversations communities who would like support using Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons in a class setting.

 

A webinar for anyone who wants support using USH in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using USH in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using USH in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using USH in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using USH in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using USH in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using USH in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using MHW in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using MHW in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using MHW in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using MHW in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using MHW in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using MHW in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using MHW in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using AHW in a co-op setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using AHW in a co-op setting.

 

A webinar for anyone who wants support using AHW in a co-op setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using AHW in a co-op setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using AHW in a co-op setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using AHW in a co-op setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using AHW in a co-op setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using USH in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using MHW in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using AHW in a co-op setting.

Is your young student ready to begin learning to read and write? Or do you have an older student who struggles with basic skills? The Institute for Excellence in Writing is pleased to bring you​ Primary Arts of Language (PAL), a beginning reading and writing program created by Jill Pike and based on Anna Ingham’s award-winning, 70-year legacy, The Blended Sound-Sight Program of Learning.

Join us for an enjoyable and important webinar as Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker shed some light on how teachers and parents can facilitate learning in the new, exclusively at-home learning environment now prevalent nationwide. Andrew and Julie will be talking about how to continue learning at home, the benefits of reading aloud, how to incorporate poetry memorization, how to implement the free lessons offered by IEW, and more.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Adventures in Writing in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Frontiers in Writing in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Discoveries in Writing in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Discoveries in Writing in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Discoveries in Writing in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Discoveries in Writing in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Discoveries in Writing in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Discoveries in Writing in a class setting.

 A webinar for anyone who wants support using Frontiers in Writing in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Discoveries in Writing in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Frontiers in Writing in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Frontiers in Writing in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Adventures in Writing in a class setting.

 

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Adventures in Writing in a class setting.

 

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Adventures in Writing in a class setting.

 

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Adventures in Writing in a class setting.

 

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Adventures in Writing in a class setting.

 

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Adventures in Writing in a class setting.

 

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Investigations in Writing in a class setting.

Have you ever wondered why Unit 5: Writing from Pictures is important? Describing pictures trains students in the art of event description, which informs their future efforts in narratives, research papers—even journalism! Learn how to put pictures into eloquent words with Structure and Style®! Andrew Pudewa will lead you through the process step-by-step, then answer questions from the audience.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Investigations in Writing in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Investigations in Writing in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Investigations in Writing in a class setting.

