Search for: Primary Writing Lesson Plans

Planning an IEW Lesson for Multiple Grades

We live in a time where there are many options for educating our students. Since the pandemic more and more families have chosen to educate their children in nontraditional settings. Many of these... read more

Nov 30, 2023

Begin Reading and Writing with a Pal: IEW’s Primary Arts of Language

  Do you have a new or struggling reader in your home? If so, find direction and encouragement in our June 26 webinar with Jill Pike, author of Primary Arts of Language (PAL). Jill’s... read more

Jun 19, 2017

Fazed by the Primary Phases?

Primary teachers know all too well that children do not enter school at the same readiness level. Just as a child talks and walks when he is ready, the same is true for... read more

Feb 16, 2024

Getting Started with Primary Materials

On Day 6 of IEW’s Twelve Days of Christmas Giving, we offer several gifts to help with your youngest learners. Be sure you are registered for the event to receive the email with... read more

Dec 10, 2024

Structure and Style for Students: Hybrid School Lesson Planning

What is a hybrid school, and what makes lesson planning different for a hybrid school teacher? Hybrid schools meet one, two, three, or four days a week. This model of education has been... read more

Jul 13, 2023

Customer Service Answers: Primary Arts of Language

  Beginning your homeschooling years can feel very intimidating. After all, those early years are when you craft the strong foundation for future educational success. Specifically the three Rs— reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic—can generate... read more

Sep 07, 2017

Training Method Options, Part 4A – Live On-Site Professional Development: Launching Young Writers with Primary Writing with Structure and Style Two-Day Seminar

Primary Writing with Structure and Style was designed specifically with primary teachers in mind. Providing a bridge between Anna Ingham's Blended Sound-Sight Program of Learning and the Structure and Style method, this seminar... read more

Feb 17, 2024

Primary Arts of Language: Summer Reinforcement Ideas that Don’t Steal Your Sanity

  It’s that time of year again! The days are lengthening. Moms are beginning to see the light at the end of the math book. Kids are squirrely to be done with school. But... read more

Apr 17, 2017

Structure and Style with Primary Students: A Conversation with Linda Mikottis: Podcast Episode 235

  In podcast Episode 235, Julie welcomed Linda Mikottis into the studio. Linda had come from her home in Illinois to Oklahoma to conduct a Primary Structure and Style workshop, a professional development workshop... read more

Sep 02, 2020

Writing Blind

  Imagine a lightless world, full of sound, touch, and smell, but absent of color, visible texture, and sight. In their reading and writing studies, most students rely heavily on their sense of sight,... read more

Apr 30, 2018

Keeping the Writing Rolling

  Summer has arrived! The slower pace of the season brings with it opportunities to read for perhaps hours on end, go swimming at the beach or pool, and enjoy your favorite grilled foods.... read more

Jun 25, 2020

IEW Writing Contest 2023

Writing contests are a fabulous way for students to further develop their writing skills, reach a broader audience, and potentially win a prize. They also provide a novel way to insert a little... read more

Mar 03, 2023

Success in Teaching Writing: A Special Education Writing Conference from IEW

  We are excited to announce Success in Teaching Writing, an upcoming online conference that will focus on special needs. Happening on Saturday, January 16, 2021, this full-day writing conference will offer sessions for... read more

Dec 31, 2020

Wonders of Science Writing Lessons

How are astronauts protected from space dust traveling at the speed of a bullet? How do ants know when another ant has died? Which woman scientist was called the Sun Queen and why?... read more

Apr 07, 2023

The Triangle of Writing Success

Regardless of the educational environment students are in, whether it be a hybrid school, a charter school, or a five-day-a-week school, students learn best when they have unified support. This support primarily comes... read more

Feb 17, 2024

Interrogative Thinking – Writing from Pictures

  When I first heard the phrase interrogative thinking, I was immediately drawn to follow this idea. What an interesting combination of words. Of course we want our children to think clearly, quickly, carefully,... read more

May 22, 2017

Unboxing Your Teaching Writing/Student Writing Value Package: A Chart for Your Course

  Our customer service team talks to parents and instructors every day who receive their long-awaited IEW materials, open their bright and shiny package, and are instantly struck with a challenging conundrum of “Where... read more

Apr 08, 2019

Announcing IEW’s 2022 Writing Contest!

We are excited to announce the writing prompts for IEW’s 2022 Writing Contest and invite your students to submit their compositions for a chance to win a cash prize. Why should your students... read more

Mar 03, 2022

Jill’s Gems: Timed Essay Writing

  It’s the height of summer. Summertime conjures thoughts of lazy days spent escaping the heat in the community swimming pool, binge reading a favorite book series in the icy cold air conditioning of... read more

Jul 24, 2017

Announcing IEW’s 2021 Writing Contest!

  As winter begins to wane, and the days slowly stretch out longer and longer, we at IEW grow excited because we know the annual IEW Writing Contest is nearly here. We look forward... read more

Mar 05, 2021

Writing Essays with Unit 8

IEW teaches students to write with structure and with style. Style includes vocabulary. Structure is the elements found in compositions. Throughout the year students progress through nine structural units. At this point in the... read more

Apr 18, 2024

Reinforcing Grammar Concepts in Students’ Writing

As a homeschooling mom, co-op teacher, and now a classroom teacher, I have found that Fix It!™ Grammar is the most practical and painless way to teach and learn grammar. In Andrew Pudewa’s... read more

Sep 14, 2023

Writing a Paper with Unit 2

IEW teaches students to write with structure and with style. Style includes vocabulary. Structure is the elements found in compositions. Throughout the year students progress through nine structural units. After one, two, or maybe... read more

May 24, 2024

Product Spotlight: Theme-Based Writing Lessons

  IEW offers many excellent programs for language arts. Among them are products dedicated to written expression, speaking, literature, spelling, and handwriting. In this blog post we take a closer look at our theme-based... read more

Feb 08, 2019

Announcing IEW’s Online 2021 Writing Conference!

  On June 26, IEW is hosting the 2021 Online Writing Conference. We invite you to attend! Developed with teachers, administrators, tutors, parents, and students in mind, this free event will span the day,... read more

Jun 02, 2021

The Benefits of Entering Writing Contests

  I started IEW when my twins were in fifth grade. I bought my Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (TWSS) in the spring. Truth be told, I was a little intimidated to begin, so... read more

Aug 19, 2019

When My Daughter Finally Started Writing

  Learning is a struggle for some, and sometimes learning to write seems like an impossible task. We received this testimony from a mom whose daughter—now in college—had extreme learning difficulties. With IEW’s help,... read more

Aug 28, 2015

Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing

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. How can you overcome these... read more

Mar 21, 2016

Learning Styles—Overcoming the Writing Barrier

Whether you are teaching two students or twenty, you have likely noticed that each of your students learns a bit differently. One child might happily read a book and remember what he’s read,... read more

Oct 13, 2016

The Solar Eclipse: A Writing Activity

  All across the United States, people today peered up into the skies to participate in a unique heavenly event, a solar eclipse. Were you among the many? Here’s a way to extend the... read more

Aug 22, 2017

Getting Started with Theme-Based Writing Lessons

On Day 3 of Twelve Days of Christmas Giving, IEW is giving you a three-week sample of three theme-based writing lessons. Be sure you are registered for the event to receive the email... read more

Dec 28, 2023

On Popcorn, Pudewa and Video Writing Instruction

  You may have already heard some of the buzz from IEW® about an upcoming important announcement. It’s exciting news that we are looking forward to sharing with you all. While the clock has... read more

Oct 31, 2019

Product Spotlight: Teaching Writing: Structure and Style

  Each month in 2019, we would like to highlight one of our products and answer a few questions about it. It is our hope to create a space where you can learn more... read more

Jan 29, 2019

Congratulations to IEW’s 2016 Writing Contest Winners!

This spring, we were delighted to host our second annual writing contest, receiving submissions from students all around the world. Our online writing instructors served as the judges, carefully reading each submission and... read more

Jun 15, 2016

Virtual Teaching Writing: Structure and Style®

What: Three-session workshop for classroom teachers and administrators grades K-12Where: OnlineWhen: August 5, 6, and 7, 2025Time: 10:00 AM‒2:30 PM CT Presenters and Facilitator: Jeff Nease, IEW Implementation Coach The three-session workshop will be offered... read more

Nov 09, 2023

Inventive Writing: Podcast Episodes 131a and 131b

  The blank page. It’s a formidable foe for young and old. Just looking at a blank page can be enough to increase the heart rate and make the palms sweat. Fortunately, IEW tackles... read more

Mar 21, 2018

Announcing the 2020 IEW Writing Contest Winners!

  It’s become a tradition that each spring, we announce the prompts for the annual IEW Writing Contest. This year’s prompts were as follows: Level A: Write a 2-paragraph composition about why kindness is important,... read more

May 27, 2020

Writing across the Curriculum: Podcast Episode 294

“Writing across the curriculum” continues to be a common educational trend in the United States. In podcast Episode 294 Andrew and Julie discuss what writing across the curriculum actually means and how IEW’s... read more

Nov 03, 2021

Unit 5: Writing from a Christmas Picture

# #   The month of December is a hectic one. You may barely be through the Thanksgiving turkey leftovers, and then suddenly you find yourself in the midst of Christmas decorating, baking, and socializing. Rather... read more

Dec 11, 2017

Writing Critiques: Podcast Episodes 139a and 139b

  The month of May doesn’t just bring flowers; if you have been keeping up with the suggested IEW unit pacing, it also brings Unit 9, the formal critique. But what is a formal... read more

May 09, 2018

Writing Speeches - The Importance of Note-Taking

Recently, I attended the 2024 NCFCA National Championship. Sitting at the IEW table, I was privy to all of the buzz as students swarmed around me, entering and exiting the student center of... read more

Jul 03, 2024

A Brief Tour through the IEW Writing Units

  When you teach writing with IEW®, you are constructing a solid writing foundation for your students. IEW’s writing structure is based upon nine units or structural models. But what are those models? A... read more

Sep 20, 2017

Unit 5: Writing from Pictures: Podcast Episode 167

  In Podcast 167 Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss Unit 5, Writing from Pictures. This unit is distinct from the other writing units in that the student uses pictures in order to describe... read more

Dec 05, 2018

A Compelling Competition: The IEW Essay Writing Contest

  One of my favorite jobs is working at a local academic homeschool co-op. This year I am the high school English teacher. I’m quite proud of my little IEW class. We’ve had a... read more

Mar 12, 2021

Sue Ewing: Helping Students Overcome Their Writing Obstacles

  At IEW, we mean it when we say our Structure and Style™ method works for students who have a wide range of abilities. This includes special learners. Sue Ewing is a Certified IEW... read more

Jul 05, 2017

Many Educational Choices: One Writing Method Hybrid Schools

In 2013 as an IEW Educational Consultant, I conducted the Teaching Writing: Structure and Style® (TWSS) seminar at Legacy Christian Academy, a hybrid school in Bakersfield, California. As the school prepared for the... read more

Dec 03, 2024

Reviewing Our Greatest Hits: Why Teach Cursive Writing?

  Centering around the teaching of cursive, our latest “Best of” podcast episode deserves another listen. Why should cursive be taught? Isn’t it obsolete now that everyone can type on their phones, laptops, and... read more

Aug 28, 2019

Three Ways Our Students Grow in Their Writing Skills

It’s best to think of language acquisition as a journey, and every student is somewhere on the path. Our goal for our students is not perfection; our goal is progress. We want to... read more

Feb 17, 2024

Flying Solo with Teaching Writing: Structure and Style: Part 1

  Once upon a time, IEW offered a single product—Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (TWSS). Since then the TWSS has undergone a few updates with the most recent one occurring in 2015 (TWSS2). Additionally... read more

Aug 23, 2017

Unit 3: Powerful Narrative Tools Inform and Improve Academic Writing

by Jean Nichols and Janet Spitler   When I began using IEW’s Structure and Style method in my classroom in 2001, I was anxious about teaching Unit 3: Summarizing a Narrative. Classroom Supplements hadn’t been... read more

Feb 17, 2024

Many Educational Choices: One Writing Method 5-Day Schools

During my thirty-four-year career as an elementary school teacher, I taught at seven schools in four school districts in three states. The districts ranged from rural to suburban to inner city, each with... read more

Dec 03, 2024

The Value of a Consistent Writing Process for Schools

A History of Inconsistency Over the course of my thirty-four-year career as an elementary school teacher, I taught at seven schools in three school districts in three different states. The districts ranged from rural... read more

Feb 17, 2024

Do I Really Need Teaching Writing: Structure and Style?

