Search for: Primary posters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Teacher Resources
If you missed the gifts given for Day 5, you can still access these resources: Podcast Episode 104: However Imperfectly, Part 1 Podcast Episode 105: However Imperfectly, Part 2 Podcast Episode 106: However Imperfectly, Part 3 However... 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 featured events in world and United States history such as the death... 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 came out in 2014. It’s an interview in which one mom, Stacia... 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 and Style approach and are inspired by the language development activities of... read more

Premium Members’ Best Practices – Survey Results
In May 2024, IEW sent out a Best Practices Survey to all of our Premium Members, asking them for suggestions or ideas that they found to be most useful in their classrooms. The results... 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, speaking, and writing. Today’s gifts support students with learning differences and the... 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 informed the students on the first day my aims were two-fold. First,... 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 Julie Walker discuss reading and how it interlaces with the other language... 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 smile and utmost professionalism. In Podcast 173, you have the opportunity to... 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. One child might happily read a book and remember what he’s read,... 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 education and support for teachers, administrators, parents, and students. In this week’s... 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 experience with reading that evening. I knew she was bright; her vocabulary... 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 to most people. As we continue with our theme of “Furnishing the... read more

Premium Membership: Where Do I Start?
For many of our new Premium Members, glancing over the additional files now included in their account is like entering a downtown library, new card in hand, and viewing row after row of... read more

Premium Membership: Meaningful Support for Busy Educators
Whether during summertime or school time, teachers and parents are busy. Inevitably, there’s always another errand to run, room to tidy, or event to attend. With all of the activities vying for our... 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 per week. The school chooses the curriculum, and teachers assign grades and... 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 and Style methodology after initial training (either live or video) has taken... 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 charter schools are not allowed to recommend items if they are not... read more

Navigating Tricky Word Pairs
Affect or effect? Biannual or biennial? Illusion or allusion? These are just a few of the word pairs we have examined in past blog posts. These pairings can from time to time trip... read more

Getting Started with a Surprise Gift!
It is Day 12, and we are excited to announce the surprise gifts that close out IEW’s Twelve Days of Christmas Giving celebration! This year, IEW is giving you not one but two... read more

IEW and the English Language Learner, Part 1: Podcast Episode 238
This past summer IEW held an online writing conference. This event, From Imitation to Innovation, drew thousands of attendees, who hailed from all over the globe. Before we kicked off the event, we... read more

Laying a Firm Foundation
My daughter and I have enjoyed venturing back into ancient history studies this past year. Of the four-year history cycle that we study, it has always been my favorite. And out of ancient... 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 rules governing their combinations. How can children best learn all these things?... read more

What’s the Story?
Are you or your student finding yourselves sequestered by the Story Sequence Chart? Has the spotlight on Unit 3 lead to some classroom stagefright? While the transition from Unit 2 to Unit 3... read more

Getting Started with College Preparation
On Day 9 of the Twelve Days of Christmas Giving, IEW is giving you two weeks of the University-Ready Writing video course. Be sure you are registered for the event to receive the... read more

IEW: Not Just for Homeschoolers! Podcast Episode 209
The history of the Institute for Excellence in Writing stretches back in time quite a ways, all the way back to the single-room schoolhouse where Anna Ingham taught students of many ages. Designing... 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 best options for a new car or building the perfect burrito at... read more

A New Option in College Prep Testing: The Classic Learning Test
For many years there have been two primary diagnostic exams for students preparing to attend college, the SAT® and the ACT®. Now, though, there is a new exam available that is an even... read more

Barbara Freeman: Championing the University-Model® School
I recently had the opportunity to speak with a remarkable woman—Barbara Freeman. With sincerity, passion, and more energy than most, Barbara diligently works to advance the message of the University-Model school. How did... read more

One Chapter Away
# Reading Tolkien out loud while two primary-grade siblings engaged in an action-figure battle to the death was not an easy task. Competing to be heard while constant noise and motion were going on... read more

Help for the Special Journey
The month of October is filled with special observances from the silly to the serious. For example, the month claims to be, among other things, National Positive Attitude Month. Other observances include Bullying... read more

Premium Membership
If you missed the gifts given for Day 11, you can still access a Premium Membership in a couple of ways. One option is to invest in the full Teaching Writing: Structure and... read more

IEW Tools for the Journey: Webinars
As part of IEW’s continued commitment to providing parents and teachers with help for the journey of training students to be confident and competent communicators and thinkers, we are presenting a series of... 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, students learn best when they have unified support. This support primarily comes... 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 swimming at the beach or pool, and enjoy your favorite grilled foods.... read more

An Invaluable Resource: The 2018–2019 Updated Premium Membership
Value. As professionals and parents, we yearn to find value not only in the way we teach our students, but also in the materials we purchase to assist us in those efforts. And... read more

Announcing Introduction to Public Speaking!
Listen. Speak. Read. Write. Think! At IEW, these are words to live by. While the Institute for Excellence in Writing is thought of primarily for its writing curricula, the primary focus is on... 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 Writing Conference. Did you participate? It was a fabulous day featuring workshops... 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 middle schools to engage in a round-robin competition, answering questions from any... 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 the LEGOs® of Language! Most all children—especially boys—love to play with building toys,... 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 as the launching point for building oral language and vocabulary. Poetry is... read more

Recognizing National Learning Disabilities Awareness Month
For some students, learning appears to be almost as natural as breathing. They easily master the alphabet, math facts pose no problem, and writing appears to be mostly effortless. For approximately 20% of... 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 part in co-ops or other small group settings with a parent leading... 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 around the office. One of these special people is Kaitlyn Butts. Enjoy... read more

