Search for: walls

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 of Socrates, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and the crash of the Hindenburg. Each episode featured modern-day news reporters who interviewed the historical figures and reported on the events in dramatic reenactments.... read more

Getting Started with a Surprise Gift!>
It is Day 12, and we are excited to announce the surprise gift that closes out IEW’s Twelve Days of Christmas Giving celebration! This year, IEW is giving you not one but two Portable Walls products! Be sure you are registered for the event to receive the email with links to the gifts and the free shipping code. Today’s gift is our Portable Walls for Structure... read more

Grammar on the Go>
If you missed the gifts given for Day 12, you can still access the digital 2023 edition of the Magnum Opus Magazine. On the twelfth and final day of IEW’s Twelve Days of Christmas Giving, IEW wraps up the festivities by shipping right to your door the newly updated Portable Walls Grammar on the Go. This tri-fold resource contains grammar concepts taught in Fix It! Grammar... read more

Episode 126a: Sailing through Style, Part 1>
Often students as well as parents struggle with moving forward on the checklist. In this two-part episode, Andrew provides salient points on the stylistic techniques and offers advice, from being strict with the checklist to not drowning your students with more than they can handle. Go To Part 2 Referenced Materials: Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Sailing Through Style webinar. Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Dr. James B.... read more

Customer Service Answers: A Little Help Along the Way—Additional IEW Resources>
At IEW, we want the courses we provide to be ones that will excite and engage both you and your student. We definitely don’t want to overwhelm anyone! In order to help support you as you teach your children, we offer a number of additional resources that will strengthen you both for the writing road ahead of you. Occasionally our Customer Service Team receives some... read more

Episode 374: IEW’s New Introduction to Public Speaking>
It’s here! After many months we are proud to introduce our newest video product, Introduction to Public Speaking! In this program middle- and high-school students learn memory and delivery techniques for five different types of speeches, tips on where to stand and where to look, and other valuable skills for becoming confident verbal communicators. Join Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker as they elaborate on the new... read more

Customer Service Answers: A Little Help along the Way>
At IEW we want the courses we provide to be ones that will excite and engage both you and your student. In order to help support you as you teach your children, we offer a number of additional resources that will strengthen you both for the writing road ahead of you. Occasionally our Customer Service Team receives some questions about these resources. In this post... read more

Episode 79a: Sailing through Style, Part 1>
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 2 Referenced Materials: Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Sailing Through Style webinar. Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Anna... read more

Episode 153: Back to School with IEW>
Join us in this podcast as Andrew and Julie sit down and have a conversation about the upcoming school year. Whether you're a full-time schoolteacher or a homeschooling parent, be invigorated in your quest for this new school year as Andrew provides advice on preparing your classroom and encourages you to keep moving forward. REFERENCED MATERIALS: Classroom Posters Primary Arts of Language Portable Walls for Structure and Style Students Tools... read more

Reinforcing Grammar Concepts in Students’ Writing>
As a homeschooling mom, co-op teacher, and now a classroom teacher, I have found that Fix It!™ Grammar is the most practical and painless way to teach and learn grammar. In Andrew Pudewa’s talk Nurturing Competent Communicators, he emphasizes the importance of encoding “reliably correct and sophisticated English language patterns” in children’s minds. Fix It! Grammar does this. It also aids in developing writing fluency... read more

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas IEW Gave to Me…>
Two of four free hard copy IEW products of your choice! Free shipping* From IEW to You—Our Warmest Holiday Wishes and One More Free Gift! Well, this is it. The last day of the Twelve Days of IEW Christmas Giving. Similar to the song, where there’s a great sense of accomplishment felt in flawlessly reciting from “twelve drummers” to the “partridge in a pear tree,” so, too, each... read more

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, IEW Gave to Me …>
The first three lessons of your choice of level (A, B, or C) of Structure and Style for Students (SSS) One Portable Walls for Structure and Style Students A chance to win one of twelve Structure and Style for Students packages Free shipping Welcome to the twelfth and final day of IEW’s Twelve Days of Christmas! We hope you have enjoyed the gifts we have shared with you so... read more