  If your students are using IEW’s new Structure and Style for Students (SSS) program this year, you may be wondering whether you actually need Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (TWSS) in order to... read more

Sep 18, 2020

How to Teach Writing with Confidence: Podcast Episode 339

Here at the Institute for Excellence in Writing, our mission is to equip teachers and teaching parents with methods and materials which will aid them in training their students to become confident and... read more

Sep 14, 2022

Writing Rewarded: A Conversation with Nataly and Breesa Pierce

  Meet Nataly and Breesa Pierce, IEW students ages 8 and 11. Each of them competed in her first writing contest this past summer. Nataly won first place, and Breesa took third in separate... read more

Jan 15, 2018

Announcement: It’s time for the 2020 IEW Writing Contest!

  The last several months have been filled with exciting events such as IEW’s twenty-fifth birthday bash and the brand new Structure and Style for Students courses. And the year is just getting started!... read more

Feb 28, 2020

Many Educational Choices: One Writing Method Formal Co-ops

We are blessed to live in a time where there are many educational options available for our students. The beauty of IEW methodology is that it is easily adaptable to most educational settings.... read more

Jan 06, 2025

How the Structure and Style Writing Approach Supports Reading

  While the act of reading appears, at least on the surface, to be simple, it is anything but. Reading is actually an extremely complicated activity that involves lots of simultaneous processes within the... read more

Mar 20, 2021

Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing: Podcast Episode 359

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... read more

Feb 08, 2023

Many Educational Choices: One Writing Method Private Tutoring at Home

People are unique. Just as some people feel most at home in an urban environment, others chafe at the sounds and sights of the city and long for the quiet comfort of a... read more

Jan 03, 2025

My IEW Journey: Becoming a Successful IEW Classroom Writing Teacher

  As a child, I wanted to become a second-grade teacher. In college, though, my parents pushed me to study business instead. Poor grades followed, and a degree change became imperative. I switched paths... read more

Feb 16, 2024

Where are They Now? Alayna Mitchell: A Passion for Writing

  Occasionally we get calls from parents of older children who are just starting out with IEW. They are worried that their students are starting too late for it to really work well. Alayna... read more

Jun 01, 2017

Summer Writing Fun with Structure and Style: Podcast Episode 271

If the summer break hasn’t started for you yet, most likely it is just around the corner. While teachers and teaching parents love having a nice break to rest and recharge for the... read more

May 27, 2021

Overcoming Obstacles in Teaching Reading and Writing: Podcast Episode 255

  Recently IEW hosted an online conference called “Success in Teaching Writing: A Special Education Writing Conference from IEW.” If you missed it, you can watch the recording of it by visiting this link.... read more

Jan 27, 2021

On Teaching and Evaluating Writing, Part 2: Podcast Episode 234

  Last week Andrew and Julie began a conversation about how to teach writing. In this week’s podcast, Episode 234, they continue their discussion, this time centering more on how to appropriately evaluate writing.... read more

Aug 26, 2020

On Teaching and Evaluating Writing, Part 1: Podcast Episode 233

  This year it seems as if there are more and more children who will be learning from home. With all of these new at-home learners, there are more and more at-home teachers. Parents... read more

Aug 19, 2020

Flying Solo with Teaching Writing: Structure and Style: Part 2

  In our last blog post, we described the initial steps you need to take in order to plan for a successful year utilizing our flagship course, Teaching Writing: Structure and Style, as the... read more

Aug 25, 2017

Little Birdie in the Snow: A Unit 5 Writing Opportunity

While some educators are beginning to move into Unit 6 with their students, there are still several who choose to spread out Unit 5 over both December and January. For those who are... read more

Jan 11, 2022

Teaching Writing Can Be Easier Than You Think! Podcast Episode 277

In June IEW presented its second annual Online Writing Conference. Attended by people from all around the world, the conference offered education and support for teachers, administrators, parents, and students. In this week’s... read more

Jul 09, 2021

Writing, a Model That Imitates Life: Teacher Testimonial from Johannah Mackin

  We recently received this powerful testimonial from Johanna Mackin, a middle school teacher in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Hoping that it will inspire other teachers, we are pleased to be able to share it with... read more

Feb 16, 2024

The 2021 IEW Online Writing Conference: Recorded and Ready to Watch!

The 2021 IEW Online Writing Conference: Recorded and Ready to Watch! It’s a wrap! This past Saturday marked IEW’s second annual Online Writing Conference. Did you participate? It was a fabulous day featuring workshops... read more

Jun 30, 2021

Unit 7 and the 2019 IEW Writing Contest: Podcast Episode 182

  The month of March is traditionally when students encounter Unit 7: Inventive Writing. In Podcast 182, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss this writing unit and introduce the writing prompts for this year’s... read more

Mar 22, 2019

Changing Someone’s Mind – the Power of Persuasive Writing: Podcast Episode 307

What is an essay? How is it distinguished from a report? Why is it important to teach our students how to write persuasively? And how do we help our students transition from writing... read more

Feb 02, 2022

Teacher Training Method Options: Virtual Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Workshop

Learning to teach writing effectively is one of the most powerful investments teachers can make in improving their instruction. In parts one and two of this training methods series, we featured video training... read more

Feb 27, 2025

A Parent’s Perspective: The Value of Teaching Writing: Structure and Style

Recently in IEW’s official Facebook Group, mom Marcela B. wrote a post in which she explained how valuable she found the teacher training she received in Teaching Writing: Structure and Style to be.... read more

Nov 12, 2021

From Imitation to Innovation: Teaching writing can be easier than you think!

  This past Saturday, people from all around the world gathered together virtually to participate in IEW’s online writing conference, From Imitation to Innovation. It was a day filled with inspiring instruction and useful... read more

Jul 03, 2020

Product Spotlight – Portable Walls: Desktop Writing Stations for Information at Your Fingertips

  “You Are There” was a popular television show in the 1950s. Aired on CBS and hosted by Walker Cronkite, the program featured events in world and United States history such as the death... read more

Feb 17, 2024

Product Spotlight: A Word Write Now: A Thematic Thesaurus for Stylized Writing

    Getting students to write using vivid language is easier said than done. Asking them to “show, not tell” when they write or to write in a way that creates a movie in... read more

Feb 17, 2024

Off to a Strong Start: Preparing for Writing Instruction with Structure and Style

Arranging desks, unpacking new textbooks, and dusting off classroom libraries in a freshly cleaned classroom gives even the most seasoned veteran a happy feeling of anticipation for the year ahead. Making a new... read more

Feb 16, 2024

More about Overcoming Obstacles in Teaching Reading and Writing: Podcast Episode 256

  During last week’s Arts of Language Podcast episode, Andrew and Julie discussed effective ways to overcome obstacles in teaching reading and writing. One of the techniques they mentioned was implementing copywork. But rather... read more

Feb 03, 2021

Point-less: On the Value of a Mastery Approach to Writing Instruction

Some instructors teaching with Structure and Style for Students have noticed something that appears to be missing from the checklists: the point values. While we do offer checklists with points as an optional... read more

Sep 08, 2021

Announcing IEW’s Winter Retreat 2023: A Virtual Writing Workshop for Classroom Teachers

Are you a classroom teacher, hybrid school instructor, co-op facilitator, or tutor? Do you teach your students in person or online? We have a special event just for you! On Saturday, February 11,... read more

Jan 27, 2023

Announcing IEW’s Theme-Based Book of the Year: Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons

We are excited to share with you that we have declared Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons to be IEW’s theme-based book of the year. What does this mean for you? Every month Andrew Pudewa... read more

Sep 03, 2021

Learning about the Third Edition of Bible-Based Writing Lessons: Podcast Episode 196✝

  Once upon a time, there was only one IEW product—Teaching Writing: Structure and Style. It empowered, and continues to empower, teachers and parents to take the methodology back into their classrooms and homes... read more

Jun 27, 2019

Teaching Writing: Structure and Style—IEW‘s Most Important Message, Part 2: Podcast Episode 58

In this podcast, Andrew and Julie uncover the powerful educational content in IEW's core product, Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (TWSS). Additionally, they discuss each one of the stylistic techniques as well as the supplemental contents... read more

Aug 30, 2016

Experience Unit 3 with People and Places in Our Community and World History-Based Writing Lessons

  September is nearly over, but before you switch from retelling stories in Unit 3 to funneling facts in Unit 4, check out these story samples pulled from two of our latest theme-based books.... read more

Sep 27, 2017

Reviewing Our Greatest Hits: How Busy Moms Teach Writing: A Conversation with Author and Speaker, Heidi St. John

  The most recent “Best of” podcast features popular homeschool speaker and author Heidi St. John. During the podcast Julie Walker and Heidi St. John discuss how busy homeschool moms “do it all.” Quick... read more

Nov 25, 2019

Launching the Foundations of Literacy through Structure and Style in Grades K–2 Foundation #1: Language Development through Poetry

IEW’s instructional materials for the primary grades are based on the proven methods of the Institute for Excellence in Writing’s Structure and Style approach and are inspired by the language development activities of... read more

Feb 16, 2024

Launching the Foundations of Literacy through Structure and Style in Grades K–2 Foundation #2: Building Grammar Skills with Poetry

In Part 1 of this series on IEW’s primary materials, we discussed poetry as a powerful tool in language development, specifically in building language skills and boosting reading comprehension. Part 2 examines the... read more

Feb 16, 2024

Growing Young Readers and Writers

Why are the Primary Posters necessary in a K–2 classroom? One of the questions we hear frequently from teachers and principals concerns our Primary Posters for Kindergarten, Grade One and Grade Two: “Is this... read more

Feb 16, 2024

Sound City, the Heart of Anna Ingham’s Language Arts Program

  When teachers use our materials for Kindergarten through Grade 2, they are directed to use the poetry discussion time to reinforce phonics for reading and spelling. Regularly we hear from teachers using their... read more

Feb 17, 2024

Launching the Foundations of Literacy through Structure and Style™ in Grades K–2 Foundation #3: Teaching Phonics through Poetry

In this blog series, we’ve focused on how the lesson plans in IEW's primary classroom materials use poetry study and memorization as the launching point for building oral language and vocabulary. Poetry is... read more

Feb 16, 2024

Incorporating Poetry into Your Lessons

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” This first line of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnet 43 is familiar to most people. As we continue with our theme of “Furnishing the... read more

Mar 14, 2024

Launching the Foundations of Literacy through Structure and Style in Grades K-2. Part 4: Facilitating Composition through Handwriting Instruction and Copywork

Parts 1, 2, and 3 of this series described the tremendous influence of Anna Ingham’s Blended Sound-Sight Program of Learning in the development of IEW’s Classroom Supplement and Lesson Plans for K–2. In... read more

Feb 16, 2024

Reminiscing: The Battle of the Books

When I was teaching in a homeschool co-op back when my children were younger, each spring our local library invited area middle schools to engage in a round-robin competition, answering questions from any... read more

Feb 26, 2018

Hot Off the Press! Printing with Letter Stories Card Game

Learning to read English requires a significant amount of rote memory. There are over seventy phonograms to memorize and dozens of rules governing their combinations. How can children best learn all these things?... read more

Feb 12, 2016

Speaking of Speech...

What is feared more than death itself? Public speaking! I’ve heard this all my life, but I wondered whether it was really true. It turns out, at least according to the 2016 Chapman... read more

Nov 18, 2016

Grades 3–12 Teachers in Year 2 and Beyond: Customizing Lessons, Part 1 – Choosing Alternate Source Texts

by Jean Nichols and Janet Spitler   We have shared a plethora of information to help teachers and students who are new to the IEW approach to writing. This blog series answers the question, “What does... read more

Feb 16, 2024

Training Method Options, Part 6: Live On-Site Professional Development — Observation and Coaching Day

  Making Excellent Writing Teachers through Individual Coaching IEW’s Observation and Coaching Day supports classroom teachers and administrators during implementation of the Structure and Style methodology after initial training (either live or video) has taken... read more

Feb 17, 2024

Dyslexia: Finding Help and Hope for Your Struggling Reader

The tear tracks were still visible when I tucked my eight-year-old daughter into bed that night. We had had another painful experience with reading that evening. I knew she was bright; her vocabulary... read more

Sep 26, 2016

Celebrate the Checklist

Oh, checklist, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. True, loving the IEW checklist is probably going too far, but when used properly, it can be a lovely thing. From... read more

Jul 12, 2022

Year One of Structure and Style in the Classroom: Look Back and Reflect. Look Ahead and Plan.