Researching the Relaxing Way
The library has always been my happy place. The smell of books. The neatly organized stacks. The access to anything I could ever possibly want to know. Our little branch library is only... read more

Customer Service Answers: A Little Help along the Way
At IEW we want the courses we provide to be ones that will excite and engage both you and your student. In order to help support you as you teach your children, we... 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, is a popular YouTuber who provides his viewers with helpful videos and... read more

Taking Notes with Unit 1
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. Every paper a student... 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 the year students progress through nine structural units. After one, two, or maybe... 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 and Style® methodology. While some create their own lessons, most prefer ready-made... read more

Beyond Books
Last week I visited my local library—one of my favorite places to be. On this particular occasion my daughter came with me. She was going there to meet with other homeschooled high schoolers... 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 found in a Sound City! Building a Sound City bulletin board delightfully... 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 far, but when used properly, it can be a lovely thing. From... 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 IEW remotely. As a common small talk question, peers often ask me... read more

Support for a Memorable Year Ahead
The year 2020 has certainly been extraordinary. In early spring we were plunged into a worldwide pandemic that we are still trying to navigate. In response to the interruption of schools and the... 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 Andrew Pudewa describes in the Teaching Writing: Structure and Style seminar as... read more

The Brain Benefits of a Great Book
Some of my earliest memories center around literature. As a young child, I recall many happy hours spent sitting next to my grandma in her formal parlor, listening to her read short stories,... 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 over twenty-five years ago, teachers could only learn the Structure and Style... 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 careers in journalism. We would unequivocally say yes! As proof, we would... read more

Customer Service Answers: Reading and Literature
As you begin to plan for the upcoming school year, you may have questions about what types of products IEW offers that focus on literature. This post will help you identify and clarify... read more

Summer Fun in (and out) of the Sun: Considering Clubs
While the official start of summer is still a few weeks away, Memorial Day unofficially ushers in the highly anticipated season. Over the next few weeks, we are going to share some ideas... read more

From the Forums: Teachers Making a Difference
“We now must exhort each other; let us continue to train our students in the use of this great weaponry—the skills of written and spoken English, so that when the crises arise, we... read more

Stylistic Techniques: The Who/Which Clause
After students learn how to insert a -ly adverb, the next stylistic technique they learn to construct is a who/which clause, a type of adjective clause. In grammar, a clause has two parts:... 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. In this blog post we take a closer look at our theme-based... read more

A Simple Focus on What Works: Dr. Webster’s Two-Question Test
Teachers by nature are seekers of new and innovative tools to improve our teaching. We sign up for workshops, attend in-services, read books, and scour social media for strategies to add to our... 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 to feature a student who has a passion for writing fiction and... read more

Teaching IEW in a Classical Homeschool Cooperative
Frederick East Classical, a relatively new homeschool cooperative, is taking central Maryland by storm. In its inaugural year alone, many families flocked to it, filling it to capacity. Structured using a classical approach,... read more

Fascinating Facts about the Iditarod Trail
One of Andrew Pudewa’s Structure and Style for Students high school students was Andrew Vasher. He also joined the IEW team as a junior, supporting IEW’s marketing team. One of his goals, in... read more

Perfecting Pieces for Publication—An Interview with Maria Gerber
Behind every great writer is a great editor. This holds true for nearly all great authors, and for us at IEW. IEW has a small but sharp team of editors who work 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 teacher sees all the mistakes, how does one avoid the inevitable frustration?... read more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Teacher Resources
If you missed the gifts given for Day 5, you can still access these resources: Podcast Episode 104: However Imperfectly, Part 1 Podcast... 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

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

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

Premium Members’ Best Practices – Survey Results
In May 2024, IEW sent out a Best Practices Survey to all of our Premium Members, asking them for suggestions or... 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Premium Membership: Where Do I Start?
For many of our new Premium Members, glancing over the additional files now included in their account is like entering a... read more

Premium Membership: Meaningful Support for Busy Educators
Whether during summertime or school time, teachers and parents are busy. Inevitably, there’s always another errand to run, room to tidy,... 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

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

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

Navigating Tricky Word Pairs
Affect or effect? Biannual or biennial? Illusion or allusion? These are just a few of the word pairs we have examined... read more

Getting Started with a Surprise Gift!
It is Day 12, and we are excited to announce the surprise gifts that close out IEW’s Twelve Days of Christmas... read more

IEW and the English Language Learner, Part 1: Podcast Episode 238
This past summer IEW held an online writing conference. This event, From Imitation to Innovation, drew thousands of attendees, who hailed... read more

Laying a Firm Foundation
My daughter and I have enjoyed venturing back into ancient history studies this past year. Of the four-year history cycle that... 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

What’s the Story?
Are you or your student finding yourselves sequestered by the Story Sequence Chart? Has the spotlight on Unit 3 lead to... read more

Getting Started with College Preparation
On Day 9 of the Twelve Days of Christmas Giving, IEW is giving you two weeks of the University-Ready Writing video... read more

IEW: Not Just for Homeschoolers! Podcast Episode 209
The history of the Institute for Excellence in Writing stretches back in time quite a ways, all the way back to... 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

A New Option in College Prep Testing: The Classic Learning Test
For many years there have been two primary diagnostic exams for students preparing to attend college, the SAT® and the ACT®.... read more

Barbara Freeman: Championing the University-Model® School
I recently had the opportunity to speak with a remarkable woman—Barbara Freeman. With sincerity, passion, and more energy than most, Barbara... read more

One Chapter Away
# Reading Tolkien out loud while two primary-grade siblings engaged in an action-figure battle to the death was not an easy task.... read more

Help for the Special Journey
The month of October is filled with special observances from the silly to the serious. For example, the month claims to... read more