Episode 95: High School Essay Intensive>
Text analysis, organization, and essay prompts are some of the challenges students strive to overcome when writing essays. In this podcast Andrew and Julie provide suggestions for tackling these challenges. Additionally, Ella Martin and Maria Buscemi, students who participated in the High School Essay Intensive, share their stories and insights about the course. Referenced Materials: High School Essay Intensive by Andrew Pudewa Portable Walls for the Essayist An Interview... 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 and Style in Composition because his students could not write well enough to explain the history they were studying. Today, college professors continue to express concern about the deficient writing and speaking abilities of incoming students. In an effort to enhance student preparation for college,... read more

IEW's New Introduction to Public Speaking: Podcast 374>
It’s here! After many months we are proud to introduce our newest video product, Introduction to Public Speaking! In this program middle- and high-school students learn memory and delivery techniques for five different types of speeches, tips on where to stand and where to look, and other valuable skills for becoming confident verbal communicators. Join Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker as they elaborate on the... read more

Episode 83a: Summarizing Multiple References, Structure and Style Unit 6, Part 1>
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: Click Here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Unit 6 webinar. Teaching Writing: Structure and Style All Things Fun & Fascinating by Lori Verstegen Fables, Myths, and Fairy... read more

Episode 279: Addressing Misunderstandings about the Stylistic Techniques, Part 2>
Does the checklist stiffen creativity in students? With this being a common concern, Andrew and Julie address it and continue their conversation regarding misunderstandings about IEW's stylistic techniques. Whether your student is in grade school, middle school, or high school, learn how the checklist provides students with the opportunity to explore and understand language. GO TO PART 1 REFERENCED MATERIALS: "Addressing Misunderstandings about the Stylistic Techniques, Part 2" "The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing" Audio Talk Article Linguistic... read more

Episode 88a: Easy Essays and Beyond, Structure and Style Unit 8, Part 1>
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: Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure... read more

Episode 127a: Summarizing Multiple References, Structure and Style Unit 6, Part 1>
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: Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Unit 6 webinar. Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Bible Heroes Writing Lessons by Lori Verstegen All Things Fun & Fascinating by... read more

Episode 400: Live Ask Andrew Anything>
On November 13, 2023, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker celebrated the 400th episode of the Arts of Language podcast by hosting a live event with nearly 400 guests listening. Andrew answered questions from the live audience on topics such as AI, college preparation, and the long-lasting legacy of IEW. He even told a joke. Listen to this extended podcast and hear about new products that IEW... read more

Episode 115: National Novel Writing Month - Special Interview with Taylor Bennett>
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: National... read more

Episode 79b: Sailing through Style, Part 2>
Are you teaching through Unit 5, Writing from Pictures, and interested to know the ins and outs of the unit? Join Andrew Pudewa in part two of this webinar recording as he discusses the how-to of Unit 5, explaining both the process and purpose of the unit. GO TO PART 1 Referenced Materials: Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Sailing Through Style webinar. Webinar Archive Teaching Writing: Structure... read more

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas IEW Gave to Me…>
A free Portable Walls A free Structure and Style Overview DVD (new edition) Free shipping* Have you ever wanted to know what IEW is all about but felt a bit overwhelmed thinking it’s all too much to take in? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a quick overview and insightful guide to our core curriculum without having to purchase it first? Here is your answer! On the twelfth... read more

Back to School: Advice from a College Junior>
by Jacob Mauser Do you have a student heading off to college this year for the first time? Share this blog post with him! Jacob Mauser, a former homeschooled student who grew up using IEW, shares some valuable lessons he learned during his first year living in the dorm. And while you’re at it, consider including a Portable Walls for the Essayist and IEW’s Writing Tools... read more

Episode 334: Back to School with IEW>
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: "Back to School with... read more

Episode 127b: Summarizing Multiple References, Structure and Style Unit 6, Part 2>
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: Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Unit 6 webinar. Teaching Writing: Structure and Style The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) EasyBib Beowulf Writing Source Packet Theme-Based Writing Lessons All Things Fun &... read more

Episode 25a: Sailing through Style: An Overview of Stylistic Techniques, Part 1>
Join Andrew Pudewa as he shares some salient points on this important topic and answers your questions on writing, thinking, and speaking. Go to Part 2 Referenced Materials: Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Sailing through Style webinar Webinar Archive Classroom Posters Mini Posters Portable Walls IEW Writing Tools App A Word Write Now Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Upgrade Send us your questions! (AAA: Ask Andrew Anything) Podcast@IEW.com read more

