The Arts of Language Podcast

Why is it important to teach grammar? How does grammar help with comprehension and skills beyond just knowing the parts of speech? Listen as Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker dive into this valuable subject. Andrew shares a bit of the history behind the Fix It!® Grammar series and talks about why it is an effective method of teaching grammar. Referenced Materials But . . . but . . . but . . . What about Grammar? Fix It! Grammar Fix It! Grammar free lessons Transcript of Podcast Episode 519   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA). If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

  In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker highlight the IEW Checklist Generator™ that allows teachers and teaching parents to customize their students’ checklists and to provide clear and reasonable expectations for assignments. They also discuss the intangible benefits of using the checklist, such as helping students organize their work and learn responsibility to “do what you check and check what you do.” Referenced Materials Episode 516: The Power of the Checklist Portable Walls™ for Structure and Style® Students A Word Write Now IEW Writing Toolbox app The IEW Checklist Generator, Making EZ+1 Easy! Premium Membership Transcript of Podcast Episode 518   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 episode is a recording of Julie Walker presenting the EZ+1: IEW's Step-by-Step Teaching Method webinar. Learning to write is foundational to a child’s education, but for many students it is confusing and frustrating. Likewise, for some teachers, training students in composition can seem overly complex and burdensome. However, teaching students to write well is not only possible, but it can be enjoyable!   Referenced Materials Webinar presentation slides Free lessons from IEW courses Structure and Style® for Students Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Fix It!® Grammar University-Ready Writing Writing Across the Curriculum Introduction to Public Speaking Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization The Phonetic Zoo Primary Arts of Language IEW Schools Department Transcript of Podcast Episode 517   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA). If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss the history of the IEW’s methodology and how the checklist makes it possible for students to enjoy writing. Julie also shares about the IEW Checklist Generator™, IEW® Gradebook, and instructor accreditation.   Referenced Materials Blended Structure and Style in Composition by Dr. James B. Webster Episode 416: A Tribute to Dr. James B. Webster “The Online IEW Checklist Generator™” IEW® Gradebook Episode 512: IEW Gradebook – Why Teachers Love It Teaching Writing: Structure and Style® IEW Accreditation Dr. Webster’s University Essay Checklists “The Power of the Checklist”   Transcript of Podcast Episode 516   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

Picture a hall filled with row upon row of booths showcasing curriculum, activity kits, and books! Add many homeschool parents (and maybe some grandparents), helpful consultants, and plenty of engaging speakers. This is the ideal recipe for a refreshing and inspiring weekend at a homeschool convention. Join Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker as they discuss why you should attend a conference and how to prepare to get the most out of your weekend.   Referenced Materials Homeschool conventions where you can find IEW in 2026 Episode 415: Get Thee to a Homeschool Convention “Encouragement for the Journey” Andrew Pudewa convention talk recordings Transcript of Podcast Episode 515   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA). If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

  Andrew Pudewa insists, “If you're ever feeling a little low on hope for the future, get yourself to a speech and debate tournament and just see young people flourishing in every way.” In this episode, learn why he believes this as he and Julie Walker interview three of the NCFCA 2025 Champions: Abbagail Fagot, Pierce Stanton, and Jonathan Paul. These students share how they started with speech and debate, how it prepares them academically, and how it benefitted them in some intangible ways as well.   Referenced Materials NCFCA Episode 487: Helping Students Avoid Plagiarism, Part 1 Episode 459: Speech and Debate with Christy Shipe Episode 427: NCFCA with Kim Cromer✟ Introduction to Public Speaking Introduction to Public Speaking free lessons NCFCA 2025–26 Tournaments Transcript of Podcast Episode 514   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA). If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

As we begin a new year, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker sit down to talk about a question that is on every educator’s mind: how and when to use AI? With the swiftly changing technology, Andrew notes that our conclusions today may change in a month. With that in mind, he provides some suggestions for how to think about the use of AI and how to best prepare students to use AI well. Referenced Materials Structure and Style® for Students: Year 1 Level C A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis Podcast 481: Writing Across the Curriculum with Dr. O’Toole The Chronicle of Higher Education Transcript of Podcast Episode 513   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA). If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