    A note before you begin: This post contains many helpful links to materials, related blogs, and additional information on our Schools website. We recommend that you read the blog all the way... read more

Feb 16, 2024

Where are they now? Rachel Bushong: Heeding Her Calling to Hawaii

Students around the globe learn to write with IEW in a variety of settings. Many learn at home, but others take part in co-ops or other small group settings with a parent leading... read more

Nov 16, 2016

IEW Accreditation: The Secret Key to Success

Throughout the years, Institute for Excellence in Writing has continued to make its programs easier to implement. When IEW was founded over twenty-five years ago, teachers could only learn the Structure and Style... read more

Feb 03, 2023

Teaching Structure and Style Virtually with Fidelity

  As educators continue to adjust to life COVID-19, the difficult reality is that 5-day-a-week traditional schools that were teaching in person may once again be moving to virtual instruction. I taught for over... read more

Feb 17, 2024

Getting Started with Structure and Style for Students

On Day 2 of IEW’s Twelve Days of Christmas Giving, we spotlight getting started with writing using IEW’s video courses. IEW’s mission is to equip teachers and teaching parents with methods and materials... read more

Dec 27, 2023

Unboxing PAL: A Peek inside the Packages

  With school on the cusp of starting up again, we thought it would be helpful to describe in detail a few of our special packaged curriculums so that you are able to feel... read more

Aug 04, 2020

Building a Sound City

  What do city streets, a senior retreat, digraph deliveries, and a silent letter library have in common? They can all be found in a Sound City! Building a Sound City bulletin board delightfully... read more

Feb 16, 2024

The LEGOs® of Language

This week, for your enjoyment, we are revisiting a classic post from our archives. We hope you enjoy Andrew's thoughts on the LEGOs® of Language!  Most all children—especially boys—love to play with building toys,... read more

May 26, 2016

Edit with a Smile

Teaching writing would be my favorite job if it weren’t for grading. When a student hands in a composition and a teacher sees all the mistakes, how does one avoid the inevitable frustration?... read more

Aug 19, 2022

Do Blank Stares Mean I Have Failed? A Teachable Moment

  Moments prior to having eight peering and baffled faces staring at me with astonished eyes, I had proudly declared today’s Latin class was going to start out with good old-fashioned review. First and... read more

Apr 23, 2018

Where Are They Now? IEW Intern Kaitlyn Butts

  This summer, our IEW team grew by a few more people—college interns who have been helping in a variety of ways around the office. One of these special people is Kaitlyn Butts. Enjoy... read more

Jul 30, 2018

Sharing a Season Filled with Gratitude

  As educators, whether of the traditional brick-and-mortar variety, the homeschool variety, or anything in between, we earnestly desire to prepare our students well for the “real world.” Dutifully we spend time constructing our... read more

Oct 25, 2018

Where Are They Now? Ethan Sink: Journalist with a Passion for Communication

  Occasionally at IEW we receive questions from parents wondering if our curriculum will work for students who are interested in pursuing careers in journalism. We would unequivocally say yes! As proof, we would... read more

Jul 07, 2017

A Buffet of Options

"Which should I choose?" is a common question from parents and teachers exploring IEW's two main options for teaching the Structure and Style® methodology. While some create their own lessons, most prefer ready-made... read more

Nov 19, 2024

Where are they now? Christian Taylor: Content Creator

For many people, YouTube serves as their primary digital space to learn and be entertained. Today’s featured IEW graduate, Christian Taylor, is a popular YouTuber who provides his viewers with helpful videos and... read more

Jun 22, 2023

How Co-ops Helped Save Our Homeschool

  I was new to homeschooling with a preschooler, a kindergartner, and a second grader. We had just made a major move to a new part of the country, devoid of any acquaintances. The... read more

Aug 31, 2015

Adjust the Checklist to Sharpen Students’ Saws

The school year is nearing the end, and summer is close at hand. Teachers and families alike eagerly anticipate a chance to slow down a bit to relax and renew. A recent IEW®... read more

May 01, 2024

Author Interview: Lori Verstegen—Helping Students Succeed

There are many options available to teach IEW writing to your students. One of the most enjoyable and successful ways to begin is to use Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (TWSS2) and the Structure... read more

Dec 01, 2016

Student Perspectives: Structure and Style for Students: Noah’s View

One of Andrew Pudewa’s Structure and Style for Students (SSS) high school students was Noah. At fifteen years of age, Noah arrived at his first SSS with little writing experience, feeling less than... read more

Jan 22, 2020

Boot Camp for Your College-Bound Student

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” — Abraham Lincoln Do your college-bound students have a few hours this summer to sharpen their... read more

Jun 03, 2016

A Special Needs Child Meets PAL

This past month of October, our focus has been on special needs. We’d like to share again a special post that came out in 2014. It’s an interview in which one mom, Stacia... read more

Nov 01, 2016

Customer Service Answers: How do I teach Structure and Style to multiple ages?

“How do I use one writing course for my kids who are all different ages?” We often receive this question in customer service. Whether your reasons are because of time limits, money constraints, or... read more

Jun 24, 2022

Training Method Options Part 7: Live On-Site Professional Development: Review and Refinement Day

  Making Master Teachers by Designing a Customized Professional Development Day for Your School People love to customize things. Whether it’s selecting the best options for a new car or building the perfect burrito at... read more

Feb 17, 2024

Blog Post: Unit 9 Formal Critique: Beyond the Book Report

  Have you ever met someone who remembers fondly doing book reports? Me either. Still, they are one of those tried and true assignments that teachers have given their students for decades. Opinions vary... read more

Feb 16, 2024

A Head Full of Hats: Life of a Homeschool Mom

  Like Dr. Seuss’ beloved Bartholomew Cubbins, parents wear many hats. Unlike Bartholomew, who couldn’t seem to take off all his hats, we are able, at times, to lay aside a hat or two.... read more

Jan 18, 2017

Getting Started with Methods for Learning Differences

Welcome to Day 10 of IEW’s Twelve Days of Christmas Giving! So far IEW has shared gifts to support grammar, spelling, speaking, and writing. Today’s gifts support students with learning differences and the... read more

Jan 04, 2024

Meet Jessica Walker, IEW’s Customer Service Manager: Podcast Episode 173

  IEW’s customer service team is comprised of a stellar group of people who are dedicated to serving their customers with a smile and utmost professionalism. In Podcast 173, you have the opportunity to... read more

Jan 21, 2019

Where Are They Now? Micah Karr: Future Journalist

  The oldest of three daughters, Micah Karr grew up near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, and was home educated from kindergarten through grade 12. Now in college, Micah is enjoying the... read more

Jul 06, 2018

Read, Reflect, Remember, Recite

Over the past year I have been teaching a high school class. I titled the course “Essays, Latin, and Literature.” I informed the students on the first day my aims were two-fold. First,... read more

Mar 24, 2025

Is it worth the time?

Why watch IEW's parent/teacher training course? Have you ever wondered why IEW’s core product is a parent/teacher training course? Busy homeschoolers often ask, “Couldn’t I just watch the student DVD courses with my children... read more

Aug 26, 2016

Read! Podcast Episode 205

  The continuing conversation about the language arts turns to a new direction in Episode 205. During this episode Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss reading and how it interlaces with the other language... read more

Feb 12, 2020

Lessons Learned from A Christmas Carol

  This year, as the leaves depart from their branches and cover our lawns with their warm colors, I look back on one of the most integral parts of my childhood. Christmastime at the... read more

Dec 17, 2018

Three Signs of Student Engagement

When IEW’s educational consultants talk with teachers who use our method, we always look forward to asking the question, “What surprises you the most?” Regularly the answer has something to do with how... read more

Feb 17, 2024

The IEW Premium Membership: Education, Resources, and Support for Busy Teachers

by Jean Nichols and Jennifer Mauser   Since its debut in July 2017, IEW’s Premium Membership has proven to be a tremendous resource for teachers. The Premium Membership wasn’t available when I was first trained in... read more

Feb 17, 2024

Simplifying Literary Analysis

Imagine a living room filled with teens excitedly talking over each other and debating the merits of this character or that plot. This scene has occurred monthly at my house for the past... read more

Feb 15, 2024

Four Roadblocks of the Reluctant Writer

As teachers, our hearts go out to the reluctant writer—the student who thinks putting pen to paper is painful and who Andrew Pudewa describes in the Teaching Writing: Structure and Style seminar as... read more

Feb 16, 2024

Where are they now? Tommy Kelley—Looking Back with Gratitude

Volunteer firefighter since the age of fifteen, EMT, competitor in the Olympic trials for rifle, political campaign manager, and more—Tommy Kelley has packed in a lot of life in his twenty-five years. Now... read more

Dec 20, 2016

Scheduling Fun in a Full Day

  “Wait. You work nearly thirty hours a week and you’re in school?!” While attending school full time, I also work for IEW remotely. As a common small talk question, peers often ask me... read more

Jul 20, 2018

Where Are They Now? Kimberly Johnson—Writer and Graphic Designer

  Some students immerse themselves in music; still others pursue athletics. And there are those who enjoy art. Today we would like to feature a student who has a passion for writing fiction and... read more

Jan 18, 2019

Sage Advice for a Successful School Year

If you have recently strolled into your local big box store, you likely have seen shelves upon shelves of back to school supplies. The waxy scent of crayons, the colorful array of notebooks... read more

Aug 06, 2021

Teaching through a Theme-Based Book

“I hear and I forget; I see and I remember; I write and I understand.” This axiom is often quoted in the world of education. Writing within content areas helps students build understanding.... read more

May 15, 2025

IEW Curriculum Aligns with State Standards

School teachers and curriculum directors often call IEW’s Schools Division asking if our curriculum meets state educational standards. Some schools or charter schools are not allowed to recommend items if they are not... read more

May 02, 2024

Hybrid schools: Homeschooling just got a lot easier.

  Hybrid schools are popping up across the country at an astounding rate. At these schools, homeschooled students attend classes 2–3 days per week. The school chooses the curriculum, and teachers assign grades and... read more

Nov 11, 2015

Where are they now? Katherine Wilkins: Future Physical Therapist

Are you just beginning to use IEW with your high school students? Let Katherine Wilkins’ story encourage you! She began IEW in 9th grade and found it to be an excellent curriculum to... read more

Nov 02, 2016

Week 8 of The Great TWSS Adventure: Unit 8

If you are participating in this year’s Great TWSS Adventure, this week you will be encountering formal essay models. The essay is the goal for formal writing. Units 4 and 6 have provided... read more

Aug 02, 2021

Learning Together: Empowering Minds, Changing Lives

When I think about why I teach, one quote echoes in my mind: “Every child deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection,... read more

Mar 03, 2025

Where Are They Now? Oliver Mauser: College, Construction, and Effective Communication

From time to time we enjoy highlighting former structure and style students to showcase their achievements both academically and professionally. Students who learn this writing method are able to confidently use the skills... read more

Sep 06, 2022

Where are they now? Lauren Oliver: Master’s Candidate in Communication

We love to hear from former students of Structure and Style. These young adults are forging unique pathways in the world, many of them heavily focused in writing and communication. Lauren Oliver is... read more

Apr 18, 2022

Where Are They Now? Carly Torres: Confident in College

  IEW® writing method works in a variety of environments. Many students encounter it in their homeschools. Others, though, learn to write using IEW materials in different settings. Carly Torres first experienced IEW at... read more

Sep 18, 2017

Planning an IEW Lesson for Multiple Grades

We live in a time where there are many options for educating our students. Since the pandemic more and more families... read more

Begin Reading and Writing with a Pal: IEW’s Primary Arts of Language

  Do you have a new or struggling reader in your home? If so, find direction and encouragement in our June 26... read more

NEVER MISS A POST!

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Fazed by the Primary Phases?

Primary teachers know all too well that children do not enter school at the same readiness level. Just as a child... read more

Getting Started with Primary Materials

On Day 6 of IEW’s Twelve Days of Christmas Giving, we offer several gifts to help with your youngest learners. Be... read more

Structure and Style for Students: Hybrid School Lesson Planning

What is a hybrid school, and what makes lesson planning different for a hybrid school teacher? Hybrid schools meet one, two,... read more

Customer Service Answers: Primary Arts of Language

  Beginning your homeschooling years can feel very intimidating. After all, those early years are when you craft the strong foundation for... read more

Training Method Options, Part 4A – Live On-Site Professional Development: Launching Young Writers with Primary Writing with Structure and Style Two-Day Seminar

Primary Writing with Structure and Style was designed specifically with primary teachers in mind. Providing a bridge between Anna Ingham's Blended... read more

Primary Arts of Language: Summer Reinforcement Ideas that Don’t Steal Your Sanity

  It’s that time of year again! The days are lengthening. Moms are beginning to see the light at the end of... read more

Structure and Style with Primary Students: A Conversation with Linda Mikottis: Podcast Episode 235

  In podcast Episode 235, Julie welcomed Linda Mikottis into the studio. Linda had come from her home in Illinois to Oklahoma... read more

Writing Blind

  Imagine a lightless world, full of sound, touch, and smell, but absent of color, visible texture, and sight. In their reading... read more

Keeping the Writing Rolling

  Summer has arrived! The slower pace of the season brings with it opportunities to read for perhaps hours on end, go... read more

IEW Writing Contest 2023

Writing contests are a fabulous way for students to further develop their writing skills, reach a broader audience, and potentially win... read more

Success in Teaching Writing: A Special Education Writing Conference from IEW

  We are excited to announce Success in Teaching Writing, an upcoming online conference that will focus on special needs. Happening on... read more

Wonders of Science Writing Lessons

How are astronauts protected from space dust traveling at the speed of a bullet? How do ants know when another ant... read more

The Triangle of Writing Success

Regardless of the educational environment students are in, whether it be a hybrid school, a charter school, or a five-day-a-week school,... read more

Interrogative Thinking – Writing from Pictures

  When I first heard the phrase interrogative thinking, I was immediately drawn to follow this idea. What an interesting combination of... read more

Unboxing Your Teaching Writing/Student Writing Value Package: A Chart for Your Course

  Our customer service team talks to parents and instructors every day who receive their long-awaited IEW materials, open their bright and... read more

Announcing IEW’s 2022 Writing Contest!