Episode 83b: Summarizing Multiple References, Structure and Style, Part 2>
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: Click Here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Unit 6 webinar. Teaching Writing: Structure and... read more

Episode 29a: Structure and Style Unit 6: Summarizing Multiple References, Part 1>
Made it all the way to Unit 6? Join Andrew Pudewa in this two-part webinar recording as he discusses Unit 6: collecting, organizing, and summarizing facts from multiple references. GO TO Part 2 Referenced Materials: Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Unit 6 webinar. Webinar Archive Mini posters Portable Walls for Structure and Style Students Writing Source Packet Unit 4 Webinar Part 1|Part 2 Theme-Based Books Classroom Supplements Teaching Writing:... read more

Episode 152: Experience Excellence in Writing>
Experience excellence in writing as Laura House, IEW's marketing manager, explains IEW's methodology and walks you through both the structure and style of the nine units. With her insightful knowledge and cheery attitude, Laura provides encouragement and demonstrates how you can apply IEW's method to anything you're learning at home or in the classroom. REFERENCED MATERIALS: Click here to download the slides that accompanied Laura in the Experience... read more

On the 12th Day of Christmas IEW Gave to Me…>
[NOTE: While the 12 Days event has ended and the items listed are no longer free, you can still purchase them by following the links below.] Portable Walls Structure and Style Overview DVD Free shipping* What works well in teaching writing? Educators who are teaching their students to write spend many millions of dollars, perhaps even billions of dollars, each year on writing curriculum. What are they hoping for? They... read more

Episode 34a: Structure and Style Unit 7: Cure for the Blank Brain/Blank Page Syndrome, Part 1>
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: Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Unit 7 webinar. Webinar Archive Mini posters Portable Walls Writing... read more

Episode 88b: Easy Essays and Beyond, Structure and Style Unit 8, Part 2>
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 1 Referenced Materials: Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure... read more

Episode 41a: Structure and Style Unit 9: Formal Critiques - Going Beyond the Boring Book Report, Part 1>
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: "Book Report" from... read more

Episode 37a: Structure and Style Unit 8: Easy Essays and Beyond, Part 1>
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 as well as discuss 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: Click here to download the slides that accompanied... read more

Episode 216: The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing, Part 4 — Over-Expectation>
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: "The Four Deadly Errors... read more

Back to School with IEW: Podcast Episode 334>
The new school year is rounding the corner. Perhaps you’ve been teaching writing with IEW's method for some time now, or maybe this is your first year. Either way, we at IEW want you to feel confident starting the year. In podcast Episode 334 Andrew and Julie offer suggestions for teachers to prepare themselves and their classrooms before students arrive on the first day of... read more

Episode 210: Ask Andrew Anything>
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: Teaching Writing: Structure and Style The Phonetic Zoo Akeelah and the Bee Theme-Based Writing Lessons Portable Walls for the Essayist (Discontinued) Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls Structure and Style... read more

Episode 215: The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing, Part 3 — Unclear Assignments>
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... read more

Episode 29b: Structure and Style Unit 6: Summarizing Multiple References, Part 2>
Made it all the way to Unit 6? Join Andrew Pudewa in this two-part webinar recording as he discusses Unit 6: collecting, organizing, and summarizing facts from multiple references. Go to Part 1 Referenced Materials: Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Unit 6 webinar. Webinar Archive Mini posters Portable Walls Writing Source Packet Kangaroo Rats Mini-Books Free Resource Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing Podcast: Part 1 | Part... read more

Structure and Style for Students: What’s in the Box?>
By now you’ve likely heard the buzz about Structure and Style for Students, IEW’s new video-based student course. Every day, our customer service team receives calls from teachers considering which level of the SSS would be best for their students and wondering “What’s in each box?” For today’s post we thought it might be helpful to share this information with you. Although we hope the... 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 presented. History proved this.” Presentation matters, and IEW can help! Introduction to Public Speaking (IPS) is a twelve-week course best suited for middle- and high-school students. It is packed with processes and practices that will help students build confidence and competence in public speaking. In... read more