Premium Membership
If you missed the gifts given for Day 11, you can still access a Premium Membership in a couple of ways.... read more

IEW Tools for the Journey: Webinars
As part of IEW’s continued commitment to providing parents and teachers with help for the journey of training students to be... 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

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

An Invaluable Resource: The 2018–2019 Updated Premium Membership
Value. As professionals and parents, we yearn to find value not only in the way we teach our students, but also... read more

Announcing Introduction to Public Speaking!
Listen. Speak. Read. Write. Think! At IEW, these are words to live by. While the Institute for Excellence in Writing is... 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

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

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

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

Recognizing National Learning Disabilities Awareness Month
For some students, learning appears to be almost as natural as breathing. They easily master the alphabet, math facts pose no... 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

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

Researching the Relaxing Way
The library has always been my happy place. The smell of books. The neatly organized stacks. The access to anything I... read more

Customer Service Answers: A Little Help along the Way
At IEW we want the courses we provide to be ones that will excite and engage both you and your student.... 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

Taking Notes with Unit 1
IEW teaches students to write with structure and with style. Style includes vocabulary. Structure is the elements found in compositions. Throughout... 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

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

Beyond Books
Last week I visited my local library—one of my favorite places to be. On this particular occasion my daughter came with... 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

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

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

Support for a Memorable Year Ahead
The year 2020 has certainly been extraordinary. In early spring we were plunged into a worldwide pandemic that we are still... 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

The Brain Benefits of a Great Book
Some of my earliest memories center around literature. As a young child, I recall many happy hours spent sitting next to... 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

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

Customer Service Answers: Reading and Literature
As you begin to plan for the upcoming school year, you may have questions about what types of products IEW offers... read more

Summer Fun in (and out) of the Sun: Considering Clubs
While the official start of summer is still a few weeks away, Memorial Day unofficially ushers in the highly anticipated season.... read more

From the Forums: Teachers Making a Difference
“We now must exhort each other; let us continue to train our students in the use of this great weaponry—the skills... read more

Stylistic Techniques: The Who/Which Clause
After students learn how to insert a -ly adverb, the next stylistic technique they learn to construct is a who/which clause,... 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

A Simple Focus on What Works: Dr. Webster’s Two-Question Test
Teachers by nature are seekers of new and innovative tools to improve our teaching. We sign up for workshops, attend in-services,... 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

Teaching IEW in a Classical Homeschool Cooperative
Frederick East Classical, a relatively new homeschool cooperative, is taking central Maryland by storm. In its inaugural year alone, many families... read more

Fascinating Facts about the Iditarod Trail
One of Andrew Pudewa’s Structure and Style for Students high school students was Andrew Vasher. He also joined the IEW team... read more