However Imperfectly: Lessons learned from thirty years of teaching
by Andrew Pudewa It’s hard to say exactly when I began thinking myself a teacher, but I do remember when I set out on my own as an independent ...
Writing without Tears
by Andrew Pudewa Teaching writing can perhaps be one of the greatest challenges in home schooling. Because of the bleakness of grammar workbooks ...
The Writing Skills Gap
This country is locked in a learning quagmire caused by an educational misalignment, which has resulted in many students entering higher education wit...
Bad Writing vs. Bad Circumstances
by Andrew Pudewa Recently, a co-op teacher commented, “Help! My students are completing the checklist but producing bad writing! They may use a...
Writing Maketh an Exact Man
Recently, we at IEW began the process of acquiring a very high output (and rather expensive!) printer. During our initial conversations pertaining to ...
Good Writing vs. Great Teaching
by Andrew Pudewa Good writing. What is it? Everyone has an opinion, but opinions differ widely. While one language arts curriculum judges that simply...
Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing
by Andrew Pudewa We’ve all suffered it at one time or another—frustration about writing assignments. Either on the receiving end or ...
You Don’t Have to Like Writing
The Real Goal of Learning English Composition by Andrew Pudewa I have heard this—or something very similar—hundreds, if not thousands of...
IEW’s Mission: Teaching Teachers How to Teach Writing
by Julie Walker My IEW® story is simple: I was organizing classes for a group of homeschooling parents and teens in Southern California, and I ha...
Teaching Writing: Structure and Style - Unit 3 Overview and Tips
Watch this video by Andrew Pudewa on Unit 3   For an explanation by Andrew Pudewa on how to use Unit 3 and some tips for teaching, read on... ...
Many Paths, One Writing Method: An interview with IEW mom Lisa Averitt
Lisa Averitt lives in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, where she is a pastor’s wife and mother of five. She has a BA in English and several years of teac...
Finding What Works
The Chesleys are a busy homeschool family. Austin Chesley is the mom of and the primary educator for all five Chesley kids, ranging in age from 10 to ...
Lesson Planning
by Andrew Pudewa The goal of Excellence in Writing is to make writing part of what your students are learning, not a course unto itself. With nine st...
Structured Success
With each edition of the schools magalog Arts of Language, we enjoy spotlighting a teacher or administrator who has implemented with fidelity the Stru...
In Retrospect: Heroes of Providence
by Andrew Pudewa From the time I could talk, I was begging for a violin. Or so said my mother. I don’t remember, but the harangue must have bee...
IEW: The Key to Success
Forty years ago the better colleges did not have the writing labs that are a ubiquitous feature of college campuses today. Contrary to the pedagogy of...
You Don't Have to Like It ...
by Andrew Pudewa (This article first appeared in the February 2012 issue of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine®.) I don’t really like to wr...
Thoughts on Common Core
by Janet Spitler and Genevieve Priest The Common Core State Standards Initiative® has caused quite a stir in the educational world. Most states m...
Mixed-Age Classrooms
by Andrew Pudewa As a teacher, professional development presenter, and educational consultant, I have had, over the past twenty years, a chance to vi...
Common Sense on Standards: Freeing Teachers to Be Teachers
by Andrew Pudewa The idea of standards in education is not new. Since the first Nation’s Report Card in 1969, schools, districts, states, and p...
A Common Language
Lower Yukon School District in Alaska implements IEW’s Structure and Style method districtwide to improve students’ language arts knowledg...
The Madness of Multiple Choice
by Andrew Pudewa At some point, one of the hardest decisions that a home-schooling family must make is whether to do home education or to do sch...
Why and How Music Will Save the World
Challenging the Crises in Educational Thought by Andrew Pudewa “Maybe music will save the world,” said Pablo Casals, the great cellist a...
Marking and Grading
A few thoughts about a sticky, tricky subject by Andrew Pudewa As soon as people get serious about the business of teaching writing, certain beasts ...
Music Is Not “Nice”
by Andrew Pudewa Most people today think of music as a nice thing—something to break the monotony of a boring job or keep you pumped up while e...
Concerns About Common Core
Over the past few weeks, many homeschooling families and bloggers have been expressing concerns about homeschool curricula changing to align with the ...
But it’s so ... so ... awkward!
by Andrew Pudewa Awkward. Even the spelling of the word is disturbing. If we look back, we likely have memories of high school or college teachers ha...
A Swing towards Sanity
by Andrew Pudewa Every once in a while, something happens which restores hope that the world is not completely insane. When this occurs in the field ...
Is IEW "Classical"?
by Andrew Pudewa With the rapid rise of interest in classical education in homeschools, hybrid schools, and even full-time schools, we at IEW are oft...
Testimony to Oklahoma House Education Committee Regarding Common Core
Occasionally we are asked by concerned teachers and parents what position IEW and Andrew Pudewa take on Common Core. We invite you to read for yoursel...
Recitals, Recitation, and Theatre
Performances in Preparation for Life DO YOUR CHILDREN TAKE MUSIC LESSONS? Ours did. Although their musical talents are vastly different, all three ha...
Now Is the Time
by Andrew Pudewa A decade has passed since the Institute for Excellence in Writing became a full time enterprise, and over these ten years we have se...
Low-Tech Teaching with High-End Results
by Andrew Pudewa If you attend a large education conference these days, a quick circuit around the exhibit hall makes one fact immediately evident: E...
Work Smarter, Not Harder
We at IEW® have the honor of introducing our 2017 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Andrea Pewthers. She teaches English and literature to middle school s...
IEW's Premium Membership: Incredible Results, Digital Convenience
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What? or That!
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Fill Yourself
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by James B. Webster, Ph.D. I completed a four-year B.A. with honors in history and English, in which three to four yearlong courses required three su...
Remembering Mrs. Myers
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by Andrew Pudewa One of the few criticisms of IEW’s checklist-based approach to teaching style runs something like this: “Students’...
That Puppy Won't Fly
The Core Problem with Educational Standards Today by Andrew Pudewa Over the past decade, I have had the privilege to interact with a wide range of t...
Hate of Learning: One Cause and a Possible Remedy
by Andrew Pudewa (This article first appeared in the February 2012 issue of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine®.) When one of my daughters was ar...
Interview with Nancy Helm, Education Specialist
This summer at the IEM Innovate Conference in Sacramento, I met Nancy Helm, an Education Specialist for twelve years at the South Sutter Charter Schoo...
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Every year, IEW has chosen an outstanding teacher who has implemented IEW in his or her classroom with enthusiasm and fidelity. Join us this year as w...
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by Andrew Pudewa But I don’t know what to write! How many times have we heard those words from a frustrated student? Of course what he is reall...
The Arts of Language
by Andrew Pudewa For many of us, the expression “Language Arts” evokes an emotional response; in some it causes excitement, but more ofte...
Plagiarism
What is it really? And what to do about it... by Andrew Pudewa (This article first appeared in the IEW Newsletter—Spring 2008.) One of the mo...
The Art of Teaching a Skill
or, The Skill of Teaching an Art by Andrew Pudewa MORTIMER ADLER, IN HIS PAIDEIA PROPOSAL calling for a return to a classical curriculum, points out...
What We Really Need
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• The individual lessons have the added components of daily lesson plans and clearer weekly lesson goals.

