Happy Thanksgiving! In this episode Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss the power of gratitude. Andrew reads a letter from a student expressing his gratitude for the writing courses. In sharing things they are grateful for, Andrew and Julie encourage listeners to see how simply expressing thanks can change your perspective.   Referenced Materials Structure and Style® for Students “You Don’t Have to Like It”  article by Andrew Pudewa Principles of Motivation  audio talk by Andrew...

Thirty years ago, Andrew Pudewa began offering writing seminars to homeschool parents. In this episode, Julie Walker asks Andrew to reflect on those thirty years, share some of the highlights of those years, and discuss how students and adults are using the Structure and Style® method in the classroom as well as in the real world. He ends with why it is so important for people to learn how to write and speak and communicate in a world that so desperately needs leaders with those...

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 IEW Team Teaching Writing: Structure and...

Homeschooling preschool does not have to be complicated! In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss simple ways to incorporate the listening and speaking skills that will best prepare younger students for reading and writing.   Referenced Materials Cultivating Language Arts  – Preschool through High School audio talk by Andrew Pudewa Read-Aloud Revival Podcast Read-Aloud Revival Booklists Waxwing Books Classical Kids — Susan Hammond By Heart: The Goodness of Memory Nurturing...

In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker interview Hannah Maruyama to learn about her experience with higher education and job training, understand why she calls college “buying a degree,” and discover how parents can assist their students with planning well for their future. If you have a high school or college student, this episode is for you!   Referenced Materials Degree Free Hannah Maruyama U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Structure and Style for...

In this episode Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker are joined by Jennifer Mauser, IEW Schools Division Educational Consultant and our in-house expert on learning differences. Andrew and Julie ask Jennifer about teaching and helping students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD. The Structure and Style® method can be especially helpful for these students because it breaks down the writing process into manageable steps. They discuss how IEW’s methods and materials also assist gifted and talented...

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 By Heart: The Goodness of Memory audio talk by Andrew Pudewa Episode 439: Active Learning Strategies Structure and Style® for Students "What the Heck Is Inquiry-Based...

In this week’s episode, Julie Walker switches places with Andrew Pudewa and is our special guest! Andrew invites Julie to share some of the wisdom gained from more than twenty years of homeschooling her three boys. She talks about the habits that made homeschooling successful and also reflects on some of the things that she would have done differently. Enjoy the gentle mentoring that Julie provides in this encouraging episode.   Referenced Materials Disciplining Your Teens and Other...

In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker talk about one of Andrew’s favorite subjects—healthy living. He shares the changes he has made recently and the resources he has used. Finally, they offer easy ways homeschoolers in particular can incorporate a healthier lifestyle.   Referenced Materials "Richard Branson: Finding the Right Balance in Business" Eat to Beat Disease by William W. Li Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker Episode 364: Health and Wellness with Katie Wells The Complete...

In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss the benefits of eating meals as a family, from healthier eating habits to more confident communicators. Julie also shares a resource on cooking once a month. Listen and be encouraged to put down your phone and start a conversation over a meal.   Referenced Materials Cultivating Language Arts – Preschool through High School audio talk by Andrew Pudewa Once-a-Month Cooking Once-a-Month Cooking by Mimi Wilson and Mary Beth Lagerborg “How...

In the second part of this series, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker continue to discuss how to apply the concepts of the Structure and Style® method to read and write better in a language that is not your primary language. Can IEW’s materials be adapted to other languages? Andrew talks about the value of copywork specifically to help with learning the patterns and vocabulary of other languages. GO TO PART 1 Referenced Materials Teaching Writing: Structure and Style® (TWSS) Episode 354: Paper...

In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss cultivating the first two language arts but with a twist. Julie asks Andrew for advice on listening and speaking when English is not someone’s native language. Andrew shares his experience of living in Japan and learning Japanese, using audio books, memorization, fables, fairy tales, and more. GO TO PART 2 Referenced Materials Cultivating Language Arts – Preschool through High School audio talk by Andrew Pudewa Episode 385: Hacking...