Perfecting Pieces for Publication—An Interview with Maria Gerber
Behind every great writer is a great editor. This holds true for nearly all great authors, and for us at IEW.... 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
"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.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- "Structure and Style with Primary Students: A Conversation with Linda Mikottis"
- Linda Mikottis
- Anna Ingham
- The Blended Sound-Sight Program of Learning by Anna Ingham
- Dr. James B. Webster
- Blended Structure and Style in Composition by Dr. James B. Webster
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization
- IEW School Website
- Schools: Level P (Primary) Resources
- Primary Arts of Language
- Structure and Style for Students
- "Miss Mary Mack"
- "The Crocodile" by Lewis Carroll
- "For Want of a Nail" by Anon
- "The Fox & the Goat" by Aesop
- Writing to Read: Evidence for How Writing Can Improve Reading
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
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:
- Jill Pike
- Dr. James B. Webster
- Anna Ingham, C.M.
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style, Second Edition
- The Primary Arts of Language (PAL) by Jill Pike
- The Blended Sound-Sight Program of Learning by Anna Ingham, C.M.
- The Primary Arts of Language: Writing Complete Packet
- Primary Arts of Language: Phonetic Games
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
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:
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Spelling and the Brain webinar.
- Webinar Archive
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Upgrade
- High School Essay Intensive
- Classroom Poster
- Mini posters
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Writing Source Packet
- Spelling and the Brain
- The Phonetic Zoo
- IEW's Founders and History
- English from the Roots Up by Joegil K Lundquist
- Rummy Roots Card Game
- Memoria Press
- Akeelah and The Bee Movie
- Spell Bound Movie
- The Phonetic Zoo Placement Test
- Advanced Spelling & Vocabulary by James B. Webster, Ph.D., Andrew Pudewa, & Maria Gerber
- Primary Arts of Language
- Primary Arts of Language: Phonetic Farm by Jill Pike and Anna Ingham, C.M.
- Sound City Audiotalk by Shirley George
- E-Newsletters Archive
- Magnum Opus
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 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.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- Classroom Posters
- Primary Arts of Language
- Portable Walls for Structure and Style Students
- Tools for Young Writers
- Portable Walls: Grammar on the Go
- Portable Walls for the Essayist [Discontinued]
- The Blended Sound-Sight Program of Learning by Anna Ingham, C.M.
- Stucture and Style Overview DVD
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Becoming an IEW Instructor
- Classroom Supplement and Lesson Plans
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
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
- Cultivating Language Arts
- Primary Arts of Language (PAL)
- Homeschool Legal Defense Association
- National Christian Forensics and Communications Association
- Stoa
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 375
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
Are you teaching through Unit 4 and interested to know the ins and outs of the unit? Join Andrew in this two-part webinar recording, as he discusses Unit 4, the lynchpin unit, explaining both the process and purpose of the unit as well as the topic/clincher rule and how it is to be used.
GO TO PART 2
Referenced Materials:
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Units 4 webinar.
- Webinar Archive
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Upgrade
- Student Writing Intensive by Andrew Pudewa and Jill Pike
- Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
- Magnus Opus Magazine
- Writing Source Packet
- Premium Subscription
- U.S History-Based Writing Lessons by Lori Verstegen
- Free Aesop Fables Online
- Mini Posters
- Classroom Posters
- Anna Ingham
- Dr. James B. Webster
- Blended Structure and Style in Composition by Dr. James B. Webster
- IEW Families Forum
- IEW Teachers Forum
- Monthly e-Newsletter
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 4 and interested to know the ins and outs of the unit? Join Andrew in this two-part webinar recording, as he discusses Unit 4, the lynchpin unit, explaining both the process and purpose of the unit as well as the topic/clincher rule and how it is to be used.
GO TO PART 1
Referenced Materials:
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Units 4 webinar.
- Webinar Archive
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Upgrade
- Rockets, Radar, and Robotics by Danielle Olander and Nathaniel Olander
- Magnus Opus Magazine
- Writing Source Packet
- Premium Subscription
- Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons by Lori Verstegen
- U.S History-Based Writing Lessons by Lori Verstegen
- Student Writing Intensive by Andrew Pudewa and Jill Pike
- Free Aesop Fables Online
- Mini Posters
- Classroom Posters
- Anna Ingham
- Dr. James B. Webster
- Blended Structure and Style in Composition by Dr. James B. Webster
- IEW Families Forum
- IEW Teachers Forum
- Monthly e-Newsletter
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 2
Referenced Materials:
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Spelling and the Brain webinar.
- Webinar Archive
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Upgrade
- High School Essay Intensive [Discontinued]
- Classroom Posters
- Mini Posters
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Writing Source Packet
- Spelling and the Brain
- The Phonetic Zoo
- Anna Ingham
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
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!
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- Jessica Walker
- Demonstration Lesson - Primary
- Click here to enter the Primary Arts of Language: Reading-Writing Complete Package giveaway.
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 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.
Referenced Materials:
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Units 3 webinar.
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Upgrade
- Premium Subscription
- Free Aesop Fables Online
- Anna Ingham
- Dr. James B. Webster
- Blended Structure and Style in Composition by Dr. James B. Webster, Ph.D
- Mini Posters
- Classroom Posters
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons by Lori Verstegen
- Writing Source Packet
- Magnum Opus Magazine
- IEW Families Forum
- IEW Teachers Forum
- Monthly e-Newsletter
- Blog
QUESTIONS ASKED:
- 24:04 - Liz asks, "What are your recommendations for supporting a parent whose first language is not English?"
- 25:09 - Amy asks, "as the students use computers more and more, I'm finding that the rough draft is being typed on the computer, edited on the computer, and then printed as a final draft. Should I require my students to print the rough draft, mark it up, correct it, and then re-print it?"
- 27:12 - Tracy asks, "I have a fourth grader doing IEW along with two middle school students, still now working on the who/which and adding -ly next week. The two older are doing -ly, who/which, strong verb, and because clause. How do I catch him up and not make him feel we are going too fast?"
- 28:59 - Savina asks, "Regarding the source can you use a child's own story as a starting point?"
- 30:41 - Michelle asks, "When asking questions and you have more than 3 words to answer, can you add the additional info into a new number?"
- 31:26 - Christina asks, "I'm having a hard time getting my child to re-tell the story. He is eight."