• Source texts are either new or have been modified to include more regions of the world.

• The pacing of stylistic techniques has been adjusted so that students have success and enjoy the writing experience more.

• Advanced elements of Structure and Style have been placed in the Advanced Additions optional e-book, which is a free download with the purchase of the Student Book. This means that that the basic Student Book along with the Advanced Additions e-book is a perfect fit for all Level B students.

• Vocabulary words have been reevaluated to coincide with the dress-ups being taught in the lessons, making it easier for the students to use them in their lesson assignments.

• The lessons align with the updated version of Teaching Writing: Structure and Style, both in the order and manner in which elements of Structure and Style are taught.

• The new edition is not compatible with the former.

Yes! You do! The Theme-Based Writing Lessons are meant to be supplemental—an aid to the teacher. They presume that the instructor has been through the Teaching Writing: Structure and Style course. A book can't teach writing to a child without teacher support. After you learn our system these books will be able to serve as a support to you in teaching your child to write.

Yes.

All the individual letters are introduced in the PAL: Writing program using letter stories as the student learns to print. Even if your student is too young to do much printing (age 3–4), you should still get the Writing package and do the printing lessons. He should just do his writing on a whiteboard (a lap sized one should work well). He won't start the copy work until his fine motor skills develop further, so the parent will then just shelve the Writing part until he is older. He can continue to practice his letters on the whiteboard. When he is old enough to manage a pen or pencil (usually around age 5), then he can pick up where he left off.

IMPORTANT: A child should not try to print on lines using a regular pencil until he has developed enough fine motor control. If you try to do it too early, the child ends up using goofy pen grips because his hand is not strong enough to use a mature pen grip. Thus, it is very important to be patient and WAIT until your child is old enough before working on handwriting.

Yes, if your student is already reading fluently you can use PAL: Writing without PAL: Reading. However, in order to use the PAL: Reading package, you will need PAL: Writing as well.

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.

At the Institute for Excellence in Writing, we take pride in offering excellent products and content to equip teachers and teaching parents with methods and materials which will aid them in training their students to become confident and competent communicators and thinkers. Our customer service team is here to assist you with any questions or concerns related to our products or methodology. We are dedicated to making your interaction with our products as smooth as possible.

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• We've added to the title (since there is now a Volume 2). Instead of just Following Narnia, the title is now Following Narnia Volume 1: The Lion's Song.

• The Teacher’s Manual now includes student pages inset, such that a teacher would only need to buy the Teacher’s Manual, not both books.

• Lessons have been revamped, some with new source texts, and checklists have been updated.

• The new edition is not compatible with the old (due to the changes in multiple lessons).

 

You will generally begin the Primary Arts of Language program when your student is around age 5 or 6, but it may be used with reading-ready 3 and 4 year olds, as well as older students who need some remedial help.

If you have an advanced 3 or 4 year old who is eager to learn to read, you can begin with PAL: Reading, along with Part 1 of PAL: Writing. You won’t want your student to start printing on lines using a regular pencil until he has developed enough fine motor control, usually around age 5. (If you try to start this too early, the child often ends up developing a goofy pencil grip because his hand is not strong enough to use a mature pencil grip.) So a younger student can practice writing his letters on a whiteboard. Since he won't continue with Part 2 of PAL: Writing until his fine motor skills develop further, you can set it aside and keep working through PAL: Reading until he is older and ready to move in to copy work.

The program isn't too cutesy, so it is an excellent resource if you have an older student who needs some gentle remedial help. And if you are already using it with a younger child, older siblings can easily join in as your "helpers," playing the reading games with their younger sibling and sitting in on the lessons as needed.

No matter what your child's age when you begin, the Teacher’s Manuals will give recommendations for how to adjust the program to meet your unique child’s needs.

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.

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."

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.

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