Episode 37b: Structure and Style Unit 8: Easy Essays and Beyond, Part 2>
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 as well as discuss the various essay types and their differences. To ensure maximum understanding, he will also guide you through a sample student essay and answer questions from listeners. Go TO Part 1. Referenced Materials: Click... read more

Ask Andrew Anything: Podcast Episode 230>
This week on the Arts of Language Podcast marks the release of Episode 230. Every tenth episode features an “Ask Andrew Anything,” where listeners send in all different kinds of queries. Listen to the episode to hear Andrew’s answers to these questions: What color is the blue of the walls in the new SSS videos? Does the TWSS help with any other writing curriculum or just yours? What... read more

Episode 410: Ask Andrew Anything Live!>
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... read more

Nurture Communication—Build Vocabulary!>
Every year, new words are added to the dictionary. In 2018, for instance, words like “bougie,” “bingeable,” and “predictive” were added by Merriam-Webster. But did you know that behind the scenes there is an even greater exodus of words silently leaving our language? Part of the reason this is occuring, researchers hypothesize, is that people are favoring shorter, easier words to type in texts and... read more

Showing Style: Fun with Vivid Verbs!>
Are you finding it a bit challenging to get back into the swing of things after the winter pause? Do you have a classroom of listless children you are struggling to re-engage? One of our certified instructors recently shared a fun and fruitful activity she did with her class that will help your students ban those boring verbs and still have fun to boot! To prepare,... read more

Words at Your Fingertips—Download the Newest IEW App!>
Well, this is exciting news! Did you know that IEW’s newest app has just been released? What’s most exciting is that this new app will include the entire contents of one of my favorite IEW resources, A Word Write Now! This thematic thesaurus is based around character qualities (illustrated with different animals), the five senses, descriptive words for time, color, size, and much more. Maybe it’s because... read more

Schools: Meet the Team!>
All over the globe, schools are implementing Structure and Style within their curricula. IEW has an entire team to support them as they teach their students. The Schools Division serves schoolteachers and administrators so that they can feel confident they are addressing their schools’ needs. Recently we reached out to the team members to learn what they love best about their jobs and which IEW... read more

Save the date for IEW's 2015 Clearance Sale!>
If you haven’t marked your calendars yet, you'll want to get out that red pen and draw an obvious circle around the Monday after Thanksgiving—also known as Cyber Monday—and the week following (Nov. 30–Dec. 4). This is the week of IEW’s annual Clearance Sale, and all our clearance products will be half off the clearance price! That’s right, my friends, 50 percent off the already discounted... 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 know the annual IEW Writing Contest is nearly here. We look forward to receiving each student’s submission. It’s a rewarding way for students to show off their writing skills. Divided into three groups (Levels A, B, and C), the contest features a unique prompt... 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 for a chance to win a cash prize. Why should your students be involved? Writing contests are an engaging way to help students assume personal investment in their education and move beyond the four walls of the classroom. Doing this allows students to participate... read more

Episode 41b: Structure and Style Unit 9: Formal Critiques - Going Beyond the Boring Book Report, Part 2>
As you near the end of the school year, get the information and motivation you need to finish strong with Unit 9: Formal Critiques. In this two-part webinar, Andrew explains the purpose of Unit 9 and how to teach it to your students, walks you through a Unit 9 sample composition, describes the difference between a fiction and a non-fiction critique, and much more. GO TO PART 1 Referenced Materials: "Book Report" from... 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 a happy feeling of anticipation for the year ahead. Making a new start each year is one of the great joys (and best-kept secrets) of being a teacher, isn’t it? But before you get too busy with these preparations, back-to-school meetings, and staff development... read more

On Creating a Language-Rich Classroom Environment>
It’s that time of the year again—back to school. Around the internet on places such as Pinterest and in teachers’ groups on Facebook, teachers and home educators are discussing how to set up and decorate their classroom walls to facilitate an environment that celebrates language and learning. Questions tossed about include Should I decorate the wall for the entire year all at once? My school won’t allow... read more

