Episode 500: What Are We Doing Here? Part 1

In Part 3 of the 500th episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker reflect on the deeper purpose of the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW). They emphasize the accessibility of IEW’s materials and share stories from parents and students illustrating the transformative effects of IEW programs for both homeschoolers and full-time schools. Wrapping up, they reinforce the central idea that IEW is ultimately about teaching students to read, write, speak, and think well—prompting the ongoing question: “What are we really doing here?” Go to Part 1. Go to Part 2. Referenced Materials Portable Walls™ for Structure and Style® Students IEW Premium Membership  Checklist Generator™ Fix It!® Grammar Structure and Style® for Students Adventures in Writing Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (TWSS) IEW Online Instructors IEW Brand Ambassador Program Contact IEW Customer Support Chef JoJo Recipe App Arts of Language Podcast 500th Episode Giveaway: Receive a free Portable Walls for Structure and Style Students with coupon code E500-PWSS (for the first 500 customers).   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to [email protected] Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA). If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or [email protected]

In part two of their 500th episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker continue their lighthearted yet thoughtful conversation. They explain how IEW’s accreditation process works and helps applicants achieve mastery of each unit step by step. The conversation then shifts toward larger educational questions, specifically the role of artificial intelligence in teaching writing. Listen as Andrew and Julie explain the value of process over product and encourage families to invest in authentic learning experiences that will prepare students to thrive. Go to Part 1. Go to Part 3. Referenced Materials IEW® Gradebook IEW Instructor Accreditation Structure and Style for Students Portable Walls™ for Structure and Style®Students 500th Episode Giveaway: Receive a free Portable Walls for Structure and Style Students with coupon code E500-PWSS (for the first 500 customers).   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to [email protected] Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA). If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or [email protected]

In part one of the 500th episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker reflect on the history and growth of the Arts of Language podcast. They share lighthearted stories about podcast listening habits and discuss how far the podcast has come since its early days. The conversation turns to memorable episodes, such as interviews with Andrew’s son about the hidden strengths of dyslexia, guest appearances from Dr. Leonard Sax and Dr. Carol Swain, and discussions of books like How to Think like Shakespeare.  Go to Part 2. Go to Part 3.   Referenced Materials Episode 54: What Are We Really Doing Here? Part 1 Episode 197: While Andrew's Away – Living with Dyslexia—An Interview with Chris Pudewa, Part 1 Episode R07: Why Gender Matters – An Interview with Dr. Leonard Sax Episode 398: Think like Shakespeare, Part 1 Episode 382: Announcing IEW’s Partnership with Hillsdale College! Episode 481: Writing across the Curriculum with Dr. O’Toole Amber O’Neal Johnston Heidi St. John MomStrong 365 A Daily Devotional to Encourage and Empower Everyday Moms The Read-Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie Episode R05: Are You a Part of a "Read-Aloud Family"? A Conversation with Sarah Mackenzie Episode 435: Becoming Homeschoolers with Monica Swanson Episode 282: A Visit with Dr. Carol Swain† Episode 264: The Benefits of Mastery Education Episode 299: The Profound Power of Poetry Episode 283: A Bookish Discussion, Part 1 Episode 272: The Different Stages of Learning Episode 273: Culture, Curriculum, and Care, Part 1 Episode 281: Talking about the Intangibles Episode 296: Impacting English Language Learners with Structure and Style Episode 288: Reaching the Reluctant Writer, Part 1 Episode 293: Process versus Product Episode 294: Writing across the Curriculum Episode 269: The Mighty Pen – Teaching Students to Change the World through Language Episode 311: Optimizing Instruction for Boys and Girls Episode 306: Speaking of Spelling Episode 305: Homeschool 101, An Interview with Sam Sorbo Episode 447: Alternative Learning with Jennifer Mauser Episode 478: What’s in Your Audible Account? Soul School by Amber O’Neal Johnston Twelve Days of Christmas Giving Episode 261: When Technology in Education Makes Sense Transcript of Podcast Episode 500 Part 1 If you have questions for Andrew, send them to [email protected] Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA). If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or [email protected]