In this episode, Julie Walker interviews Heidi Thomas, the “wizard behind the curtain” who has helped develop IEW® Gradebook as well as many of the Writing Across the Curriculum courses. Heidi shares how IEW Gradebook helps teachers efficiently and effectively grade papers and get their weekends back. Referenced Materials IEW Gradebook “It Keeps Getting Better!” “Simplify Grading with IEW Gradebook” “Teacher Spotlight: Laura McMahon, Ivywood Classical Academy” “Teacher Spotlight: Heidi Plocher, Michigan Lutheran High School” Heidi Thomas Transcript for Podcast Episode 512 If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA). If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker introduce IEW’s theme for 2026: Laying the Foundation. They answer the questions: What are the basics? How does IEW help students get back to the basics of learning? They talk about the simple, timeless, and elegant ways that IEW helps students cultivate attentiveness, memory, and ideas. Listen to the end to hear Julie make a special announcement.   Referenced Materials Teaching Writing: Structure and Style® IEW Homeschool Magalog IEW Schools Magalog    If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA). If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

  In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker address questions from our listeners as well as questions that have been sent to our customer service team. The questions include whether IEW helps with specific mnemonics for writing, whether IEW methods provide scaffolding, and what to do when you take the month of December off. Andrew also reads some of the mail that he has received from students. Julie ends with a question about what kinds of books to read, and Andrew’s answer may surprise you.   Referenced Materials Structure and Style® for Students Fix It!® Grammar Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization University-Ready Writing Introduction to Public Speaking If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA). If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

In this episode, Julie Walker is joined by Terra Tyler, customer accounts manager, to talk about Christmas traditions old and new. They talk about family recipes, Christmas activities, and, of course, IEW’s Twelve Days of Christmas Giving. Referenced Materials Twelve Days of Christmas Giving 100 days countdown reel Twelve Days of Christmas Giving 50 days countdown reel History of Musubi Recipe for Musubi Twelve Days of Christmas Giving Transcript of Podcast Episode 509   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 Pudewa and Julie Walker introduce the listeners to Kimberly Klokus, the founder of River’s Run, which exists to “equip [and s]upply foster families and foster children going into care with resources and supplies they need to ease the trauma.” Kimberly’s joy and enthusiasm overflow as she shares her story and how others can help those who are in the foster system as either children or caregivers. Listen and be encouraged. Referenced Materials River’s Run Cottage River’s Run Amazon Wish List NCFCA Christian Speech & Debate Transcript of Podcast Episode 508   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

We are wrapping up our year of focusing on how to think. In this episode, Julie Walker asks Andrew Pudewa to share his experience with teaching Unit 5 and how this provides training for the later units. They talk about the history of Unit 5 and how it can help with higher level thinking needed for writing conclusions and critiques. They also discuss how this unit provides a place for students to be a little more creative than the other units and why it fits well as a bit of freedom in the middle of the year. Referenced Materials “Asking Questions with Unit 5” Teaching Writing: Structure and Style® Episode 398: Think like Shakespeare, Part 1 Transcript to Podcast Episode 507 If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA). If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