We are excited to announce the writing prompts for IEW’s 2022 Writing Contest and invite your students to submit their compositions... read more

Jill’s Gems: Timed Essay Writing

  It’s the height of summer. Summertime conjures thoughts of lazy days spent escaping the heat in the community swimming pool, binge... read more

Announcing IEW’s 2021 Writing Contest!

  As winter begins to wane, and the days slowly stretch out longer and longer, we at IEW grow excited because we... read more

Writing Essays with Unit 8

IEW teaches students to write with structure and with style. Style includes vocabulary. Structure is the elements found in compositions. Throughout... read more

Reinforcing Grammar Concepts in Students’ Writing

As a homeschooling mom, co-op teacher, and now a classroom teacher, I have found that Fix It!™ Grammar is the most... read more

Writing a Paper with Unit 2

IEW teaches students to write with structure and with style. Style includes vocabulary. Structure is the elements found in compositions. Throughout... read more

Product Spotlight: Theme-Based Writing Lessons

  IEW offers many excellent programs for language arts. Among them are products dedicated to written expression, speaking, literature, spelling, and handwriting.... read more

Announcing IEW’s Online 2021 Writing Conference!

  On June 26, IEW is hosting the 2021 Online Writing Conference. We invite you to attend! Developed with teachers, administrators, tutors,... read more

The Benefits of Entering Writing Contests

  I started IEW when my twins were in fifth grade. I bought my Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (TWSS) in the... read more

When My Daughter Finally Started Writing

  Learning is a struggle for some, and sometimes learning to write seems like an impossible task. We received this testimony from... read more

Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing

Have you committed one of these four errors in your teaching? Overcorrecting, holding back help, unclear assignments, and over-expectation can frustrate... read more

Learning Styles—Overcoming the Writing Barrier

Whether you are teaching two students or twenty, you have likely noticed that each of your students learns a bit differently.... read more

The Solar Eclipse: A Writing Activity

  All across the United States, people today peered up into the skies to participate in a unique heavenly event, a solar... read more

Getting Started with Theme-Based Writing Lessons

On Day 3 of Twelve Days of Christmas Giving, IEW is giving you a three-week sample of three theme-based writing lessons.... read more

On Popcorn, Pudewa and Video Writing Instruction

  You may have already heard some of the buzz from IEW® about an upcoming important announcement. It’s exciting news that we... read more

Product Spotlight: Teaching Writing: Structure and Style

  Each month in 2019, we would like to highlight one of our products and answer a few questions about it. It... read more

Congratulations to IEW’s 2016 Writing Contest Winners!

This spring, we were delighted to host our second annual writing contest, receiving submissions from students all around the world. Our... read more

Virtual Teaching Writing: Structure and Style®

What: Three-session workshop for classroom teachers and administrators grades K-12Where: OnlineWhen: August 5, 6, and 7, 2025Time: 10:00 AM‒2:30 PM CT Presenters... read more

Inventive Writing: Podcast Episodes 131a and 131b

  The blank page. It’s a formidable foe for young and old. Just looking at a blank page can be enough to... read more

Announcing the 2020 IEW Writing Contest Winners!

  It’s become a tradition that each spring, we announce the prompts for the annual IEW Writing Contest. This year’s prompts were... read more

Writing across the Curriculum: Podcast Episode 294

“Writing across the curriculum” continues to be a common educational trend in the United States. In podcast Episode 294 Andrew and... read more

Unit 5: Writing from a Christmas Picture

# #   The month of December is a hectic one. You may barely be through the Thanksgiving turkey leftovers, and then suddenly you... read more

Writing Critiques: Podcast Episodes 139a and 139b

  The month of May doesn’t just bring flowers; if you have been keeping up with the suggested IEW unit pacing, it... read more

Writing Speeches - The Importance of Note-Taking

Recently, I attended the 2024 NCFCA National Championship. Sitting at the IEW table, I was privy to all of the buzz... read more

A Brief Tour through the IEW Writing Units

  When you teach writing with IEW®, you are constructing a solid writing foundation for your students. IEW’s writing structure is based... read more

Unit 5: Writing from Pictures: Podcast Episode 167

  In Podcast 167 Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss Unit 5, Writing from Pictures. This unit is distinct from the other... read more

A Compelling Competition: The IEW Essay Writing Contest

  One of my favorite jobs is working at a local academic homeschool co-op. This year I am the high school English... read more

Sue Ewing: Helping Students Overcome Their Writing Obstacles

  At IEW, we mean it when we say our Structure and Style™ method works for students who have a wide range... read more

Many Educational Choices: One Writing Method Hybrid Schools

In 2013 as an IEW Educational Consultant, I conducted the Teaching Writing: Structure and Style® (TWSS) seminar at Legacy Christian Academy,... read more

Reviewing Our Greatest Hits: Why Teach Cursive Writing?

  Centering around the teaching of cursive, our latest “Best of” podcast episode deserves another listen. Why should cursive be taught? Isn’t... read more

Three Ways Our Students Grow in Their Writing Skills

It’s best to think of language acquisition as a journey, and every student is somewhere on the path. Our goal for... read more

Flying Solo with Teaching Writing: Structure and Style: Part 1

  Once upon a time, IEW offered a single product—Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (TWSS). Since then the TWSS has undergone a... read more

Unit 3: Powerful Narrative Tools Inform and Improve Academic Writing

by Jean Nichols and Janet Spitler   When I began using IEW’s Structure and Style method in my classroom in 2001, I was... read more

Many Educational Choices: One Writing Method 5-Day Schools

During my thirty-four-year career as an elementary school teacher, I taught at seven schools in four school districts in three states.... read more

The Value of a Consistent Writing Process for Schools

A History of Inconsistency Over the course of my thirty-four-year career as an elementary school teacher, I taught at seven schools in... read more

Do I Really Need Teaching Writing: Structure and Style?

  If your students are using IEW’s new Structure and Style for Students (SSS) program this year, you may be wondering whether... read more

How to Teach Writing with Confidence: Podcast Episode 339

Here at the Institute for Excellence in Writing, our mission is to equip teachers and teaching parents with methods and materials... read more

Writing Rewarded: A Conversation with Nataly and Breesa Pierce

  Meet Nataly and Breesa Pierce, IEW students ages 8 and 11. Each of them competed in her first writing contest this... read more

Announcement: It’s time for the 2020 IEW Writing Contest!

  The last several months have been filled with exciting events such as IEW’s twenty-fifth birthday bash and the brand new Structure... read more

Many Educational Choices: One Writing Method Formal Co-ops

We are blessed to live in a time where there are many educational options available for our students. The beauty of... read more

How the Structure and Style Writing Approach Supports Reading

  While the act of reading appears, at least on the surface, to be simple, it is anything but. Reading is actually... read more

Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing: Podcast Episode 359

Have you committed one of these four errors in your teaching? Overcorrecting, holding back help, unclear assignments, and over-expectation can frustrate... read more

Many Educational Choices: One Writing Method Private Tutoring at Home

People are unique. Just as some people feel most at home in an urban environment, others chafe at the sounds and... read more

My IEW Journey: Becoming a Successful IEW Classroom Writing Teacher

  As a child, I wanted to become a second-grade teacher. In college, though, my parents pushed me to study business instead.... read more

Where are They Now? Alayna Mitchell: A Passion for Writing

  Occasionally we get calls from parents of older children who are just starting out with IEW. They are worried that their... read more

Summer Writing Fun with Structure and Style: Podcast Episode 271

If the summer break hasn’t started for you yet, most likely it is just around the corner. While teachers and teaching... read more

Overcoming Obstacles in Teaching Reading and Writing: Podcast Episode 255

  Recently IEW hosted an online conference called “Success in Teaching Writing: A Special Education Writing Conference from IEW.” If you missed... read more

On Teaching and Evaluating Writing, Part 2: Podcast Episode 234

  Last week Andrew and Julie began a conversation about how to teach writing. In this week’s podcast, Episode 234, they continue... read more

On Teaching and Evaluating Writing, Part 1: Podcast Episode 233

  This year it seems as if there are more and more children who will be learning from home. With all of... read more

Flying Solo with Teaching Writing: Structure and Style: Part 2

  In our last blog post, we described the initial steps you need to take in order to plan for a successful... read more

Little Birdie in the Snow: A Unit 5 Writing Opportunity

While some educators are beginning to move into Unit 6 with their students, there are still several who choose to spread... read more

Teaching Writing Can Be Easier Than You Think! Podcast Episode 277

In June IEW presented its second annual Online Writing Conference. Attended by people from all around the world, the conference offered... read more

Writing, a Model That Imitates Life: Teacher Testimonial from Johannah Mackin

  We recently received this powerful testimonial from Johanna Mackin, a middle school teacher in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Hoping that it will inspire... read more

The 2021 IEW Online Writing Conference: Recorded and Ready to Watch!

The 2021 IEW Online Writing Conference: Recorded and Ready to Watch! It’s a wrap! This past Saturday marked IEW’s second annual Online... read more

Unit 7 and the 2019 IEW Writing Contest: Podcast Episode 182

  The month of March is traditionally when students encounter Unit 7: Inventive Writing. In Podcast 182, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker... read more

Changing Someone’s Mind – the Power of Persuasive Writing: Podcast Episode 307

What is an essay? How is it distinguished from a report? Why is it important to teach our students how to... read more

Teacher Training Method Options: Virtual Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Workshop

Learning to teach writing effectively is one of the most powerful investments teachers can make in improving their instruction. In parts... read more

A Parent’s Perspective: The Value of Teaching Writing: Structure and Style

Recently in IEW’s official Facebook Group, mom Marcela B. wrote a post in which she explained how valuable she found the... read more

From Imitation to Innovation: Teaching writing can be easier than you think!

  This past Saturday, people from all around the world gathered together virtually to participate in IEW’s online writing conference, From Imitation... read more

Product Spotlight – Portable Walls: Desktop Writing Stations for Information at Your Fingertips

  “You Are There” was a popular television show in the 1950s. Aired on CBS and hosted by Walker Cronkite, the program... read more

Product Spotlight: A Word Write Now: A Thematic Thesaurus for Stylized Writing

    Getting students to write using vivid language is easier said than done. Asking them to “show, not tell” when they... read more

Off to a Strong Start: Preparing for Writing Instruction with Structure and Style

Arranging desks, unpacking new textbooks, and dusting off classroom libraries in a freshly cleaned classroom gives even the most seasoned veteran... read more

More about Overcoming Obstacles in Teaching Reading and Writing: Podcast Episode 256

  During last week’s Arts of Language Podcast episode, Andrew and Julie discussed effective ways to overcome obstacles in teaching reading and... read more

Point-less: On the Value of a Mastery Approach to Writing Instruction

Some instructors teaching with Structure and Style for Students have noticed something that appears to be missing from the checklists: the... read more

Announcing IEW’s Winter Retreat 2023: A Virtual Writing Workshop for Classroom Teachers

Are you a classroom teacher, hybrid school instructor, co-op facilitator, or tutor? Do you teach your students in person or online?... read more

Announcing IEW’s Theme-Based Book of the Year: Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons

We are excited to share with you that we have declared Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons to be IEW’s theme-based book of... read more

Learning about the Third Edition of Bible-Based Writing Lessons: Podcast Episode 196✝

  Once upon a time, there was only one IEW product—Teaching Writing: Structure and Style. It empowered, and continues to empower, teachers... read more

Teaching Writing: Structure and Style—IEW‘s Most Important Message, Part 2: Podcast Episode 58

In this podcast, Andrew and Julie uncover the powerful educational content in IEW's core product, Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (TWSS). Additionally, they... read more

Experience Unit 3 with People and Places in Our Community and World History-Based Writing Lessons

  September is nearly over, but before you switch from retelling stories in Unit 3 to funneling facts in Unit 4, check... read more

Reviewing Our Greatest Hits: How Busy Moms Teach Writing: A Conversation with Author and Speaker, Heidi St. John

  The most recent “Best of” podcast features popular homeschool speaker and author Heidi St. John. During the podcast Julie Walker and... read more

Launching the Foundations of Literacy through Structure and Style in Grades K–2 Foundation #1: Language Development through Poetry

IEW’s instructional materials for the primary grades are based on the proven methods of the Institute for Excellence in Writing’s Structure... read more

Launching the Foundations of Literacy through Structure and Style in Grades K–2 Foundation #2: Building Grammar Skills with Poetry

In Part 1 of this series on IEW’s primary materials, we discussed poetry as a powerful tool in language development, specifically... read more

Growing Young Readers and Writers

Why are the Primary Posters necessary in a K–2 classroom? One of the questions we hear frequently from teachers and principals concerns... read more

Sound City, the Heart of Anna Ingham’s Language Arts Program

  When teachers use our materials for Kindergarten through Grade 2, they are directed to use the poetry discussion time to reinforce... read more

Launching the Foundations of Literacy through Structure and Style™ in Grades K–2 Foundation #3: Teaching Phonics through Poetry

In this blog series, we’ve focused on how the lesson plans in IEW's primary classroom materials use poetry study and memorization... read more

Incorporating Poetry into Your Lessons

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” This first line of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnet 43 is familiar... read more

Launching the Foundations of Literacy through Structure and Style in Grades K-2. Part 4: Facilitating Composition through Handwriting Instruction and Copywork

Parts 1, 2, and 3 of this series described the tremendous influence of Anna Ingham’s Blended Sound-Sight Program of Learning in... read more

Reminiscing: The Battle of the Books

When I was teaching in a homeschool co-op back when my children were younger, each spring our local library invited area... read more

Hot Off the Press! Printing with Letter Stories Card Game

Learning to read English requires a significant amount of rote memory. There are over seventy phonograms to memorize and dozens of... read more

Speaking of Speech...