On the Seventh Day of Christmas, IEW Gave to Me …>
Today's Focus — Classroom Teachers Gifts for Today a PDF of the Student Resource Packet a streaming video of However Imperfectly an introduction to Teaching Tips with Andrew Pudewa (TTAP) streaming video of Andrew Pudewa presenting Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing free shipping a chance to win one of three $50 IEW gift certificates Happy New Year and welcome to 2022! Today’s gifts will be enjoyed by all but are collected especially... read more

IEW Tool #8: The IEW App>
Each week we are releasing a descriptive post for one of the Top 10 IEW Tools, resources that we’ve put together to help you in your teaching. Be sure to subscribe to our blog to keep posted on these articles. We have a lot to offer, and we don’t want you to miss out! Did you know the Institute for Excellence in Writing offers an app for iPhones, Android, and... 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 Episode 105: However Imperfectly, Part 2 Podcast Episode 106: However Imperfectly, Part 3 However Imperfectly: Lessons Learned from Thirty Years of Teaching (article) On the fifth day of IEW’s Twelve Days of Christmas Giving, the gifts specifically benefit teaching parents as well as classroom teachers in traditional... read more

Episode 34b: Structure and Style Unit 7: Cure for the Blank Brain/Blank Page Syndrome, Part 2>
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 1 Referenced Materials: Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Unit 7 webinar. Webinar Archive Mini Posters Portable Walls Writing Source Packet Unit... read more

The Rationale Behind “-ly” Adverbs>
Question: I'd like to know your rationale for teaching the "-ly" adverb concept. In the professional writing community, adding “-ly” words is a sign of weak writing, not strong. Answer: It was Mark Twain who famously said, “If you see an adverb, kill it.”[1] It is true that scholarly writing frowns on most uses of “-ly” words. However, for developing writers, the IEW method of encouraging “-ly” adverb... read more

Happy Birthday, Hans!>
On April 2 in 1805 in Odense, Denmark, a baby boy was born to a poor couple. Naming him Hans, their only child grew up to become one of the most famous writers in the world. His full name is Hans Christian Andersen. Beloved writer of fairy tales, Andersen is known for many famous stories, among them “The Little Mermaid,” “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” “The... read more

Punctuation Marks: Colons and Semicolons>
Look closely at the title. Why is there a colon? How does a colon differ from a semicolon? Fix It! Grammar has the answers, and students who use the grammar program will not only know the answers but have plenty of opportunities to practice using these punctuation marks. Misuse of a colon or semicolon may not be as deadly as misuse of a comma as explained... 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. One child might happily read a book and remember what he’s read, while another needs to hear it said or see a visual representation in order to really retain the information. Much like personality, each individual’s learning style is a bit different from anyone... read more

Imitation: the Greatest Form of Learning>
It was an average weekday morning. I was preparing to leave for work, when my niece of just under two years old came scampering into my room full of her morning energy. She stopped in her tracks when she noticed the various makeup supplies found on my dresser. Of course, I always seize an opportunity to score some “auntie points,” so I handed her a... read more

Why Poetry?>
Why should your students memorize poetry? At first glance, poetry doesn’t seem to connect with our high-speed, high-tech digital world. Wouldn’t your educational time be better spent helping your students build their computer research skills or strengthening their keyboarding skills? Though it might seem so, there are a surprising number of benefits to be gained by engaging in the practice of poetry memorization. Students obtain... read more

Stylistic Techniques: the Strong Verb>
In the Structure and Style sequence, the strong verb is the third dress-up to be introduced, sandwiched between the who/which clause and the because clause. Strong verbs replace their more bland siblings and create stronger imagery in the reader’s mind. In Teaching Writing: Structure and Style, Andrew Pudewa describes verbs as the most powerful part of speech, writing that “the verb can make or break... read more

Style Check: Learning about the -ly Adverb >
In IEW’s list of stylistic techniques, the first dress-up students learn and practice is the -ly adverb. One of the eight parts of speech, adverbs modify (add information to) verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs within a sentence. Adverbs answer the questions how, when, where, why, or to what extent. Although some adverbs do not end in -ly, the IEW checklist focuses specifically on adverbs that... read more

Unboxing Your Deluxe Kit>
As part of the customer service team, we talk 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 do I even begin?” In this blog post, our goal is to break down the Deluxe Combo and help you confidently chart your course for your students. Inside your package,... read more