- 32:39 - Janet asks, "Do you need to write a line in the outline for each sentence?"
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 registered trademark of the Institute for Excellence in Writing, L.L.C.
In this two-part webinar recording, Andrew and old-time friend and mentor Dr. Webster walk you through Unit 8: Formal Essay Models. Join us as Andrew explains the elements of an essay and discusses what differentiates Unit 8 from the previous units. Additionally, Dr. Webster answers questions and provides suggestions for tackling essay assignments.
Go To PART 2
Referenced Materials:
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Unit 8 webinar.
- Dr. James B. Webster
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Mini Posters
- Instructor Accreditation Program
- Blended Structure & Style in Composition by Dr. James B. Webster
- High School Essay Intensive
- Andrew's Engagements
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:
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Units 5 webinar.
- Webinar Archive
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Upgrade
- Magnus Opus Magazine
- Premium Subscription
- Mini Posters
- Dr. James B. Webster
- IEW Teachers Forum
- Monthly e-Newsletter
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
As you near the end of the school year, get the information and motivation you need to finish strong with Unit 9: Formal Critiques. In this two-part webinar, Andrew explains the purpose of Unit 9 and how to teach it to your students, walks you through a Unit 9 sample composition, describes the difference between a fiction and a non-fiction critique, and much more.
GO TO PART 2
Referenced Materials:
- "Book Report" from "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown!"
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Unit 9 webinar.
- Webinar Archive
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Upgrade
- High School Essay Intensive
- Casey at the Bat by Ernest Lawrence Thayer
- Classroom Poster
- Mini posters
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Writing Source Packet
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
Why is writing so easy for some kids, but not for others? Why do some students not enjoy writing? Join Andrew in our Unit 7 Webinar as he discusses the “Blank-Brain, Blank-Page Syndrome” and addresses a few of the roadblocks to winsome writing.
GO TO PART 2
Referenced Materials:
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Unit 7 webinar.
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Dr. James B. Webster
- I Keep Six Honest Serving Men by Rudyard Kipling
- Aesop's Fables
- Webinar Archive
- Mini Posters
- Magnum Opus Magazine
Questions Asked
- 14:15-Jill asks "Is the Topic-Clincher rule connected with the dress-ups?"
- 15:26-Anne Marie asks "Is the who-which clause the hardest or does it just depend on the student?"
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's the purpose of the checklist? This question is often asked by students as well parents. Join Andrew Pudewa as he shares salient points about IEW's stylistic techniques and discusses the powerful benefits that come about when you require the checklist for your students' writing.
Go to Part 2
Referenced Materials:
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Sailing Through Style webinar.
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Anna Ingham
- The Blended Sound-Sight Program of Learning by Anna Ingham
- Portable Walls
- Portable Walls for Essayist
- Mini Posters
- IEW Writing Tools Lite
- IEW Writing Tools
- A Word Write Now
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
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:
- Pen and Paper: What the Research Says
- Article
- Audio talk
- Podcast Series: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
- "Top 10 Reasons to Learn Cursive" by Iris Hatfield
- Primary Arts of Language
- Anna Ingham
- Cursive Knowledge by Jill Pike
- "Biological and Psychology Benefits of Learning Cursive" by Dr. William R. Klemm
- Retrain the Brain
- "The Benefits of Cursive Writing" by Sam Blumenfeld
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 walks you through Unit 8, the daunting essay. Andrew will take you through the step-by-step process of crafting an essay so that you can understand the basic structure, discussing the various essay types and their differences. To ensure maximum understanding, he will also guide you through a practicum assignment.
Go To Part 2
Referenced Materials:
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Unit 8 webinar.
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Student Writing Intensive by Andrew Pudewa and Jill Pike
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Blended Sound-Sight Program of Learning by Anna Ingham
- Portable Walls for the Essayist
- Webinar Archive
- Mini Posters
- Magnum Opus Magazine
Questions Asked
- 18:40-Anne asks "My 11-year-old boy is writing his essay on 'medieval sports.' What would be a (good) question?"
- 21:21-Deborah asks "I'm not clear about the difference between the essay in unit 6 and 8. In both, we state our opinion in the conclusion. Can you explain?"
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
Is your student overwhelmed by having too many sources to write from? Join Andrew as he discusses Unit 6 and provides tips and suggestions for collecting, organizing, and summarizing facts from multiple references.
Go To Part 2
Referenced Materials:
- Click Here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Unit 6 webinar.
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- All Things Fun & Fascinating by Lori Verstegen
- Fables, Myths, and Fairy Tales by Maria Gerber
- Mini Posters
- Portable Walls
- National History Day
- IEW Teacher's Forum
- Monthly e-Newsletter
- Magnus Opus Magazine
Questions Asked
- 7:30 - Debbie asks "Why is unit 6 not attempted with 3rd graders?"
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 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:
- Pen and Paper: What the Research Says
- Article
- Audio talk
- Podcast Series: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
- "Top 10 Reasons to Learn Cursive" by Iris Hatfield
- Primary Arts of Language
- Anna Ingham
- Cursive Knowledge by Jill Pike
- "Biological and Psychology Benefits of Learning Cursive" by Dr. William R. Klemm
- Retrain the Brain
- "The Benefits of Cursive Writing" by Sam Blumenfeld
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
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:
- Kristi Clover's Website
- Sanity Savers for Moms by Kristi Clover
- Primary Arts of Language
- The Ultimate Homeschool Organization eCourse by Kristi Clover
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Fix It! Grammar
- The Phonetic Zoo
- Kristi's Facebook Page
- Kristi's YouTube Channel
DISCOUNT CODE:
Enter coupon code IEW30 during checkout to get $30 off The Ultimate Homeschool Organization eCourse by Kristi Clover. Hurry! 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
Is your student overwhelmed by having too many sources to write from? Join Andrew as he discusses Unit 6 and provides tips and suggestions for collecting, organizing, and summarizing facts from multiple references.
Go To Part 2
Referenced Materials:
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Unit 6 webinar.
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Bible Heroes Writing Lessons by Lori Verstegen
- All Things Fun & Fascinating by Lori Verstegen
- Fables, Myths, and Fairy Tales by Maria Gerber
- Following Narnia by Laura Bettis
- Mini Posters
- Portable Walls
- Student Writing Intensive
- National History Day
- IEW Teacher's Forum
- Monthly e-Newsletter
- Magnum Opus Magazine
Questions Asked