What is feared more than death itself? Public speaking! I’ve heard this all my life, but I wondered whether it was... read more

Grades 3–12 Teachers in Year 2 and Beyond: Customizing Lessons, Part 1 – Choosing Alternate Source Texts

by Jean Nichols and Janet Spitler   We have shared a plethora of information to help teachers and students who are new to the... read more

Training Method Options, Part 6: Live On-Site Professional Development — Observation and Coaching Day

  Making Excellent Writing Teachers through Individual Coaching IEW’s Observation and Coaching Day supports classroom teachers and administrators during implementation of the Structure... read more

Dyslexia: Finding Help and Hope for Your Struggling Reader

The tear tracks were still visible when I tucked my eight-year-old daughter into bed that night. We had had another painful... read more

Celebrate the Checklist

Oh, checklist, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. True, loving the IEW checklist is probably going too... read more

Year One of Structure and Style in the Classroom: Look Back and Reflect. Look Ahead and Plan.

    A note before you begin: This post contains many helpful links to materials, related blogs, and additional information on our... read more

Where are they now? Rachel Bushong: Heeding Her Calling to Hawaii

Students around the globe learn to write with IEW in a variety of settings. Many learn at home, but others take... read more

IEW Accreditation: The Secret Key to Success

Throughout the years, Institute for Excellence in Writing has continued to make its programs easier to implement. When IEW was founded... read more

Teaching Structure and Style Virtually with Fidelity

  As educators continue to adjust to life COVID-19, the difficult reality is that 5-day-a-week traditional schools that were teaching in person... read more

Getting Started with Structure and Style for Students

On Day 2 of IEW’s Twelve Days of Christmas Giving, we spotlight getting started with writing using IEW’s video courses. IEW’s... read more

Unboxing PAL: A Peek inside the Packages

  With school on the cusp of starting up again, we thought it would be helpful to describe in detail a few... read more

Building a Sound City

  What do city streets, a senior retreat, digraph deliveries, and a silent letter library have in common? They can all be... read more

The LEGOs® of Language

This week, for your enjoyment, we are revisiting a classic post from our archives. We hope you enjoy Andrew's thoughts on... read more

Edit with a Smile

Teaching writing would be my favorite job if it weren’t for grading. When a student hands in a composition and a... read more

Do Blank Stares Mean I Have Failed? A Teachable Moment

  Moments prior to having eight peering and baffled faces staring at me with astonished eyes, I had proudly declared today’s Latin... read more

Where Are They Now? IEW Intern Kaitlyn Butts

  This summer, our IEW team grew by a few more people—college interns who have been helping in a variety of ways... read more

Sharing a Season Filled with Gratitude

  As educators, whether of the traditional brick-and-mortar variety, the homeschool variety, or anything in between, we earnestly desire to prepare our... read more

Where Are They Now? Ethan Sink: Journalist with a Passion for Communication

  Occasionally at IEW we receive questions from parents wondering if our curriculum will work for students who are interested in pursuing... read more

A Buffet of Options

"Which should I choose?" is a common question from parents and teachers exploring IEW's two main options for teaching the Structure... read more

Where are they now? Christian Taylor: Content Creator

For many people, YouTube serves as their primary digital space to learn and be entertained. Today’s featured IEW graduate, Christian Taylor,... read more

How Co-ops Helped Save Our Homeschool

  I was new to homeschooling with a preschooler, a kindergartner, and a second grader. We had just made a major move... read more

Adjust the Checklist to Sharpen Students’ Saws

The school year is nearing the end, and summer is close at hand. Teachers and families alike eagerly anticipate a chance... read more

Author Interview: Lori Verstegen—Helping Students Succeed

There are many options available to teach IEW writing to your students. One of the most enjoyable and successful ways to... read more

Student Perspectives: Structure and Style for Students: Noah’s View

One of Andrew Pudewa’s Structure and Style for Students (SSS) high school students was Noah. At fifteen years of age, Noah... read more

Boot Camp for Your College-Bound Student

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” — Abraham Lincoln Do... read more

A Special Needs Child Meets PAL

This past month of October, our focus has been on special needs. We’d like to share again a special post that... read more

Customer Service Answers: How do I teach Structure and Style to multiple ages?

“How do I use one writing course for my kids who are all different ages?” We often receive this question in customer... read more

Training Method Options Part 7: Live On-Site Professional Development: Review and Refinement Day

  Making Master Teachers by Designing a Customized Professional Development Day for Your School People love to customize things. Whether it’s selecting the... read more

Blog Post: Unit 9 Formal Critique: Beyond the Book Report

  Have you ever met someone who remembers fondly doing book reports? Me either. Still, they are one of those tried and... read more

A Head Full of Hats: Life of a Homeschool Mom

  Like Dr. Seuss’ beloved Bartholomew Cubbins, parents wear many hats. Unlike Bartholomew, who couldn’t seem to take off all his hats,... read more

Getting Started with Methods for Learning Differences

Welcome to Day 10 of IEW’s Twelve Days of Christmas Giving! So far IEW has shared gifts to support grammar, spelling,... read more

Meet Jessica Walker, IEW’s Customer Service Manager: Podcast Episode 173

  IEW’s customer service team is comprised of a stellar group of people who are dedicated to serving their customers with a... read more

Where Are They Now? Micah Karr: Future Journalist

  The oldest of three daughters, Micah Karr grew up near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, and was home educated... read more

Read, Reflect, Remember, Recite

Over the past year I have been teaching a high school class. I titled the course “Essays, Latin, and Literature.” I... read more

Is it worth the time?

Why watch IEW's parent/teacher training course? Have you ever wondered why IEW’s core product is a parent/teacher training course? Busy homeschoolers often... read more

Read! Podcast Episode 205

  The continuing conversation about the language arts turns to a new direction in Episode 205. During this episode Andrew Pudewa and... read more

Lessons Learned from A Christmas Carol

  This year, as the leaves depart from their branches and cover our lawns with their warm colors, I look back on... read more

Three Signs of Student Engagement

When IEW’s educational consultants talk with teachers who use our method, we always look forward to asking the question, “What surprises... read more

The IEW Premium Membership: Education, Resources, and Support for Busy Teachers

by Jean Nichols and Jennifer Mauser   Since its debut in July 2017, IEW’s Premium Membership has proven to be a tremendous resource for... read more

Simplifying Literary Analysis

Imagine a living room filled with teens excitedly talking over each other and debating the merits of this character or that... read more

Four Roadblocks of the Reluctant Writer

As teachers, our hearts go out to the reluctant writer—the student who thinks putting pen to paper is painful and who... read more

Where are they now? Tommy Kelley—Looking Back with Gratitude

Volunteer firefighter since the age of fifteen, EMT, competitor in the Olympic trials for rifle, political campaign manager, and more—Tommy Kelley... read more

Scheduling Fun in a Full Day

  “Wait. You work nearly thirty hours a week and you’re in school?!” While attending school full time, I also work for... read more

Where Are They Now? Kimberly Johnson—Writer and Graphic Designer

  Some students immerse themselves in music; still others pursue athletics. And there are those who enjoy art. Today we would like... read more

Sage Advice for a Successful School Year

If you have recently strolled into your local big box store, you likely have seen shelves upon shelves of back to... read more

Teaching through a Theme-Based Book

“I hear and I forget; I see and I remember; I write and I understand.” This axiom is often quoted in... read more

IEW Curriculum Aligns with State Standards

School teachers and curriculum directors often call IEW’s Schools Division asking if our curriculum meets state educational standards. Some schools or... read more

Hybrid schools: Homeschooling just got a lot easier.

  Hybrid schools are popping up across the country at an astounding rate. At these schools, homeschooled students attend classes 2–3 days... read more

Where are they now? Katherine Wilkins: Future Physical Therapist

Are you just beginning to use IEW with your high school students? Let Katherine Wilkins’ story encourage you! She began IEW... read more

Week 8 of The Great TWSS Adventure: Unit 8

If you are participating in this year’s Great TWSS Adventure, this week you will be encountering formal essay models. The essay... read more

Learning Together: Empowering Minds, Changing Lives

When I think about why I teach, one quote echoes in my mind: “Every child deserves a champion, an adult who... read more

Where Are They Now? Oliver Mauser: College, Construction, and Effective Communication

From time to time we enjoy highlighting former structure and style students to showcase their achievements both academically and professionally. Students... read more

Where are they now? Lauren Oliver: Master’s Candidate in Communication

We love to hear from former students of Structure and Style. These young adults are forging unique pathways in the world,... read more

Where Are They Now? Carly Torres: Confident in College

  IEW® writing method works in a variety of environments. Many students encounter it in their homeschools. Others, though, learn to write... read more

Experience excellence in writing as Laura House, IEW's marketing manager, explains IEW's methodology and walks you through both the structure and style of the nine units. With her insightful knowledge and cheery attitude, Laura provides encouragement and demonstrates how you can apply IEW's method to anything you're learning at home or in the classroom.

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"Poetry is the key to understanding language." While Andrew is out of the office, Julie welcomes IEW's lead implementation coach, Linda Mikottis, to the mic. In this insightful episode, Linda discusses Structure and Style® at the primary level and emphasizes the critical role poetry plays in understanding language. 

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Join us in this podcast as Andrew and Julie sit down and have a conversation about the upcoming school year. Whether you're a full-time schoolteacher or a homeschooling parent, be invigorated in your quest for this new school year as Andrew provides advice on preparing your classroom and encourages you to keep moving forward.

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Whether you have a young student just beginning to learn letters or an older student struggling with reading, Jill Pike's Primary Arts of Language (PAL) program is here to guide you through helping your student learn to read and write. Join Andrew and Julie as they interview Jill Pike about the background and methods of IEW’s PAL program.

Referenced Materials:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

Andrew and Julie welcome our Lead Educational Consultant, Sharyn Staggers, to the mic this week. Learn how Sharyn came to know IEW, appreciate her role in aiding teachers and schools, and be inspired by her message about the power of the teacher training.

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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Having participated in countless conventions, Andrew and Julie reminisce about past events in IEW's history. Andrew also offers teachers and teaching parents ways to skillfully generate their own lesson plans. Join us this week to hear about the growth of IEW's products, and listen for the questions that Andrew asks himself before imagining lesson plans for his students.

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

 

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This is the sixth episode of twenty-four in the podcast series Reviewing Our Greatest Hits. This show was initially launched on April 24, 2019, as Episode 188.

Although many schools are shifting away from cursive writing, Andrew and Julie hone in on its great value. While citing studies and speaking from experience, Andrew evaluates the pros of teaching cursive as it can have practical uses as well as neurological benefits.

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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Although many schools are shifting away from cursive writing, Andrew and Julie hone in on its great value. While citing studies and speaking from experience, Andrew evaluates the pros of teaching cursive as it can have practical uses as well as neurological benefits.

Referenced Materials:

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Since Andrew can't make it to the mic, IEW's Customer Service Manager Jessica Walker steps up and answers a few of Julie's questions. Learn about Jessica's experience with IEW and listen to Jessica's message on the importance of enjoying this journey of education. Listen until the end to hear what product Jessica will be giving away!

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If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

So many young people are intimidated when asked questions about their next steps in life following graduation. In this episode Andrew shares stories about his experience in high school and as an adult and encourages students to take ownership of their education.

