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 Materia...
May 03, 2023
Many of IEW’s podcast episodes in 2023 follow this year’s theme of exploring how IEW can help students with learning differences. Every tenth episode features questions submitted by our podcast listeners. Join us as Julie Walker presents Andrew Pudewa with questions from parents regarding their struggling students. Offering practical tips, he helps equip parents to assist their students in improving their writing and spelling skills. Referenced Materials Learning Differences? IEW can help! Episo...
Apr 26, 2023
Join Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker in this episode to find out if it is really necessary for students to write on paper in 2023. Learn why Andrew advocates for the writing process to include what he calls the “sloppy copy.” Discover how rubrics and checklists take the guesswork out of grading papers. Andrew and Julie offer tips and tricks for correcting and grading papers in a way that is truly helpful to students. Referenced Materials “Marking and Grading” by Andrew Pudewa However Imperfectly ...
Apr 19, 2023
In 1996 April was designated as National Poetry Month. In this episode Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker offer an assortment of ways to celebrate the occasion. As they explore the value of reading poetry, they also share tips and tricks for writing and memorizing poetry to cultivate your students’ enjoyment of poetry. Referenced Materials National Poetry Month Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization Favorite Poems Old and New The Goodness of Memory Podcast series: Part 1 | Part 2 "Annabe...
Apr 12, 2023
Eleven years ago, Ginny Yurich, an overwhelmed and exhausted mom of three under three, accepted a challenge from a friend to spend time with her little ones outdoors. In this Arts of Language episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker welcome Ginny Yurich, author, speaker, homeschooling mom of five, and founder of the global movement 1000 Hours Outside. Listen in as she passionately shares her family’s journey to get outside that led to “a movement for those who want a slower childhood and a fuller...
Apr 05, 2023
Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker are excited to welcome Jonathan Brush with Unbound, an organization that offers unique options for high school and college students. Unbound is a project-based higher education program that equips young adults to take ownership of their education and prepares them for life. Referenced Materials Unbound Accelerated Distance Learning by Brad Voeller The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni Be Unbound YouTube Channel The Masquerade Ball | Abigail's Story | ...
Mar 30, 2023
In this episode Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker reflect on the impact of 2020 and the explosion of homeschooling. Join their conversation as they address some of parents’ most compelling questions when considering homeschooling. What does it mean to homeschool? Is it legal? What about socialization? Are there resources readily available? Referenced Materials “Culture, Curriculum, and Care” “You CAN Homeschool!” “'We're toast'” YouTube Video Homeschool Help from IEW Teaching Writing: Structure and...
Mar 22, 2023
Katie Wells, founder of WellnessMama.com, joins Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker on today’s Arts of Language podcast! After facing health issues of her own during her first pregnancy, Katie was determined to find answers and share her health research with others. Katie has created a thriving community through her blog and podcast, sharing practical tips, recipes, and other information to make life better! In this episode Katie shares her best wellness advice that anyone can implement now for a hea...
Mar 15, 2023
In today’s Arts of Language podcast, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker review the challenges of dyslexia and how IEW can help! Students with dyslexia can be more easily overwhelmed with complex tasks than other children are. To solve this problem, we must separate the complexity of the writing process. Referenced Materials Learning Differences? IEW can Help! Barton Reading & Spelling System Podcast Episode with Susan Barton Podcast Episodes with Brock and Fernette Eide Part 1 | Part 2 Paper and...
Mar 08, 2023
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 DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler Nurturing Competent Communicators audi...
Mar 01, 2023
Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker are pleased to welcome author Monica Swanson to discuss her newest book, Raising Amazing. In this Arts of Language podcast episode, she shares the insight and wisdom gained parenting four boys. How do you raise children who love God, like their family, and do the dishes without being asked? Her practical advice will enlighten parents with children of all ages. Referenced Materials Monica Swanson Episode R04: The Joys of Boys Raising Amazing by Monica Swanson Interv...
Feb 22, 2023
It is time for another “Ask Andrew Anything” podcast episode! In this ongoing series, Julie Walker presents Andrew Pudewa with questions from both teachers and teaching parents. This week many of the questions revolve around the topic of motivation. Andrew’s answers provide insight and encouragement as teachers and students embark on the last half of the academic year. Referenced Materials National Novel Writing Month Christian Halls International “Flying Solo with Teaching Writing: Structure an...
Feb 15, 2023
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 "The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing" Audio Talk Article "The Art and ...
Feb 08, 2023
Are there factors that make learning easier? As Andrew notes, “If something is relevant to you, if it is significant, meaningful, useful, interesting, helpful to you, then it is easy to study and learn.” This week Andrew and Julie discuss the four forms of relevancy: intrinsic, inspired, contrived, and enforced. Andrew and Julie dive into these ideas and share how they can be used to help both students and teachers! Referenced Materials Teaching Boys & Other Children Who Would Rather Make Fo...
Feb 01, 2023
Join Andrew Pudewa and Nathan King as they interview Jeremy Tate, Founder and CEO of the Classic Learning Test (CLT). Knowing that testing tremendously influences curriculum development in secondary education, Jeremy developed the CLT to connect students with richer, more meaningful content. In the short time of seven years, the CLT has gained tremendous traction. It is now accepted by over two hundred colleges as a complete replacement for the ACT and SAT exams. Referenced Materials Classic Lea...