Renee Cook from the Everyday Homeschool Podcast joins Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker to talk about adding other creative writing assignments that build on Structure and Style® methods and ideas. Andrew and Julie also address diagramming sentences, motivating a reluctant student, and using Structure and Style for Students in a dual enrollment course. Be sure to listen for encouragement and ideas as you start a new school year. Referenced Materials Everyday Homeschool Podcast Renee...

In this week’s episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker give practical suggestions for keeping your students actively involved in learning. Encouraging discussions, allowing time for students to ask questions, and using props in the classroom are some of the ideas they share that can be applied to any teaching situation—from a homeschool to a classroom to music lessons. Be encouraged as the school year begins.   Referenced Materials Association for Talent Development Nurturing Competent...

In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker continue to discuss how to prepare students for college and life beyond college. Julie describes ways to improve productivity and retain more of what students are learning. Listen to find out about work islands and Julie’s Dr Pepper email checker. GO TO PART 1  Referenced Materials The One-Life Solution by Dr. Henry Cloud Getting Things Done by David Allen Memory Mentor™ app University-Ready Writing Transcript of Podcast Episode 438 If you...

In the first episode of a two-part series, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker share strategies for the skills needed to succeed in college and in life after college. Julie outlines a plan and provides resources for students to prepare for their future.  GO TO PART 2 Referenced Materials “Most Colleges Enroll Many Students Who Aren’t Prepared for Higher Education” University-Ready Writing “Do Two Parents Matter More Than Ever?” “Do High School Courses Prepare Kids for College?” The Seven Habits...

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 Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing audio talk by Andrew Pudewa Webinar Archive Adventures in Writing Adventures in Writing Support Webinar Discoveries in...

In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker talk to Monica Swanson about her new book, Becoming Homeschoolers. Monica shares her heart for homeschooling and the blessings of homeschooling for parents as well as the benefits for students. This episode will encourage new and veteran homeschoolers alike. Referenced Materials Monica Swanson Becoming Homeschoolers Episode 361: Raising Amazing Kids with Monica Swanson†   Episode R04: The Joys of Boys Teaching Boys & Other Children Who...

In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker open the mailbag (or the email inbox) and read letters IEW has received from students, parents, and teachers. Listen to this episode to find out how one student saved a library after writing an IEW assignment! Some students sent Andrew samples of their work, and he shares some excerpts on this podcast. We love hearing from our customers! Referenced Materials Teaching Writing: Structure and Style® Seminar Workbook Structure and Style® for...

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 Freedomshipping How to Get Started with IEW Request a Magalog Structure and Style® for Students Free Writing Lessons Theme-Based Writing Lessons Structure and Style for Students Overview Get Started with IEW video IEW.com/Schools Episode 382: Announcing IEW’s Partnership with...

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 Episode 423: The IEW 100% Satisfaction Guarantee EZ+1: The IEW Method of Teaching webinar Freedomshipping  If you have questions for...

“Hard work is immensely satisfying.” In this week’s podcast Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss the mentally hard work of reading books like Moby-Dick. Andrew suggests that entertainment is not the primary purpose to read a challenging classic. If you aren’t already reading classics, listen for some of Andrew’s and Julie’s suggestions for how to start.   Referenced Materials Moby-Dick; Or, The Whale by Herman Melville Leaf by Niggle by J.R.R. Tolkein The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis IEW...

It’s time for another Live Ask Andrew Anything episode! Join Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker as they answer questions from listeners. They were joined by Nicki Truesdell, who asked “How much grammar and writing do you think is necessary throughout the years of K-12?” Andrew and Julie also answer questions about Structure and Style® for Students, The Phonetic Zoo, instructor accreditation, and many others. This episode covers all things IEW! Referenced Materials Nicki Truesdell Structure and...

Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss how both dads and grads can benefit from University-Ready Writing. Dads who are in the business world will benefit from grads who complete the course and become better writers. Listen to find out the top three things that make this course worth the investment for graduates and those working in the business world.  Referenced Materials University-Ready Writing Free University-Ready Writing lessons IEW Accredited Instructors Portable Walls™ for Academic...