Referenced Materials:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

With seventy-four countries participating, IEW held a virtual writing conference last month. This week, we are posting one of the recordings from that conference. In this recording Andrew and Julie discuss the different ways to teach writing using Structure and Style. Stay tuned until the end, where Andrew provides insightful answers to questions that were submitted live from the audience! 

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Join us as Andrew and Julie continue the conversation on success in teaching writing to students in special education. This week, Andrew and Julie walk through the nine units of our Structure and Style® program, describe how it's applicable to all students regardless of their obstacles, and share encouragement to parents and teachers to take everything one step at a time.

GO TO PART 1

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If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

In this podcast, Andrew and Julie uncover the powerful educational content in IEW's core product, Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (TWSS). They also discuss how Andrew first discovered this methodology of writing and explain the purpose of each of the nine units.

GO TO PART 2

Referenced Materials:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

Are you hoping to enrich the time spent with your students at home? Tune in to this week's episode! Andrew and Julie continue the series on homeschooling help. This episode, the duo lays out some practical tips for parents when educating at home. Be encrouaged as Andrew and Julie share the importance of setting realistic expectations and focusing on the main priorites. 

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March forward with Andrew and Julie as you enter into Unit 7: Inventive Writing. This week Andrew and Julie discuss the process of Unit 7 and explore its value in unlocking the student's imagination and pairing it with the thinking skills they have developed. Stay tuned until the end to learn about our writing contest this year as well as the prizes that are awarded to the winners! 

Referenced Materials:

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As the school year winds down and summer approaches, parents may be pondering strategies to enrich their students’ writing. Summer is a great time to take a break from regularly scheduled academics and embrace new activities to retain or expand writing skills. In this week’s podcast Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker suggest some creative ways to do just that.

Referenced Materials

If you have questions for Andrew, send them to Podcast@IEW.com
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 info@IEW.com

With summer just around the corner, it's a great time for young people to look for entrepreneurial opportunities. Join us this week as Andrew and Julie welcome entrepreneur and co-founder of Christian Homeschool Entrepreneurship, Mark Baker, to the mic. Join us in this insightful episode as Mark shares the value of entrepreneurship from character development to a creative outlet. 

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

Should writing be confined to a single subject? Andrew and Julie address the question by discussing writing across the curriculum. Whether it be learning about history or studying science, learn how the incorporation of writing across multiple subjects allows for students to be more engaged with the content they're learning and gives them the opportunity for the application of their skills in a variety of ways.

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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In this podcast Andrew and Julie interview longtime friend and homeschool mom Pam Barnhill. Pam explains how she came to create her own podcast and shares her goal of fostering an environment of truth, goodness, and beauty.

Referenced Materials:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

 

What skills do students need to succeed in collegiate writing? Listen to Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss this brand new video course that will prepare your high school and college students for college writing. Hear why Andrew would have called this “How to spy on your professor and figure out his or her writing style and imitate it so you can get a better grade on every paper you turn in”!

Referenced Materials

If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
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 info@IEW.com

Conclude this podcast series with Andrew and Julie as they discuss evaluating writing. With the current mainstream grading system not being an effective motivator for students, the duo explores alternatives to providing good and insightful feedback on your student's writing and encourages teachers and teaching parents to nurture an environment of excellence. 

GO TO PART 1

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

With the school year rolling around, Andrew and Julie turn their attention to teaching and evaluating writing. Join us in this two-part series where the duo hones in on teaching writing. Andrew goes through a series of decisions that need to be made when teaching writing and emphasizes the importance of providing length to your student's assignments as it dictates structure.

Go to Part 2

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

While many writing programs begin with a blank page, IEW understands the importance of developing students' thinking skills before asking them to write creatively. In this episode Andrew talks through the ins and outs of Unit 7, Inventive Writing, while explaining the methodology behind it.

Go To Part 1

Referenced Materials:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

While many writing programs begin with a blank page, IEW understands the importance of developing students' thinking skills before asking them to write creatively. In this episode Andrew talks through the ins and outs of Unit 7, Inventive Writing, while explaining the methodology behind it.

Referenced Materials:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

How can teachers and teaching parents teach writing confidently? This week, Andrew and Julie address the question. Andrew first explains the complex task of writing. Once teachers understand the process, they can then break it down into manageable steps that make the skill both teachable and learnable. Be encouraged by the episode and learn how IEW's methodology equips you to separate the complexity of writing so that you and your students can find success!

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

Summer is a great time for relaxing, spending time outdoors, and taking a break from the long school year. It can also be a time when students forgot the skills they've learned. This week, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker suggest ways to keep your students writing throughout the summer season. From writing postcards to crafting commentary on recipes, the duo encourages some fun application of writing skills.

Referenced Materials:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com.

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

If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
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 info@IEW.com

In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker announce the prompts for the 2025 IEW Writing Contest. Andrew talks about why students should participate in writing contests, and Julie shares a story from her past about the importance of following instructions. Be sure to listen for the special prizes for the tenth annual IEW Writing Contest!

 

Referenced Materials

 

If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
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 info@IEW.com

With summer just around the corner, many parents and teachers are wondering how to help their students to continue building their writing and thinking skills. Tune in to this week's podcast as Andrew and Julie provide suggestions on how to incorporate and encourage learning in a fun manner throughout the summer. 

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

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

 

If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
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 info@IEW.com

Andrew and Julie discuss the most concrete of the language arts: writing. Learn how writing can be cultivated before your student even begins to put words to paper, and gain some insight on the tremendous value of copy work as it builds fluency and stamina. 

GO TO: PART 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

In this podcast Andrew and Julie announce the third edition of Bible-Based Writing Lessons. Tune in as the duo walks through the theme-based book, discussing what's different in the new edition and explaining how the Bible stories are so beautifully woven into the units. 

Referenced Materials:

† Contains distinctly Christian content

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As you head into the busyness of December, listen to Andrew and Julie walk through Unit 5: Writing from Pictures. Gain confidence moving forward as Andrew and Julie explain the vital role Unit 5 plays in unlocking students' imagination and in developing their thinking skills.

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

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If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

In a world with many opinions, it's important to teach students how to take up an issue and write persuasively. In this episode Andrew and Julie walk through the pathway of developing an essayist and discuss how teachers can cultivate critical thinking. Additionally Andrew and Julie talk about the importance of acknowledging and respecting the opposing point of view when engaging in a discussion or writing persuasively.

Referenced Materials:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com.

Join Andrew and Julie as they welcome teen author Taylor Bennett for another podcast honoring National Novel Writing Month. As a lover of writing, Taylor enjoyed sitting down and writing her first novel: Porch Swing Girl. In this episode Taylor shares her experience with writing her book and offers tips from being responsible with your deadlines to staying focused on learning the craft of writing. 

Referenced Materials:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

Join Andrew Pudewa as he shares some salient points on this important topic and answers your questions on writing, thinking, and speaking.

Many children (and some adults) have difficulty learning to spell, but the difficulty may not be with the student so much as with the method of presentation. Find out in this workshop how spelling information is most efficiently stored in the brain, and why. Parents and teachers, be well-equipped to meet the needs of all your children, not just the naturally good spellers. Bonus content: Learn best practices for using IEW’s Phonetic Zoo, our award-winning independent study spelling program!

Go To Part 1

Referenced Materials:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

In honor of National Novel Writing Month, Andrew and Julie interview the young author of Forever Riders, Jemma Swift, and her mother and sister. Since using IEW's materials at a young age, Jemma has cultivated a love and special interest in writing. Learn about Jemma's journey in producing the book and gain some insight on her simple yet vital advice to young writers: never give up!

Referenced Materials:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

A week ago, IEW held a virtual conference on success in teaching writing to students in special education. For this two-part series, Andrew and Julie will recount that conference and discuss teaching students with obstacles in reading and writing. Whether your student is dyslexic or experiencing auditory problems, gain insight from Andrew as he shares the importance of surrounding your students with encouragement, and learn the value of creating a language rich environment.

Go to Part 2

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

Are you teaching through Unit 5, Writing from Pictures, and interested to know the ins and outs of the unit? Join Andrew Pudewa in part two of this webinar recording as he discusses the how-to of Unit 5, explaining both the process and purpose of the unit.

Referenced Materials:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

 

 

Beginning the series on "The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing," Andrew and Julie address the first error: overcorrecting. Listen as Andrew and Julie discuss the negative effect of overcorrecting your student's writing, and stay tuned as Andrew elaborates on how a student's editor should take a "minimalist" approach. 

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

Are you teaching through Unit 5, Writing from Pictures, and interested to know the ins and outs of the unit? Join Andrew Pudewa in part one of this webinar recording as he discusses the how-to of Unit 5, explaining both the process and purpose of the unit.

Referenced Materials:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

 

 

In this Homeschooling 101 episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker engage in a conversation about how to homeschool. Where do you start? You can customize your child’s education to suit the needs of your family. This is true if you have preschoolers or are leaving the school system to homeschool. Be inspired as Andrew and Julie share their words of wisdom from many years of homeschooling.

Referenced Materials

If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
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 info@IEW.com

In most learning experiences, there is typically a period of awkwardness when the new skill is attempted. Wrap up the series with Andrew and Julie as they discuss the fourth deadly error of teaching writing: over-expectation. Learn the importance of being aware of the natural learning process, and be inspired by Andrew's expectation of his students.

GO TO: PART 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

For this final episode honoring National Novel Writing Month, Andrew and Julie interview teen authors Cecelia and Solomon Schmidt. Having taken IEW's online classes, Cecelia and Solomon acquired the ability to structure paragraphs and write creatively. Gain some insight on both of their journeys in writing their novels, and learn how being read to aloud was key to their success. 

Referenced Materials:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

 

 

 

 

 

Picking up where they left off, Andrew and Julie hone in on the third of the four deadly errors of teaching writing: unclear assignments. Many of us have experience with the frustration of an unclear assignment and the confusion it can bring. Join Andrew as he discusses what makes for an unclear assignment and provides practical ways to ensure the assignments you give your students are clear and helpful.  

GO TO: PART 1 | Part 2

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

"Sink or swim!" While we all may use the phrase in a comical sense, it simply isn't true. Today, Andrew and Julie turn to the second of the four deadly errors: withholding help. Join the conversation as Andrew and Julie discuss how committing this error actually impedes the development of your student, and learn why students must prove their independence in a skill before a teacher leaves them on their own.

GO TO: PART 1

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

In this podcast, Andrew and Julie uncover the powerful educational content in IEW's core product, Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (TWSS). Additionally, they discuss each one of the stylistic techniques as well as the supplemental contents of the Premium Subscription.

GO TO PART 1

Referenced Materials:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

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

If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@iew.com
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 info@iew.com

As a mom, it can be easy to get bogged down and overwhelmed with the busyness of schooling. In this episode Andrew and Julie chat with Kristi Clover, a homeschool mom of five whose goal is to inspire women with "simple solutions for a more joy-filled life." Join us as Kristi shares her tips on getting organized and offers advice on bringing joy to a mom's crazy, chaotic, but wonderful homeschool life. 

Referenced Materials:

DISCOUNT CODE:

Enter coupon code IEW30 during checkout to get $30 off The Ultimate Homeschool Organization eCourse by Kristi CloverHurry! The offer ends December 31. 

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

 

 

Sit back and receive inspiration from Andrew and veteran homeschool mom and Primary Arts of Language author Jill Pike as they discuss their experience and provide suggestions for parents of struggling learners. Whether your child is dyslexic or has comprehension difficulties, Jill encourages parents to work with their student in all that they do, emphasizing her life-long motto: you can never help your child too much!

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

This is the fifteenth episode of twenty-four in the podcast series Reviewing Our Greatest Hits. This show was initially launched on October 18, 2016, as Episode 65. 

Join us this week as Andrew and Julie discuss dysgraphia: what it is and how the methods and techniques taught in Structure and Style help break the overwhelming task of writing into small, manageable steps. They will also delve into strategies and principles for helping students with dysgraphia succeed in this skill of written communication.

GO TO PART 1 

Referenced Materials:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com.

This week, Dr. David Wilkes joins The Arts of Language podcast. As a professor at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, David is passionate about aiding students in discovering truth and knowledge through literature and writing. Learn about David's role at the university and gain insight as David discusses the implications of a Christian worldview.

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

† Contains distinctly Christian content

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

This is the fourteenth episode of twenty-four in the podcast series Reviewing Our Greatest Hits. This show was initially launched on October 11, 2016, as Episode 64. 

Since October is National Learning Disabilities Month, the Arts of Language Podcast brings to you our Special Education series. Join us as Andrew and Julie begin the series by talking about dyslexia. Drawing from his experience and training, Andrew provides insights on helping your dyslexic students. Andrew also discusses his mission of educating teachers so that they can best aid their students.

