The Arts of Language Podcast

In this Homeschool 101 episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker talk with Darren Jones, senior counsel and director of group services at Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). They discuss the history of homeschooling laws, the benefits of joining HSLDA, and other information helpful for new and veteran homeschool families. Listen to the end for a special offer for IEW Premium Membership subscribers.   Referenced Materials Darren Jones, Esq. Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) Premium Membership   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.comPerhaps 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

“You can’t think a thought if you don’t have the words to think it.” In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker talk about how building vocabulary enhances thinking skills. Throughout IEW’s history, thinking about words and their meanings has been incorporated into nearly all of our courses. Listen as Andrew and Julie discuss how we teach vocabulary and why it is important to teach it in the context of other courses.   Referenced Materials Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization A Word Write Now Structure and Style® for Students Fix It!® Grammar Theme-Based Writing Lessons The Phonetic Zoo spelling program   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.comPerhaps 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 add more books to your TBR (to be read) pile. Listen as they describe more favorite fiction and nonfiction selections, perfect for listening during cool autumn days, doing puzzles, or driving to and from activities as the school year starts again.  Go to Part 1. Referenced Materials The Testament by John Grisham The End of the World Is Just the Beginning by Peter Zeihan Dominion by Tom Holland Sooley by John Grisham Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley The Mysterious Howling: The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Maryrose Wood Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis Billy Budd, Sailor by Herman Melville Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin Read-Aloud Revival® (Sarah Mackenzie) The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.comPerhaps 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 fascinating episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker talk with Dr. Steven Hales about the challenges of teaching and learning in the age of AI. Dr. Hales is a professor of philosophy at the Commonwealth University of PA at Bloomsburg and has spent a lot of time thinking and writing about the challenges that students and professors are facing.    Referenced Materials Hilarius Bookbinder Substack Scriptorium Philosophia The Myth of Luck by Steven D. Hales “Why AI Is Destroying Academic Integrity” by Steven D. Hales “Process versus Product” by Andrew Pudewa “The Average College Student Today”  Transcript of Podcast Episode 492 If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.comPerhaps 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

