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 “Underst...
Jan 15, 2025
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 NCFCA Christian Speech and Debate Christy Shipe Introduction to Public Speaking...
Jan 08, 2025
In this episode Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker share IEW’s theme for 2025: How to Think. Listen as they discuss the feeling of accomplishment in learning to think through research and writing as well as the negative impact of AI on thinking and writing. Referenced Materials Magalog “Writing Maketh an Exact Man” Twelve Days of Christmas Giving Episode 207: Thinking – The Quintessence of the Four Language Arts Transcript of Podcast Episode 458 If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast...
Jan 01, 2025
Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker talk about the purpose and history of IEW’s Twelve Days of Christmas Giving. Listen and learn how to win a gift certificate by sharing with your friends. They also give a hint about the gifts IEW is sharing. Join us! Referenced Materials Twelve Days of Christmas Giving Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare Transcript of Podcast Episode 457 If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Any...
Dec 25, 2024
What is media literacy? In this episode Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker interview Nate Noorlander, who teaches English, history, and philosophy online. They discuss media literacy and its importance in avoiding cynicism and uncertainty in confidently navigating information in the increasingly complex world we live in. Click the link below for a free session of Media Literacy , including a reflection assignment and an invitation to submit your work. Referenced Materials “Media Literacy Is an Essen...
Dec 18, 2024
In this episode, Andrew Pudewa is interviewed by Gena Mayo, the founder of Music in Our Homeschool. Several years ago, Andrew asked Gena to take over the music course that his mother had written, Singing Made Easy. Listen as Andrew shares the history of that course as well as his own background in and love for music education. Referenced Materials Music in Our Homeschool Gena Mayo Singing Made Easy Suzuki Method Cultivating Language Arts – Preschool through High School Music in Our Homeschool In...
Dec 11, 2024
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 “Understanding Topic-Clincher Sentences with Unit 4” “Asking Questions with Unit 5” “Streamlining Research with Unit 6” “Filling the Blank Page with Unit 7” “Writing Essays with Unit 8” “C...
Dec 04, 2024
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 Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Writing Source Packet Premiu...
Nov 27, 2024
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 Pudewa Because of...
Nov 20, 2024
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 skills. Referenc...
Nov 13, 2024
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 Style®...
Nov 06, 2024
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 Competent ...
Oct 30, 2024
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 Students: ...
Oct 23, 2024
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 studen...
Oct 16, 2024
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 Learning?" "What Is ‘I...
Oct 09, 2024
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 Dangerous Ende...
Oct 02, 2024
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 Guide to Fa...
Sep 25, 2024
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 Kids Ca...
Sep 18, 2024
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 and P...
Sep 11, 2024
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 High Sch...
Sep 04, 2024
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 Cook Structure ...
Aug 28, 2024
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 Communicato...
Aug 21, 2024
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 have ques...
Aug 14, 2024
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 of Hig...
Aug 07, 2024
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 Writing Discoveries ...
Jul 31, 2024
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 Would Rat...
Jul 24, 2024
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 Students: ...
Jul 17, 2024
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 Hills...
Jul 10, 2024
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 Transcript of Podcast Episode 432 I...
Jul 03, 2024
“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 Book Re...
Jun 26, 2024