Referenced Materials:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

While Andrew is away, Julie chats with homeschool mom and author Heidi St. John. After homeschooling for many years, Heidi pulled together her experience and wrote The Busy Homeschool Mom's Guide to Romance. Join us as Heidi shares her goal of strengthening families and offers her advice to busy moms who feel overwhelmed with the tasks at hand.

Referenced Materials:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

 

This week Andrew and Julie are honored to welcome Marie Greenhalgh, the homeschooling mom of an autistic student. After pulling her child out of school, Marie discovered IEW and its methodical step-by-step process. In this episode Marie describes how IEW has helped her student learn, shares her own tips for success, and discusses the importance of not withholding help.

REFERENCED MATERIALS:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

Join Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker as they discuss dysgraphia with Jennifer Mauser, one of IEW’s Educational Consultants and a Master Barton tutor. Learn what dysgraphia is and discover ways that you can help students with this learning difference grow their skills and gain confidence in their writing.

Referenced Materials

If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
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 info@IEW.com

In this two-part podcast, Andrew reviews the methodology behind and procedure for successfully teaching Unit 3: Retelling Narrative Stories. After a brief overview of the unit, Andrew will walk step-by-step through an assignment, demonstrating Unit 3 methods and concepts for both the teacher/parent and student.

GO TO PART 1

Referenced Materials:

QUESTIONS ASKED: 

  • 1:35 - Diane asks, "How long should each lesson take and how often should the lesson be taught?"
  • 2:26 - Lynn asks, "How long till a ten-year-old boy can write on his own without parent help?"
  • 4:19 - Judy asks, "First-year students are struggling with first drafts, dress -ups, and complete sentences all at the same time."
  • 20:14 - Danielle asks, "How many sentences do you have in the key-word outline? 
  • 22:06 - Angela asks, "I have a very hesitant writer. Can we do a lot of this orally or should he write it out?"
  • 24:11 - Jennifer asks, "For high school students, is a chapter of the hobbit too long of a source text?"
  • 25:54 - Judy asks, "Students are also overwhelmed with the story sequence, sentence order, sequence, and making sense with their sentences."
  • 27:06 - Lynette asks, "My daughter likes to have dialogue in her stories. As each character speaks she starts a new paragraph. What are your recommendations?"
  • 28:16 -Deborah asks, "My kids are feeling overwhelmed with the dress ups but are doing well with the sentence openers. Can I back off on the other dress ups and focus on the sentence openers until they are easy?"
  • 30:30 -Amery asks, "IEW seems to be teacher driven, which is fine, yet the school world seem to emphasize on independence for middle schoolers. So helping the students with IEW lessons was different but I'm glad I understand that I am to assist. I just assumed the child was to be more independent because of their age and grade level."

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

Structure and Style is a trademark of the Institute for Excellence in Writing, L.L.C.

After the fun we had with our 400th episode live question and answer, we invited some of our affiliates to join Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker for this live Q & A episode. This week Mandi Malz asked for Andrew’s advice for preparing a student for college. Alicia Brown asked which of Andrew’s articles in However Imperfectly is the most vital lesson in the book and what aspects make it particularly significant. Listen for these and other questions sent in by listeners.

Referenced Materials

If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
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 info@IEW.com

"The teacher's primary job is to be an example." Beyond academics, a classroom is a place where students learn values, or as Anna Ingham called them, "the intangibles." In this insightful episode Andrew and Julie discuss the importance of modeling good character for your students and talk about some of the intangible lessons Andrew tries to instill when teaching writing. 

REFERENCED MATERIALS

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

This is the nineteenth episode of twenty-four in the podcast series Reviewing Our Greatest Hits. This show was initially launched on January 3, 2018, as Episode 122. 

Share the fun and gain some insights as Julie chats with homeschool mom and author Heidi St. John. After homeschooling for many years, Heidi pulled together her experience and wrote The Busy Homeschool Mom's Guide to Romance. Join us as Heidi shares her goal of strengthening families and offers her advice to busy moms who feel overwhelmed with the tasks at hand.

Referenced Materials:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

 

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

 

If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
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 info@IEW.com

Join us in this episode of "Ask Andrew Anything" as Andrew responds to questions submitted by our podcast listeners. Offering helpful tips and humorous insight, Andrew explains ways to motivate students and where to get started with IEW.

Referenced Materials:

QUESTIONS ASKED:

2:11 - Shannon asks, "I have a girl, but she would rather be digging in the dirt, doing science experiments, or playing in her tree house than doing sit-down work, especially writing. How can you make IEW work for a kinesthetic/tactile learner that prefers to play and experiment?"

9:24 - Karen asks, "I have high school students, and I use a literature-based English curriculum. The books are fantastic, but my students are reluctant to do the reading outside of class time. They also do not want to do other homework outside of class time. Do you have suggestions for motivating students to work independently?" 

14:11 - Julie asks, "My son has a short attention span when it comes to lesson time. How can I help with that but still let him build forts?"

16:45 - Angela asks, "I've been a homeschooling mom for over ten years. Normally I'm not nervous about how my kids are doing in the grand scheme of things. Dealing with high school, however, has been a totally different story. How do you know for sure that this is really enough? I think about how my son will succeed in life, what is he doing after high school and college. How can I really know that what we're doing is enough and all will be well?"

23:26 - Julie asks, "How do you deal with a moody and incompliant teen?"

27:22 - Brianne asks, "Where do I start? What do I need in order to teach my middle school student to be prepared for high school writing?"

 

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

This is the eighth episode of twenty-four in the podcast series Reviewing Our Greatest Hits. This show was initially launched on April 13, 2017, as Episode 89.

Although poetry has been around for many ages, fewer children actually seem to read and appreciate poetry today. Join Andrew and Julie as they unpack the importance of poetry, discuss its components, and address the powerful benefits of reading poetry.

Referenced Materials:

Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

If you have any questions about IEW or our products, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 800.856.5815 or Info@IEW.com

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 to help them think about and engage with the books they are reading.

Referenced Materials

If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
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 info@IEW.com

† Contains distinctly Christian content

 

MEET OUR GUEST

After a nearly decade-long career in semiconductor process engineering (a.k.a. playing with electrons), Amanda Butler stumbled into her true vocation while helping elementary school students memorize Bible verses during Vacation Bible School.  Since making the transition from electrons to children, she has taught in various capacities including private tutoring, public school, private school, and now homeschooling.  Amanda and her family made Classical Conversations the core of their homeschool after discovering Classical Conversations during a dinner party in 2008. She began her tenure in CC as a Foundations Tutor and has served as a Challenge A and IV Director, Challenge A Academic Advisor, Academic Development Manager, and now VP of Training and Support. One of Amanda’s favorite things about Classical Conversations is that homeschooling families are rightly recognized as image-bearers of God and accordingly encouraged and equipped to better know God, themselves, and the world around them via ongoing conversations with one another. 

In this Live Ask Andrew Anything episode, Andrew Pudewa answers questions submitted by listeners. Andrew, along with Julie Walker, discusses how to implement IEW if the parent has learning differences, whether a formal spelling curriculum is needed, how to differentiate the roles of editor and grader, and other questions. Andrew shares anecdotes from the class he is teaching with his grandchildren and their friends and provides encouragement for new-to-IEW moms!

 

Referenced Materials

If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
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 info@IEW.com

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

If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
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 info@IEW.com

“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

If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com
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 info@IEW.com

Is your young student ready to begin learning to read and write? Or do you have an older student who struggles with basic skills? The Institute for Excellence in Writing is pleased to bring you​ Primary Arts of Language (PAL), a beginning reading and writing program created by Jill Pike and based on Anna Ingham’s award-winning, 70-year legacy, The Blended Sound-Sight Program of Learning.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Adventures in Writing in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Frontiers in Writing in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Discoveries in Writing in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Discoveries in Writing in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Discoveries in Writing in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Discoveries in Writing in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Discoveries in Writing in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Discoveries in Writing in a class setting.

 A webinar for anyone who wants support using Frontiers in Writing in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Discoveries in Writing in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Frontiers in Writing in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Frontiers in Writing in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Adventures in Writing in a class setting.

 

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Adventures in Writing in a class setting.

 

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Adventures in Writing in a class setting.

 

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Adventures in Writing in a class setting.

 

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Adventures in Writing in a class setting.

 

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Adventures in Writing in a class setting.

 

A webinar for Classical Conversations communities who would like support using Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons in a class setting.

A webinar for Classical Conversations communities who would like support using Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons in a class setting.

A webinar for Classical Conversations communities who would like support using Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons in a class setting.

A webinar for Classical Conversations communities who would like support using Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Investigations in Writing in a class setting.

A webinar for Classical Conversations communities who would like support using Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons in a class setting.

A webinar for Classical Conversations communities who would like support using Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons in a class setting.

 

Have you ever wondered why Unit 5: Writing from Pictures is important? Describing pictures trains students in the art of event description, which informs their future efforts in narratives, research papers—even journalism! Learn how to put pictures into eloquent words with Structure and Style®! Andrew Pudewa will lead you through the process step-by-step, then answer questions from the audience.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Investigations in Writing in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Investigations in Writing in a class setting.

A webinar for anyone who wants support using Investigations in Writing in a class setting.

Lesson Planning
by Andrew Pudewa The goal of Excellence in Writing is to make writing part of what your students are learning, not a course unto itself. With nine st...
Writing without Tears
by Andrew Pudewa Teaching writing can perhaps be one of the greatest challenges in home schooling. Because of the bleakness of grammar workbooks ...
The Writing Skills Gap
This country is locked in a learning quagmire caused by an educational misalignment, which has resulted in many students entering higher education wit...
Bad Writing vs. Bad Circumstances
by Andrew Pudewa Recently, a co-op teacher commented, “Help! My students are completing the checklist but producing bad writing! They may use a...
Good Writing vs. Great Teaching
by Andrew Pudewa Good writing. What is it? Everyone has an opinion, but opinions differ widely. While one language arts curriculum judges that simply...
Writing Maketh an Exact Man
Recently, we at IEW began the process of acquiring a very high output (and rather expensive!) printer. During our initial conversations pertaining to ...
Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing
by Andrew Pudewa We’ve all suffered it at one time or another—frustration about writing assignments. Either on the receiving end or ...
You Don’t Have to Like Writing
The Real Goal of Learning English Composition by Andrew Pudewa I have heard this—or something very similar—hundreds, if not thousands of...
IEW’s Mission: Teaching Teachers How to Teach Writing
by Julie Walker My IEW® story is simple: I was organizing classes for a group of homeschooling parents and teens in Southern California, and I ha...
Teaching Writing: Structure and Style - Unit 3 Overview and Tips
Watch this video by Andrew Pudewa on Unit 3   For an explanation by Andrew Pudewa on how to use Unit 3 and some tips for teaching, read on... ...
Many Paths, One Writing Method: An interview with IEW mom Lisa Averitt
Lisa Averitt lives in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, where she is a pastor’s wife and mother of five. She has a BA in English and several years of teac...
A Common Language
Lower Yukon School District in Alaska implements IEW’s Structure and Style method districtwide to improve students’ language arts knowledg...
But it’s so ... so ... awkward!
by Andrew Pudewa Awkward. Even the spelling of the word is disturbing. If we look back, we likely have memories of high school or college teachers ha...
In Retrospect: Heroes of Providence
by Andrew Pudewa From the time I could talk, I was begging for a violin. Or so said my mother. I don’t remember, but the harangue must have bee...
Out of the Mouths of Students
Rachel’s Story Entering Middle School Rachel Averitt was a student of Mrs. Pewthers in grades 7, 8, and 9. She entered those grades largely hav...
How to Think
by Andrew Pudewa But I don’t know what to write! How many times have we heard those words from a frustrated student? Of course what he is reall...
Low-Tech Teaching with High-End Results
by Andrew Pudewa If you attend a large education conference these days, a quick circuit around the exhibit hall makes one fact immediately evident: E...
The Madness of Multiple Choice
by Andrew Pudewa At some point, one of the hardest decisions that a home-schooling family must make is whether to do home education or to do sch...
One Myth and Two Truths
Nurturing Competent Communicators by Andrew Pudewa “Good readers will become good writers!” A mantra frequently heard in the lecture hal...
Work Smarter, Not Harder
We at IEW® have the honor of introducing our 2017 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Andrea Pewthers. She teaches English and literature to middle school s...
Thoughts and Words: the Chicken or the Egg?
by Andrew Pudewa One of the few criticisms of IEW’s checklist-based approach to teaching style runs something like this: “Students’...
Finding What Works
The Chesleys are a busy homeschool family. Austin Chesley is the mom of and the primary educator for all five Chesley kids, ranging in age from 10 to ...
Why is Structure and Style® so effective?
by James B. Webster, Ph.D. I completed a four-year B.A. with honors in history and English, in which three to four yearlong courses required three su...
Process versus Product
by Andrew Pudewa In the 1992 film A River Runs Through It, there is a particularly charming scene which gives us some important insight about the tea...
Structured Success
With each edition of the schools magalog Arts of Language, we enjoy spotlighting a teacher or administrator who has implemented with fidelity the Stru...
However Imperfectly: Lessons learned from thirty years of teaching
by Andrew Pudewa It’s hard to say exactly when I began thinking myself a teacher, but I do remember when I set out on my own as an independent ...
Marking and Grading
A few thoughts about a sticky, tricky subject by Andrew Pudewa As soon as people get serious about the business of teaching writing, certain beasts ...