Jan 25, 2023
Why is IEW a good fit for students with special needs? This week, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker read through testimonials from teaching parents to help answer the question. Tune in to this inspiring episode and learn how IEW's Structure and Style methodology breaks the complex task of writing into small, manageable steps that teach students the process and give them the confidence to succeed. Referenced Materials Learning Differences? IEW can help! Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Structur...
Jan 18, 2023
Continuing the Homeschool 101 series, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker welcome IEW affiliate and homeschool mom Leilani Melendez. Leilani offers guidance and resources to other homeschool families primarily through her YouTube channel and website, Living with Eve . In this episode Leilani discusses her work and shares her homeschooling experience as a parent educator to special needs children. Referenced Materials Living with Eve YouTube Channel Website The Institutes for the Achievements of Human...
Jan 11, 2023
In an age of increased technology use, many students are reading on tablets and typing their work. This week Andrew Pudewa gathers his research to discuss the effects of technology in an educational setting. In this insightful episode you will learn about the differences between reading on paper versus on a screen, the benefits of writing notes instead of typing them, and the advantages of using a pen rather than a pencil. Referenced Materials “Convert . . . to Pens!” Paper and Pen audio talk by...
Jan 04, 2023
Merry Christmas! At IEW the Christmas celebration has just begun since we celebrate the holiday from December 26 until January 6. In the spirit of the season, Andrew and Julie reveal their favorite Christmas movies. In this week’s episode, the two share delightful stories about times they have watched the films and explain why they enjoy the movies they do. Referenced Materials Twelve Days of Christmas Giving 2022 How the Grinch Stole Christmas! How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss The L...
Dec 28, 2022
Continuing the tradition set in 2010, IEW will once again celebrate Twelve Days of Christmas Giving. Starting on December 26, 2022, and ending on January 6, 2023, IEW will give away gifts on each of the twelve days that follow Christmas. In this week's episode, Andrew and Julie share a little bit about the history of the twelve days of Christmas, talk about the types of gifts you can expect, and discuss the rules to participate in the promotion. Referenced Materials Twelve Days of Christmas Givi...
Dec 21, 2022
In today’s episode Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker interview Dr. Robert Jackson. Dr. Jackson is the Executive Director of Great Hearts Institute. Founded in Phoenix twenty years ago, Great Hearts now boasts forty academies spread across Arizona and Texas. In the near future, the organization will be expanding into Louisiana as well as Florida. Listen to the podcast to learn how the Great Hearts Academies function as free charter schools and about their upcoming National Symposium for Classical Ed...
Dec 16, 2022
Since 2015 Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker have been adding to the “Ask Andrew Anything” series. The series is an opportunity for Andrew to respond directly to questions asked by our podcast listeners. This week Andrew offers insight and advice as he answers questions on topics like motivating older students and helping students with learning challenges. Almost all of Andrew’s answers have a common theme: the importance of furnishing the mind through memorized language. Referenced Materials Episo...
Dec 07, 2022
In the modern world, the education system places little emphasis on rote learning and memorization. As Andrew Pudewa points out in this episode, though, our memory is what allows us to act, talk, and create new things. Tune in to learn how a memorized repertoire enriches and furnishes the mind. Toward the end of the conversation, Andrew notes that the more one practices memorizing, the easier the task becomes! Referenced Materials Nurturing Competent Communicators audio talk by Andrew Pudewa By ...
Nov 30, 2022
As the days cool down with the autumn season, it is a great time to explore the outdoors. Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker focus this week's podcast on the importance for children to spend time in the natural world. Recounting stories from his childhood, Andrew shares the powerful impact that nature has had on his life. He discusses modern impediments to spending time in nature and offers practical ways families can prioritize exposure to the natural environment. Referenced Materials Nature Defici...
Nov 21, 2022
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 teachin...
Nov 14, 2022
How can teachers lead meaningful and compelling literature conversations? To answer the question, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker welcome Amanda Butler to the podcast. Amanda is a homeschool mom, tutor, and Vice President of Training and Support for Classical Conversations. In this episode Amanda shares her number one tool for leading literature discussions: the five common topics of dialectic. Amanda explains how she guides her students through each of the topics, asking questions along the way ...
Nov 08, 2022
For this Homeschool 101 episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker invited Cathy Duffy to join them. Cathy is a homeschool mom, author, and the founder of Cathy Duffy Reviews . In this episode the three discuss Cathy's recently released book: 103 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum . The book includes chapters on how teaching parents can choose curriculum for their students along with reviews of curriculum in a variety of subjects. Referenced Materials Cathy Duffy Reviews 103 Top Picks for Homescho...
Nov 02, 2022
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 Fatherhood and Family – A Dad Talk Podcast series: Part 1 | Part 2 "Mixed-Age Classrooms" by Andrew Pudew...
Oct 26, 2022
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 However Imperfectly by Andrew Pudewa Article Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto The Underground His...
Oct 11, 2022
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. REFEREN...
Oct 06, 2022