Thank You for Participating in the 12 Days of Christmas Giving!>
Yesterday was the final day of our 12 Days of Christmas Giving, and for those who took part, you definitely received some awesome gifts! Though most of the fun is behind us, there are several freebies you can still redeem. And if you missed any of the blog posts by IEW staff and guest bloggers, you’ll definitely want to check them out, as they share... read more

Literary Devices: Simile and Metaphor>
As was mentioned in a previous post, in their writing toolbox, poets and authors have a plethora of tools that they can use to create word pictures in the minds of their readers. Our first post that examined one of these tools featured onomatopoeia. Two more literary devices are similes and metaphors. Both of these devices have similar functions: to draw comparisons between two unlike... read more

Getting Started with IEW>
Customer Service FAQ of the Month: Do I need a Value Package or Deluxe Combo for each student? Are you considering getting started in the new year with IEW? If so, are you confused about which products you actually need to make a strong start? Take a deep breath, relax, and read through this blog post. This post will demystify things and help you choose your... 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 words. Of course we want our children to think clearly, quickly, carefully, and even purposefully. But how can we teach them to think interrogatively? I love teaching IEW’s Unit Five—Writing from Pictures—because it encourages this. Writing from Pictures allows the students to finally use some... 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 words. Of course we want our children to think clearly, quickly, carefully, and even purposefully. But how can we teach them to think interrogatively? I love teaching IEW’s Unit Five—Writing from Pictures—because it encourages this. Writing from Pictures allows the students to finally use some... read more

Teaching IEW in a Classical Homeschool Cooperative>
Frederick East Classical, a relatively new homeschool cooperative, is taking central Maryland by storm. In its inaugural year alone, many families flocked to it, filling it to capacity. Structured using a classical approach, this popular cooperative incorporates IEW throughout all levels of its curriculum. Kim Jernigan, one of its original founders, oversees the writing department. We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Kim to learn... read more

Stylistic Techniques: the -ly Adverb>
In the stylistic techniques progression, the -ly adverb is the first dress-up that students encounter. An adverb modifies either a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. These words answer the questions how, when, where, why, how often, under what conditions, or to what extent. If you own Teaching Writing: Structure and Style, you can learn more about the stylistic techniques on Disc 2 (Video 02... read more

Starting Strong — Tips for a New School Year>
It’s August, and a new school year is fast approaching. IEW’s Customer Service Team and Schools Division Educational Consultants have years of experience as homeschooling parents, IEW Online instructors, tutors, and classroom teachers. To assist parents, teachers, school administrators, and students to prepare, we have pooled our top recommendations for a successful year whether you are new to the Structure and Style® methodology or you... read more

Motivation>
by Andrew Pudewa To accomplish difficult tasks, motivation is absolutely necessary. No one doubts the need for motivating students, and methods of inspiring them to accomplish a teacher’s goals are numerous. On one extreme, there is fear: “Do this or die,” while on another, huge reward: “Do this and you win a million dollars.” When motivating children to write, however, there are some significant principles that... read more

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 been relentless because I began violin lessons at five years old with one of the few teachers in the area willing to experiment with Suzuki Method, newly arrived in America. Initially I learned by ear from recordings appropriately... read more

Launching the Foundations of Literacy through Structure and Style in Grades K–2 Foundation #2: Building Grammar Skills with Poetry>
In Part 1 of this series on IEW’s primary materials, we discussed poetry as a powerful tool in language development, specifically in building language skills and boosting reading comprehension. Part 2 examines the way poetry lessons also teach grammar effectively—and enjoyably—to lay a strong foundation for a solid understanding of grammar before children move into the intermediate grades. Most people would agree that good grammar is... read more

On the Ninth Day of Christmas IEW Gave to Me…>
[NOTE: While the 12 Days event has ended and some items listed are no longer free, you can still purchase them by following the links below.] A free download of the talk On Reading A free download of the talk Nurturing Competent Communicators [STILL FREE!] The IEW Reading List PDF [STILL FREE!] Free shipping* My List of Favorite Read-Aloud Books Reading is one of our favorite activities to do as a family.... read more