• The individual lessons have the added components of daily lesson plans and clearer weekly lesson goals.

• Source texts are either new or have been modified to include more regions of the world.

• The pacing of stylistic techniques has been adjusted so that students have success and enjoy the writing experience more.

• Advanced elements of Structure and Style have been placed in the Advanced Additions optional e-book, which is a free download with the purchase of the Student Book. This means that that the basic Student Book along with the Advanced Additions e-book is a perfect fit for all Level B students.

• Vocabulary words have been reevaluated to coincide with the dress-ups being taught in the lessons, making it easier for the students to use them in their lesson assignments.

• The lessons align with the updated version of Teaching Writing: Structure and Style, both in the order and manner in which elements of Structure and Style are taught.

• The new edition is not compatible with the former.

You will generally begin the Primary Arts of Language program when your student is around age 5 or 6, but it may be used with reading-ready 3 and 4 year olds, as well as older students who need some remedial help.

If you have an advanced 3 or 4 year old who is eager to learn to read, you can begin with PAL: Reading, along with Part 1 of PAL: Writing. You won’t want your student to start printing on lines using a regular pencil until he has developed enough fine motor control, usually around age 5. (If you try to start this too early, the child often ends up developing a goofy pencil grip because his hand is not strong enough to use a mature pencil grip.) So a younger student can practice writing his letters on a whiteboard. Since he won't continue with Part 2 of PAL: Writing until his fine motor skills develop further, you can set it aside and keep working through PAL: Reading until he is older and ready to move in to copy work.

The program isn't too cutesy, so it is an excellent resource if you have an older student who needs some gentle remedial help. And if you are already using it with a younger child, older siblings can easily join in as your "helpers," playing the reading games with their younger sibling and sitting in on the lessons as needed.

No matter what your child's age when you begin, the Teacher’s Manuals will give recommendations for how to adjust the program to meet your unique child’s needs.

I remember when I was at a homeschool conference looking at some other writing materials and a very nice Mom poked her head over my shoulder and pointed me to IEW. I glanced at it then, but like you, thought it looked overwhelming.

A year later, I decided to give it a try and I absolutely wish I had done it so much sooner. IEW is not difficult to use or teach, in fact, it's easier and clearer than most of what's out there. The "thought" of it is what can be overwhelming, but the program itself is not complicated. Once you get it, begin using it and learn how to teach writing using IEW - you'll wish you started sooner. Plus, you have this great group for support if you ever have questions!!

Blessings,
Tina


I looked at the website yearly for about 4 years before I finally bought it. Each time I looked at the website I thought, "I can't do this. It looks too hard. It's $269 and I won't be able to do it” Fast forward to the next year and I said the same thing.
Finally this year I decided that all the people I admire that recommend it must have a REASON for liking it so much so I bit the bullet.

Between what is in the plans and the help on the forum, you won't have to put much effort into lesson planning especially if you have a curriculum you already use. Your son will learn the techniques and then apply them to his regular assignments.

I'm currently working through the student videos with my two oldest. I'm going at our own pace (slower than 1 disc/day MUCH faster than the 15 week lesson plan). And I'm NOT a good lesson planner. I'm happy when I'm convinced they 'get' a topic like the KWO or the dress-ups.
This is NOT hard to teach. It really isn't. If you flip through the tezcher's manual without watching the videos it can look confusing and overwhelming. Once you listen to Andrew explain everything it all makes sense.

Last night, dd (13) thanked me for getting IEW. It is making writing 'fun and much easier' for her. My ds (11) feels the same way. He never put pen to paper before. Now he is doing it, enjoying it and showing a creative side that he never has.

(Name withheld)

Teaching the Classics is a video seminar that will teach you, as the parent or teacher, the basics of literary analysis (character, setting, plot, conflict, theme), which you can then apply to any piece of literature you study with your students. It is suitable for teaching students of any age. The teacher workbook includes suggested reading and provides a list of Socratic questions that you can choose from in your study of literature.

Windows to the World is appropriate for high school and advanced middle school students (due to the stories used for analysis). In addition to the basics (character, plot, etc.), students will also become familiar with such literary elements as imagery, symbolism, parallelism, allusions, and much more, while learning how to annotate a piece of literature. The lesson plans are clearly laid out, with specific information for the student as well as the teacher. You can intersperse longer novels if you wish, or use the course as is, since it is self-contained.

Both products are suitable for use by teachers who are not familiar with literary analysis. If you would like to talk with Excellence in Writing teachers who have used these programs, join our forum.

Yes, if your student is already reading fluently you can use PAL: Writing without PAL: Reading. However, in order to use the PAL: Reading package, you will need PAL: Writing as well.

Yes.

All the individual letters are introduced in the PAL: Writing program using letter stories as the student learns to print. Even if your student is too young to do much printing (age 3–4), you should still get the Writing package and do the printing lessons. He should just do his writing on a whiteboard (a lap sized one should work well). He won't start the copy work until his fine motor skills develop further, so the parent will then just shelve the Writing part until he is older. He can continue to practice his letters on the whiteboard. When he is old enough to manage a pen or pencil (usually around age 5), then he can pick up where he left off.

IMPORTANT: A child should not try to print on lines using a regular pencil until he has developed enough fine motor control. If you try to do it too early, the child ends up using goofy pen grips because his hand is not strong enough to use a mature pen grip. Thus, it is very important to be patient and WAIT until your child is old enough before working on handwriting.

The primary goal of the Institute for Excellence in Writing is teacher training. We offer lessons and video courses for the student to make the job of the teacher as easy as possible, but it is important for teachers to gain the training necessary to help their children write well.

Writing is an art and requires a give and take between student and teacher. The teacher’s course equips you to provide that for your student. If you only have the student videos, your student will learn a good deal, but will only get the answers to whatever questions were asked when the course was originally recorded. If your student has any difficulty, you may find it challenging to provide him the unique help he needs. The teacher’s course provides all the hows and whys behind the program so that you too can become an accomplished writing teacher over time.

One experienced homeschool mother explains, "I homeschool eight children, so I can appreciate how precious time is, but trying to teach writing without taking the time to watch my teacher’s videos was like pushing the car down the highway because I didn’t have time to stop for gas. :)

You don’t have to watch the entire teacher’s course in one sitting. Just watch a video a month or so and you will do just fine.

As Andrew Pudewa has said, our materials are like ice cream—the more the better! But be sure the first serving is for the teacher.

Yes! You do! The Theme-Based Writing Lessons are meant to be supplemental—an aid to the teacher. They presume that the instructor has been through the Teaching Writing: Structure and Style course. A book can't teach writing to a child without teacher support. After you learn our system these books will be able to serve as a support to you in teaching your child to write.

Click here to read the answer in a post by IEW Schools Division Administrator Jean Nichols.

Each student will need access to the Narnia books as they will be directed to read one or more chapters with each lesson in the Following Narnia student book. 

Grade levels are approximate, as each child's ability level will vary, regardless of grade level. In general, however, the following levels apply (for all products except the Phonetic Zoo):

Primary: K–2nd

Level A: 3rd–5th 

Level B: 6th–8th 

Level C: 9th–12th+

Note: If a student is significantly behind in reading ability, you may wish to choose a level that corresponds with reading level rather than grade level.

For the Phonetic Zoo, the spelling placement test should be given to determine each student's starting level.

Traditional grammar programs systematically teach concepts about grammar, punctuation, and usage with sentences artificially contrived to fit the rules. The theory behind such approaches is that after learning the rules, students will be able to apply them to their own writing. Often these programs teach more concepts than are need-to-know in terms of punctuation, correct grammar, or performance on the ACT or SAT, but they cover the rules well.

Diagramming is a method for helping students grasp the underlying structure of sentences, which is critical for punctuating sentences correctly but which seems to work with only about half the population. Most diagramming programs also teach more than is truly helpful to students learning grammar.

Fix It! Grammar emerged from a teacher's frustration with traditional approaches. Like many teachers, Pamela White (who earned her Master's Degree and A.B.D. in English from Vanderbilt University) recognized that students using traditional grammar programs may learn the rules well but seem to have a disconnect in applying them. The more that grammar is rooted in the writing experience, the better it sticks.

The ultimate goal of teaching grammar should be to train students to be able to edit their own writing effectively. When a side benefit is improved performance on the SAT or ACT, so much the better. Fix It! Grammar (third edition) is a complete grammar program for these goals that truly matter, but it teaches students in the context of writing and through editing rather than through exercises focusing on specific rules. 

The early books in Fix It! Grammar begin with marking parts of speech and then identifying phrases (mainly prepositional phrases), main clauses, and dependent clauses. This is better than diagramming because it focuses on the structural parts of sentences that matter most and most affect punctuation rather than getting students bogged down in labeling the parts of sentences that rarely become punctuation hurdles.

Gradually, the Fix It! Grammar stories incorporate usage, grammar, and punctuation concepts, taught by asking students to correct the mistakes in passages and then discuss with their teacher the reasons for corrections.

Early stories have advanced concepts which can be used with stronger students and which pave the way for concepts in later stories.

The six books, each lasting a full year, contain some instruction at the start of each week's lesson as well as added instruction and tips to teachers to use as needed.

All six stories use natural sentences--rather than ones artificially contrived to fit an exercise--that closely mimic the kinds of errors in student writing, so students get repeated practice looking for errors in sentences (the same methods achievement tests use), along with the challenge of needing to explain the why's behind fixes. Since the sentences have the normal complexity of real writing, they also deal with the same issues any writer faces in editing his or her own work.

The new 2017 edition of the Teaching the Classics DVD seminar was re-filmed using high-quality video and audio. Additionally, the syllabus notebook was redesigned, revised, and expanded. The second edition now includes the following features:

Eight one-hour DVD sessions featuring 2+ hours of additional content:

   • line-by-line explanations of each question on the Socratic List

   • extended discussions of teaching philosophy and techniques

   • additional tips for teachers on lesson planning and scope and sequence development

   • a live “FAQ” discussion addressing common teacher questions

   • live readings of classic stories with first edition illustrations by the original artists

 

A 120-page syllabus notebook featuring 25 pages of additional content:

   • expanded discussion notes for each DVD session

   • a reorganized Socratic List of discussion questions

   • a revised bibliography of recommended books for students of all ages

   • expanded lists of literary devices, terms, and definitions

   • links to new supplemental resources designed for the Teaching the Classics method

In summary, Teaching the Classics, Second Edition (2017) presents the same tried and true method for reading and discussing literature that has been helping parents and teachers since 2004. Though the presentation has been significantly updated, seminar alumni investigating the new edition will find the essential techniques unchanged.

Yes! Two parents respond to this question below. The first teaches a student with Aspergers (on the autistic scale) and the second has a son who is dyslexic.

Jill states:
"IEW is fantastic for those with expressive disorders. A dear friend of mine has a son with Aspergers. This year, I offered to teach him writing. His mom returned immediately with, 'Oh, he can't write.' I asked for a chance.
"We just started the Student Writing Intensive B. He flew through the first disc, outlined and wrote beautifully. I think he will find the help he needs with this program. I am so happy for him!"

Jen writes:
"My ten year old is dyslexic. Written expression has been a chore for him from day 1. Since we started with IEW two years ago, the lights have come on, and slowly but surely he's become a writer. The logical progression, the straightforward steps and checklists, and the knowledge that he can't 'do it wrong' (there are simply ways that he can 'do it better') have been incredible confidence builders for him.
"IEW has helped him get through the blocks that have always made written communication so difficult for him. Two years ago, he threw a literal screaming fit if I asked him to write his name on his paper...now, he journals a page a day and thinks nothing of writing a paper a week.
"IEW is so customizable (yet makes so much sense to the kids) that it works very, very well for kids that just don't 'get it' otherwise."

The PAL: Reading will require about 30 minutes of your time each day you do it, and another 30-60 minutes of your student’s time to do his things with some, but not always significant, supervision.

The PAL: Writing will take about 30 minutes of your day. It also includes a brief discussion of a story every day. You can use any story you are reading to your child, so it works with anything you are already doing. As with most programs, your first week or two will likely require more time, but as you get it running, it does not take much time to maintain. Using the PAL: Reading, your child will likely be reading after just a few months. At that point, less time will need to be spent on the Reading, so you can spend a little more time on the PAL: Writing Composition section when you get to it. However, it won’t really cost you any more time in the long run.

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