In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker talk with Jennifer Mauser, an educational consultant with IEW Schools Department, about the importance of critical thinking and some ways to build critical thinking in your students. Jennifer brings her experience as a mom, Accomplished IEW Instructor, and Master Barton Tutor and shares how she has seen the critical thinking skills in her students expand as she has used IEW methods and materials. Referenced Materials Jennifer Mauser IEW Book Recommendations  Read-Aloud Revival Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization “How IEW Teaches Thinking” Transcript of Podcast Episode 499   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to [email protected] Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).   If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or [email protected]

In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker address how to assist students who join midyear. They discuss whether it is necessary to teach all the previous units before new students join the rest of the class and how to handle customizing the checklist. Listen to this helpful conversation that focuses on the best practices that will truly benefit a student.   Referenced Materials Bible-Based Writing Lessons Episode 398: Think like Shakespeare, Part 1 Teaching Writing: Structure and Style® Structure and Style Overview Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing audio talk by Andrew Pudewa IEW Checklist Generator™ “IEW's Checklist: Supporting Student Success” Premium Membership Principles of Motivation audio talk by Andrew Pudewa “Perfecting Style with Time and Practice”   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to [email protected] your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA). If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or [email protected]

In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker talk with Donahue Academy’s Dr. Marc Snyder, principal, and Deacon Edward Watson, assistant principal for curriculum and instruction. They share how and why Donahue Academy has chosen to use IEW, why classical education is growing, and how the IEW Schools Department can assist schools with implementing the Structure and Style® methodology.   Referenced Materials Donahue Academy  Dr. Marc Snyder, Ed.D. Deacon Edward Watson, M.S.E Teacher Training Method Options: Live On-Site Professional Development Structure and Style for Students “Writing across the Curriculum and Why It Matters” Theme-Based Writing Lessons Why Donahue Academy Chose IEW video   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to [email protected] your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA). If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or [email protected]

In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss a recent study that shows young parents are not reading aloud to their children. Andrew shares stories of reading aloud to his children and grandchildren. They share ways to make reading aloud more enjoyable for both parents and children and end with a call to action for parents.    Referenced Materials Nurturing Competent Communicators audio talk by Andrew Pudewa Read-Aloud Revival Episode 486: Unfairly Advantaging Your Students Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier “New Research Reveals That Parents Are Losing the Love of Reading Aloud”     If you have questions for Andrew, send them to [email protected] your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA). If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or [email protected]  

In this Homeschool 101 episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker talk with Darren Jones, senior counsel and director of group services at Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). They discuss the history of homeschooling laws, the benefits of joining HSLDA, and other information helpful for new and veteran homeschool families. Listen to the end for a special offer for IEW Premium Membership subscribers.   Referenced Materials Darren Jones, Esq. Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) Premium Membership   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to [email protected] your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA). If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or [email protected]

“You can’t think a thought if you don’t have the words to think it.” In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker talk about how building vocabulary enhances thinking skills. Throughout IEW’s history, thinking about words and their meanings has been incorporated into nearly all of our courses. Listen as Andrew and Julie discuss how we teach vocabulary and why it is important to teach it in the context of other courses.   Referenced Materials Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization A Word Write Now Structure and Style® for Students Fix It!® Grammar Theme-Based Writing Lessons The Phonetic Zoo spelling program   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to [email protected] your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA). If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or [email protected]

In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker add more books to your TBR (to be read) pile. Listen as they describe more favorite fiction and nonfiction selections, perfect for listening during cool autumn days, doing puzzles, or driving to and from activities as the school year starts again.  Go to Part 1. Referenced Materials The Testament by John Grisham The End of the World Is Just the Beginning by Peter Zeihan Dominion by Tom Holland Sooley by John Grisham Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley The Mysterious Howling: The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Maryrose Wood Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis Billy Budd, Sailor by Herman Melville Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin Read-Aloud Revival® (Sarah Mackenzie) The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to [email protected] your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA). If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or [email protected]