- 7:30 - Debbie asks, "Why is unit 6 not attempted with 3rd graders?"
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
Often students as well as parents struggle with moving forward on the checklist. In this two-part episode, Andrew provides salient points on the stylistic techniques and offers advice, from being strict with the checklist to not drowning your students with more than they can handle.
Go To Part 2
Referenced Materials:
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Sailing Through Style webinar.
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Dr. James B. Webster
- Blended Structure & Style in Composition by James B. Webster
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Mini Posters
- Anna Ingham
- The Blended Sound-Sight Program of Learning by Anna Ingham
- Magnum Opus Magazine
- Portable Walls
- Portable Walls for Essayist
- Tools for Young Writers
- Portable Walls: Grammar on the Go
- IEW Writing Tools
- A Word Write Now
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:
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Units 5 webinar.
- Webinar Archive
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Upgrade
- Mini Posters
- The Mysteries of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg
- Dr.James B. Webster
- Good Dog, Carl: A Classic Board Book by Alexandra Day
- Magnus Opus Magazine
- Premium Subscription
- IEW Families Forum
- IEW Teachers Forum
- Monthly e-Newsletter
- Questions from Audience
- Kelly asks, "Do you think using pictures from actual historical events limit the student's creativity?"
- Kim asks, "What is the pluperfect tense?"
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
As you begin this new school year, be encouraged to make a great start in public speaking and writing. Andrew reviews Units 1 and 2 of the IEW syllabus, Note Making and Outlines and Writing from Notes, giving you tips and tricks for easy implementation. Learn how to lay a solid foundation for your students' coming year.
go to Part 2
Referenced Materials:
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Units 1 and 2 webinar.
- Webinar Archive
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Upgrade
- Premium Subscription
- Mini Posters
- Classroom Posters
- The Fox and the Grapes-An Aesop's Fable
- Free Aesop's Fables Online
- Blended Sound-Sight Program of Learning by Anna Ingham
- Blended Structure and Style in Composition by Dr. James B. Webster, Ph.D
- Magnum Opus Magazine
- Monthly e-Newsletter
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.
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:
- Jill Pike
- Podcast with Jill Pike
- Kristin Boutross
- The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing
- Anna Ingham
- The Gift of Dyslexia by Ronald D. Davis (Amazon Affiliate)
- Barton Reading and Spelling System
- "Thoughts on Dyslexia" by Andrew Pudewa
- Classical Conversations
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization Andrew Pudewa
- Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik (Amazon Affiliate)
- Primary Arts of Language
- The Family Hope Center
- The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential
- Understanding Child Brain Development by Matthew and Carol Newell
- Read-Aloud Revival
- Carry on, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham (Amazon Affiliate)
- Cursive Knowledge by Jill Pike
-
- Article
- Audio talk Pen and Paper
- Teaching Boys & Other Children Who Would Rather Make Forts All Day Audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Andrew Kern
- A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket (Amazon Affiliate)
- The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog by John R. Erickson (Amazon Affiliate)
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Writing Source Packet
- Forum
- Martin Cothran
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 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.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- "Homeschool 101"
- Homeschooling Help Facebook Page
- Podcast with Dr. Carol Swain
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
- Culture, Curriculum, and Care
- Free Language Arts Lessons from IEW
- Try a free Fix It! Grammar Lesson
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization Freebie
- Primary Arts of Language
- Spelling Sample Lessons
- "IEW Book Recommendations" by Andrew Pudewa
- Read-Aloud Revival
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
- Jennifer Mauser
- Learning Differences? IEW can help!
- International Dyslexia Association
- Barton Reading & Spelling System
- Podcast Episode with Susan Barton
- Podcast Episodes with Brock and Fernette Eide
- Instructor Accreditation Program
- Episode 362: ADHD — Strategies for Success
- “So What, Exactly, Is Dysgraphia?” by Jennifer Mauser
- Cursive Knowledge
- Primary Arts of Language
- Bleak House by Charles Dickens
- ADDitude
- IEW's Blog
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 378
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
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:
- Dragon Dictate Software
- Learning Disabilities Association of America
- "The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing"
- "Pen and Paper: What the Research Says"
- Podcast Series: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
- Article
- Audio talk
- Primary Arts of Language
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization
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 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:
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Units 3 webinar.
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Upgrade
- Premium Subscription
- Free Aesop Fables Online
- Mini Posters
- Classroom Posters
- The Arts of Language:
- Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing
- Writing Source Packet
- Teaching the Classics by Adam and Missy Andrews
- Fables, Myths, and Fairy Tales Writing Lessons by Maria Gerber
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- The Boy Who Cried Alien by Marilyn Singer
- How to Write a Story by Lee Roddy
- A Guide to Writing Your Novel by Lee Roddy
- Magnum Opus Magazine
- IEW Families Forum
- IEW Teachers Forum
- Monthly e-Newsletter
- Blog
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.
For many, August is a month of anticipation as the start of the school year approaches. In this week's episode, Andrew and Julie address teachers who will be using IEW's method in the classroom. From tips on decorating the classroom to suggestions on equipping yourself, you’ll learn some practical and effective preparations for a successful year of teaching with Structure and Style!
Referenced Materials:
- Premium Membership
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Structure and Style for Students
- Classroom Posters
- Portable Walls
- IEW School Site
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Implementation Coaches
- Structure and Style for Students: A Trustworthy Way to Teach Your Students to Write
- Webinar Archive
- "The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing"
- Structure and Style Overview
- Nurturing Success: Serving Schools of Every Kind
- "Off to a Strong Start: Preparing for Writing Instruction with Structure and Style" by Jean B. Nichols
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:
- "Thoughts on Dyslexia" by Andrew Pudewa
- Barton Reading and Spelling System
- Lindamood-Bell
- The Blended Sound-Sight Program of Learning by Anna Ingham, C.M.
- Primary Arts of Language by Jill Pike
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style, Second Edition
- "Special needs? IEW can help!" by Jill Pike
- The Phonetic Zoo
- Premium Membership
- "The Power of Memorization"
- Nurturing Competent Communicators by Andrew Pudewa
