Any builder knows that a sturdy foundation is essential to the structure and integrity of a building. Just as this is true physically, it is also true mentally: laying a foundation of skills and knowledge is essential to prepare students for life. IEW’s methodology provides students with that foundation. While many things make IEW distinct in this area, these three set IEW apart: IEW teaches students how to write with both structure and style, trains teachers and teaching parents in the methodology, and guides students how to think.
Most writing programs start by giving students a prompt and a blank page. Lacking a foundation, students are left feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. IEW alleviates this frustration by giving students source texts and a structure to write from. As students progress through the nine structural units year after year, they internalize the foundational skills needed to write well. Additionally, students develop their own writing voice with the stylistic techniques as they play with words. To avoid overwhelming students, these techniques are taught gradually using the EZ+1 approach, a strategy borrowed from the Suzuki method of teaching music. A new technique is not taught until the students can use the previous one in their writing with ease. With the foundation of the early structural units, students learn how to tackle writing from a prompt without aggravation and distress. By the time students have worked through the structural units several times, they are well equipped to write any composition required of them.
Another distinctive aspect of IEW methodology is that we provide training and support for teachers and teaching parents. Teaching Writing: Structure and Style® is our flagship product, thoroughly equipping them with the understanding and tools to help their students learn to write. In addition, we host monthly webinars, produce a weekly podcast, and publish a blog, all in support of our customers. We also have a fantastic, friendly customer service team available during business hours to answer questions via email, chat, or phone call. With this high level of support, parents and teachers are empowered to train their students to write well.
Finally and most importantly, when students learn to write using IEW’s methodology, they also learn how to think. This skill is rarely taught elsewhere. Each structural unit requires a higher level of thinking from the student. By revisiting the structural units regularly, students continue to strengthen their thinking muscles. This benefits all students throughout not only their educational journey but also their entire lives. Since IEW considers the skill of thinking to be crucial for society, we dedicated 2025 to the theme How to Think. You can access blog posts on the topic of thinking here and podcast episodes here. Knowing how to think enables students to make informed decisions, challenge their assumptions, cultivate gratitude, stand strong in their beliefs, and communicate clearly and winsomely.
IEW’s methodology sets it apart from other writing courses. By teaching students to write with structure and style, training teachers and parents, and ultimately teaching students how to think, IEW lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Equipped with the right tools and a firm foundation, students become the confident and competent communicators and thinkers this world needs.
by Deanne Smith