As our listeners know, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker are tireless advocates for reading aloud, but it can be hard for busy parents to fit in all that reading. In this podcast, Andrew and Julie interview the Winsteads, who are trying to solve this problem and provide quality recordings for 1000 good books. Learn more in this episode about the 1000 Good Books Project and how your family can enjoy classic books for all ages. Referenced Materials Nurturing Competent Communicators audio talk by Andrew Pudewa Read-Aloud Revival “Letter to a Bookshelf” by Andrew Pudewa 1000 Good Books Project John Senior John Senior’s The Thousand Good Books list Mark Van Doren The Restoration of Christian Culture by John Senior The Death of Christian Culture by John Senior How to Listen (1000 Good Books Project) Gift membership (1000 Good Books Project) Twelve Days of Christmas Giving Transcript of Podcast Episode 506   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 episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker spend some time speaking with Amber O’Neal Johnston, known to many as the Heritage Mom. She is a homeschool mom and writer who is passionate about sharing about homeschooling, parenting, literature, history, travel, and family culture. In this encouraging episode, she shares how books can be mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. Referenced Materials Amber O’Neal Johnston Heritage Mom blog Rudine Sims Bishop Sweet Tea and Cookies by Amber O’Neal Johnston Homegrown: Guidance and Inspiration for Navigating Your Homeschooling Journey edited by Amber O’Neal Johnston A Place to Belong: Raising Kids to Celebrate Their Heritage, Community, and the World by Amber O’Neal Johnston Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture by Amber O’Neal Johnston IEW Events: Conventions Transcript of Podcast Episode 505   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 “While Andrew is Away” episode, Julie Walker is joined by IEW’s Schools Department Manager Jeff Nease. He explains the importance of connecting with an Educational Consultant and staying connected even after the order has been placed. Additionally, he explains how schools use IEW writing courses for student instruction, teacher modeling, and professional development. Jeff wraps up the episode with his personal motivation: “When teachers feel equipped, students flourish.”   Referenced Materials IEW Schools Department Jeff Nease Connect with Your Educational Consultant Episode 474: Professional Development with Jeff Nease Structure and Style® for Students 60-Second School Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Select a Training Preference “Writing across the Curriculum and Why It Matters” Theme-Based Writing Lessons (soon to be Writing Across the Curriculum) IEW Accreditation IEW Gradebook Studies and Research Testimonials Transcript of Podcast Episode 504   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 thought-provoking episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss how to think and how that applies to challenging assumptions. They discuss the ways that IEW challenges some assumptions about teaching writing. Julie asks Andrew to describe argumentative and persuasive essays and how those teach students to consider others’ opinions. Referenced Materials Episode 499: A Conversation about Critical Thinking with Jennifer Mauser “Why and How Should We Teach Critical Thinking?” Structure and Style® for Students “Writing Essays with Unit 8” Episode 307: Changing Someone’s Mind – The Power of Persuasive Writing Transcript of Podcast Episode 503   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).   If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

  In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker have a conversation with Dr. Colin Chesley, associate vice president of the College of Health and Public Services at Daytona State College in Daytona Beach, Florida. They discuss the challenges facing students today in higher education and the challenges presented by AI. Dr. Chesley discusses how IEW has helped his own children and how University-Ready Writing can prepare students for college writing assignments.   Referenced Materials Dr. Colin Chesley Daytona State College “The Writing Skills Gap” “Writing Maketh an Exact Man” by Andrew Pudewa Episode 398: Think like Shakespeare, Part 1 University-Ready Writing “Streamlining Research with Unit 6” Transcript of Podcast Episode 502   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.com Perhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA). If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

  Hard Work U®  is the motto at College of the Ozarks. Valerie Coleman, director of communications and public relations, and Micah, a public relations major and student working in that office, join Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker to talk about the unique environment at College of the Ozarks. They discuss how students are able to pay for college by working in many unique venues on campus. Listen to their conversation and share it with any hardworking, college-bound students that you know.    Referenced Materials College of the Ozarks College of the Ozarks Ice Cream Classic Learning Test School of the Ozarks College of the Ozarks mission   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 Part 3 of the 500th episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker reflect on the deeper purpose of the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW). They emphasize the accessibility of IEW’s materials and share stories from parents and students illustrating the transformative effects of IEW programs for both homeschoolers and full-time schools. Wrapping up, they reinforce the central idea that IEW is ultimately about teaching students to read, write, speak, and think well—prompting the ongoing question: “What are we really doing here?” Go to Part 1. Go to Part 2. Referenced Materials Portable Walls™ for Structure and Style® Students IEW Premium Membership  Checklist Generator™ Fix It!® Grammar Structure and Style® for Students Adventures in Writing Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (TWSS) IEW Online Instructors IEW Brand Ambassador Program Contact IEW Customer Support Chef JoJo Recipe App Arts of Language Podcast 500th Episode Giveaway: Receive a free Portable Walls for Structure and Style Students with coupon code E500-PWSS (for the first 500 customers).   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to 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