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization
- Student Writing Intensive (Discontinued)
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
Is your student overwhelmed by having too many sources to write from? Join Andrew as he discusses Unit 6 and provides tips and suggestions for collecting, organizing, and summarizing facts from multiple references.
Go To Part 1
Referenced Materials:
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Unit 6 webinar.
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)
- EasyBib
- Beowulf
- Writing Source Packet
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- All Things Fun & Fascinating by Lori Verstegen
- Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons by Lori Verstegen
- Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons by Lori Verstegen
- Following Narnia by Laura Bettis
- Bible-Based Writing Lessons by Andrew Pudewa and James B. Webster, Ph.D.
- Rockets, Radar, and Robotics by Danielle and Nathaniel Olander
- Fables, Myths, and Fairy Tales by Maria Gerber
- Portable Walls
- Mini Posters
- Magnum Opus Magazine
- Questions Asked
- 23:07- Jenny asks, "I gave my 9th grader source text about Beowulf for a commentary analysis and he used that for his research. He is excited about it and is eager to add in an intro and conclusion and some transitions between paragraphs. Is there a reason why I should hold him back from that at this point if I haven't taught him these skills yet? Or, should I tell him to wait until unit 7 and 8 before adding those elements to make a complete essay?"
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 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
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- "More about Overcoming Obstacles in Teaching Reading and Writing"
- Success in Teaching Writing: A Special Education Writing Conference from IEW
- Primary Arts of Language
- Structure and Style for Students
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- "The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing"
- However Imperfectly
- The Dyslexic Advantage: A Conversation with Brock and Fernette Eide
- IEW and Dyslexia: A Conversation with Susan Barton
- Glenn Doman
- The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential
- Special needs? IEW can help!
- "Understanding Child Brain Development"
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:
- The Iliad of Homer translated by Richmond Lattimore
- The Blended Sound-Sight Program of Learning by Anna Ingham
- Primary Arts of Language by Jill Pike
- The Odyssey of Homer translated by Richmond Lattimore
- Mother Goose, Ph.D. by David Arns
- Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization by Andrew Pudewa
- The Power of Memorization
- Casey at the Bat by Ernest Thayer
- Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll
- Grammar of Poetry by Matt Whitling
- Macbeth by William Shakespeare
- The Hollow Hills by Mary Stewart
- Dante's Purgatorio Translated by Jean and Robert Hollander
- The Death of Christian Culture † by John Senior
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:
- "Special Needs? IEW can help!"
- SPED: Struggles and Suggestions: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
- The Four Language Arts
- Primary Arts of Language
- The Blended Sound-Sight Program of Learning by Anna Ingham
- Anna Ingham
- Fix It! Grammar
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Student Writing Intensive (Discontinued)
- Fables, Myths, and Fairy Tales Writing Lessons by Maria Gerber
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization by Andrew Pudewa
- Temple Grandin
- "Process versus Product" by Andrew Pudewa
- Marie's letter to IEW
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's the purpose of the checklist? This question is often asked by students as well parents. Join Andrew Pudewa as he shares salient points about IEW's stylistic techniques and discusses the powerful benefits that come about when you require the checklist for your students' writing.
Go to Part 1
Referenced Materials:
- Click Here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Unit 6 webinar.
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- The Pudue Online Writing Lab (OWL)
- EasyBib
- Beowulf
- Writing Source Packet
- Theme-Based Writing
- All Things Fun & Fascinating by Lori Vertegen
- Classical Rhetoric through Structure and Style by Adam Muller, Ph.D.
- Rockets, Radar, and Robotics by Danielle and Nathaniel Olander
- Bible-Based Writing Lessons by Andrew Pudewa and James B. Webster, Ph.D.
- Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons
- Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons by Lori Verstegen
- U.S History-Based Writing Lessons
- Fables, Myths, and Fairy Tales by Maria Gerber
- Following Narnia by Laura Bettis
- Portable Walls
- Mini Posters
- Magnum Opus Magazine
- Questions Asked
- 23:07- Jenny asks "I gave my 9th grader source text about beowulf for a commentary analysis and he used that for his research. He is excited about it and is eager to add in an intro and conclusion and some transitions between paragraphs. Is there a reason why I should hold him back from that at this point if I haven't taught him these skills yet? Or should I tell him to wait until unit 7 and 8 before adding those elements to make a complete essay?"
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!
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- "Teaching Writing Can Be Easier Than You Think!"
- IEW's 2021 Writing Conference
- Writing Conference Resources
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Bible-Based Writing Lessons
- Structure and Style for Students
- Online Classes
- Fix-It! Grammar
- Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization
- Nurturing Competent Communicators by Andrew Pudewa
- The Phonetic Zoo
- IEW's School Site
- Bible Heroes Writing Lessons
- Primary Arts of Language
- Cooking with Structure and Style
- IEW's Forum
- IEW's Blog
- e-Newsletters
- Michelle Robinson
- "Convert ... to Pens!" by Andrew Pudewa
- Wee Sing
- IEW's YouTube Channel
- Teaching the Classics by Adam and Missy Andrews
- CenterForLit
- "The Colloquium Environment" by Andrew Pudewa
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
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.
REFERENCED MATERIALS:
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied Laura in the Experience Excellence in Writing webinar.
- Laura House
- Student Writing Intensive
- Megan Horst
- Magnum Opus Magazine
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Classroom Supplement and Lesson Plans
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- Student Writing Intensive Continuation Course
- U.S History-Based Writing Lessons by Lori Verstegen
- World History-Based Writing Lessons by Lori Verstegen
- Following Narnia Volume 1: The Lion's Song by Laura Bettis
- Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons Lori Verstegen
- Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons Lori Verstegen
- Fables, Myths, and Fairy Tales Writing Lessons by Maria Gerber
- All Things Fun & Fascinating by Lori Verstegen
- Bible Heroes Writing Lessons Lori Verstegen
- Portable Walls
- Fix-It! Grammar
- The Phonetic Zoo
- All About Spelling
- Primary Arts of Language
- e-Newsletter
- Webinars
- Forum
- Blog
- IEW's Facebook Page
- Becoming an IEW Instructor
- Online Classes
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
As you near the end of the school year, get the information and motivation you need to finish strong with Unit 9: Formal Critiques. In this two-part webinar, Andrew explains the purpose of Unit 9 and how to teach it to your students, walks you through a Unit 9 sample composition, describes the difference between a fiction and a non-fiction critique, and much more.
GO TO PART 1
Referenced Materials:
- "Book Report" from "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown!"
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Structure and Style Unit 9 webinar.
- Webinar Archive
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Upgrade
- Windows to the World by Lesha Myers
- The Four Deadly Errors
- Theme-Based Writing Lessons
- High School Essay Intensive
- Aesop's Fables
- Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons by Lori Verstegen
- Genghis Khan and His Hawk by James Baldwin
- The Story of Gelert
- Micro Business for Teens by Carol Topp
- Classroom Poster
- Mini Posters
- Writing Source Packet
- Forums
- Newsletters
- Magnum Opus Magazine
- Blog
QUESTIONS ASKED:
- 6:03 - Jennifer asks "How do you know a high schooler is ready for literary analysis? What should I be looking for in his essays to know he's proficient? How many times do they need to go through the different units before they're ready to go onto something like Windows to the World"
- 11:31 - Heather asks "Do IEW's material ever teach a three level outline?"
- 12:57 - Sherry asks "Any tips for students to write in the present tense when writing about the story?"
- 14:55 - Anne-Marie asks "In Genghis Khan and his Hawk, my son felt that the death of the hawk was needless. He felt that loyalty is usually rewarded but not in this story. Is his opinion valid because it seems the death of the hawk makes the story so emotional?"
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). 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:
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style, Second Edition
- The Phonetic Zoo
- Level P (Primary) Resources for Grades K–2
- Blended Structure and Style in Composition by James B. Webster, Ph.D.
- The Blended Sound-Sight Program of Learning by Anna Ingham, C.M.
- Order of Canada
- Biola Youth Academics
- Bible-Based Writing Lessons by Andrew Pudewa and James B. Webster, Ph.D.
- Experience Excellence in Writing Free Monthly Webinar
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
"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
- "Talking about the Intangibles"
- Dr. James B. Webster
- Anna Ingham
- Blended Structure & Style in Composition by Dr. James B. Webster
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Structure and Style for Students
- 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson
- "Make Your Bed Speech" by Navy Seal, Admiral William McRaven
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
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style® (TWSS)
- Episode 354: Paper and Pen — What the Research Says
- Duolingo
- Episode 333: Letter to the Editor
- From Copywork to Composition: Teaching Writing through Imitation audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 442
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 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:
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style, Second Edition
- Redwall by Brian Jacques (Amazon Affiliate Link)
- Mini Posters
- Student Resource Notebook
- IEW Audio Downloads
- Free Downloadable Content
Remember to send your questions to Podcast@IEW.com, and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).
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
- "The Four Language Arts"
- Classical Conversations
- Primary Arts of Language
- The Underground History of American Education by John Taylor Gatto
- Moby Dick by Herman Melville
- The Odyssey by Homer
- Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
- The Core by Leigh A. Bortins
- The Question by Leigh A. Bortins
- The Conversation by Leigh A. Bortins
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 346
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.
“Hard work is immensely satisfying.” In this week’s podcast Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss the mentally hard work of reading books like Moby-Dick. Andrew suggests that entertainment is not the primary purpose to read a challenging classic. If you aren’t already reading classics, listen for some of Andrew’s and Julie’s suggestions for how to start.
Referenced Materials
- Moby-Dick; Or, The Whale by Herman Melville
- Leaf by Niggle by J.R.R. Tolkein
- The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis
- IEW Book Recommendations
- Moby-Dick audio book
- Anna Karenina audio book
- Billy Budd by Herman Melville
- The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy
- Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
- A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 431
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 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
- Structure and Style® for Students
- Structure and Style for Students free lessons
- Accredited Instructors
- IEW® Gradebook
- Primary Arts of Language (PAL)
- The Phonetic Zoo
- “Why Hire an Editor?”
- Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Premium Membership
- Portable Walls™ for Structure and Style Students
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
- Fix It!® Grammar
- Fix It! Grammar free lessons
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 470
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
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.
GO TO PART 1
Referenced Materials:
- Click here to download the slides that accompanied the original Sailing Through Style webinar.
- Webinar Archive
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Upgrade
- Grammar
- Fix It! Grammar
- Portable Walls
- Bible-Based Writing Lessons by Andrew Pudewa and Dr. James Webster
- Introduction to Fix It! Grammar Webinar
- Magnum Opus Magazine
- Premium Subscription
- Mini Posters
- IEW Teachers Forum
- Monthly e-Newsletter
- IEW Writing Tools Lite
- IEW Writing Tools
- Questions from the Audience
- 27:40- Anne asks "Would you have a child copy a poster?"
- 29:10-Juella asks "Is it possible to teach multiple levels of writing without doing multiple curricula?"
- 30:44-Kim asks "Where is the fix it grammar webinar?"
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
It’s time for another Live Ask Andrew Anything episode! Join Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker as they answer questions from listeners. They were joined by Nicki Truesdell, who asked “How much grammar and writing do you think is necessary throughout the years of K-12?” Andrew and Julie also answer questions about Structure and Style® for Students, The Phonetic Zoo, instructor accreditation, and many others. This episode covers all things IEW!
Referenced Materials
- Nicki Truesdell
- Structure and Style® for Students
- Fix It!™ Grammar
- U.S. History-Based Writing Lessons
- Episode 398: Think like Shakespeare, Part 1
- How to Think like Shakespeare: Lessons from a Renaissance Education by Scott Newstok
- Anyone Can Homeschool by Nicki Truesdell
- University-Ready Writing
- Free Fix It! Grammar lessons
- Structure and Style for Students: Year 1 Level B
- Find an Instructor
- Primary Arts of Language
- The Phonetic Zoo
- Spelling and the Brain audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- All About Spelling
- From Composition to Copywork audio talk by Andrew Pudewa
- Apply for Accreditation
- Introduction to Public Speaking
- IEW Speech Contest
- Transcript of Podcast Episode 430
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.
Click here to read the answer in a post by IEW Schools Division Administrator Jean Nichols.
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.
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):
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.
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.