If you have ever considered becoming an accredited IEW instructor, this podcast is for you. Listen as Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker talk with Sydney Hoff, founder and director of Rose Writing Center. Sydney shares how IEW has impacted her teaching and contributed to the growth of her business. After becoming an accredited IEW instructor herself and realizing the value of that process, Sydney recommends it to everyone she works with.   Referenced Materials Rose Writing Center Sydney Hoff Teaching Writing: Structure and Style® IEW® Gradebook Episode 414: Furnishing the Mind with Reading – Read With Me Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization IEW Accreditation Program   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.comPerhaps 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 and Julie Walker answer questions submitted by listeners. They discuss how to encourage a child to continue practicing a musical instrument, how to help students who are struggling with the questioning skills for Unit 5 and Unit 7, what to do after completing the six books in the Fix It!® Grammar series, what to use for writing a novel, and more. Andrew ends with some letters that he has received from students. Referenced Materials Principles of Motivation audio talk by Andrew Pudewa Structure and Style® for Students: Year 2 Level A Fix It!® Grammar: Level 6 Little Mermaid One Year Adventure Novel “Where are they now? Taylor Bennett: Porch Swing Girl”  Episode 115: National Novel Writing Month – Special Interview with Taylor Bennett Structure and Style for Students: Year 1 Level C Structure and Style for Students: Year 3 Level B   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.comPerhaps 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 interview Lizabeth Brasells, the managing editor of Magnum Opus Magazine—IEW’s premier showcase of work from students around the world. Listen as they share the history behind the Magnum Opus, the process of selecting pieces for publication, and the ways the magazine can be used by teachers and teaching parents to model the Structure and Style® method and motivate students.   Referenced Materials Magnum Opus Magazine Lizabeth Brasells IEW Writing Contest “Magnum Opus Magazine: A Resource and Opportunity for Teachers and Students”  Andrew Pudewa introduces Magnum Opus Magazine   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.comPerhaps 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 continue their live session at the NCFCA National Championships. This part of the conversation focused on how using the IEW methodology helps students avoid plagiarism. Andrew also discussed whether there is a place for AI in academics. Listen to hear what students asked Andrew at the end of the session. Go to Part 1 Referenced Materials NCFCA Christian Speech and Debate Episode 354: Paper and Pen – What the Research Says University-Ready Writing University-Ready Writing free lessons Episode 492: Academic Integrity with Dr. Stephen Hale IEW Gradebook Transcript of Podcast Episode 488 If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.comPerhaps 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 recorded this two-part podcast at the NCFCA National Championship in St. Paul, Minnesota, in June 2025. They discuss what plagiarism is, why it is easier for students to plagiarize today, and why it is important to avoid plagiarism. Be sure to listen to Part 2 (posts on 9/3) as they discuss some solutions to this problem.  Go to Part 2 Referenced Materials NCFCA Christian Speech and Debate Episode 459: Speech and Debate with Christy Shipe Hacking High School: Rethinking the Teen Years audio talk by Andrew Pudewa “Writing Maketh an Exact Man” article by Andrew Pudewa Episode 492: Academic Integrity with Dr. Stephen Hale Transcript of Podcast Episode 487 If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.comPerhaps 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 discuss how children thrive when parents read aloud to them. Reading aloud builds family bonds and shared memories as well as increases vocabulary and comprehension. Listen to this episode to learn more.   Referenced Materials Summer Help from IEW “Is having a loving family an unfair advantage?” Episode 354: Paper and Pen — What the Research Says Read Aloud Revival Structure and Style® for Students free lessons Theme-Based Writing Lessons Grammar for a Full Life by Lawrence Weinstein Transcript of Podcast Episode 486   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.comPerhaps 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 share their top tips for new homeschool families. They focus on overall lifestyle choices and priorities instead of specific curriculum recommendations. If you are considering homeschooling or know someone who is, this is the perfect episode. Grab a glass of iced tea or lemonade and glean some wisdom from Andrew and Julie.   Referenced Materials However Imperfectly audio talk by Andrew Pudewa Episode 326: Fatherhood and Family – A Dad Talk, Part 1 Hacking High School audio talk by Andrew Pudewa The Etiquette Factory IEW Annual Educators’ Conference Transcript of Podcast Episode 485   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.comPerhaps 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 continue diving into this year's theme: How to Think. In this episode, they talk about famous questions and quotations that have to do with thinking and learning, as well as some that spark thinking. Listen to glean some questions and quotations that will spark thoughtful conversations in your home or classroom.   Referenced Materials The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Episode 398: Think like Shakespeare, Part 1 How to Think like Shakespeare: Lessons from a Renaissance Education by Scott Newstok What Are We Really Doing Here? by Andrew Pudewa Article Audio talk However Imperfectly by Andrew Pudewa Transcript of Podcast Episode 484   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.comPerhaps 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 talk about how the use of AI for writing impacts the process of training students to be critical thinkers. While it may be tempting for students and parents alike to use AI for writing because it is faster and easier, Andrew encourages parents to realize the dangers, including inaccurate facts, imprecise thinking, and unfounded opinions.   Referenced Materials “Writing Maketh an Exact Man” article by Andrew Pudewa Arts of Language homeschool magalog Transcript of Podcast Episode 483 If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.comPerhaps 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 are joined by IEW’s Customer Support Manager, Catherine Hafer, to discuss the many roles that the customer service team members fill as they serve you and IEW.   Referenced Materials Catherine Hafer Our Team Principles of Motivation audio talk by Andrew Pudewa Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing audio talk by Andrew Pudewa Transcript of Podcast Episode 482             If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.comPerhaps 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 engaging episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss the idea of writing across the curriculum with Dr. Kathleen O’Toole, Associate Vice President for K-12 Education at Hillsdale College. They discuss the exciting partnership IEW has formed with the Hillsdale K-12 program that provides guidance and partnership for classical schools as well as teacher training events. They also share the benefits for students and teachers when writing can be integrated with the overall curriculum.    Referenced Materials Dr. James B. Webster Teaching Writing: Structure and Style® Theme-Based Writing Lessons Hillsdale College Hillsdale K-12 Education Adventures in Writing Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence K-12 at Home Transcript of Podcast Episode 481   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.comPerhaps 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 and Julie Walker answer questions submitted by listeners. Listen as they discuss how to find the literature suggestions in IEW’s courses, how to decide what courses to use first with younger students, why the levels of some of the theme-based books have changed, what books Andrew is reading now, and more!    Referenced Materials Structure and Style® for Students: Year 1 Level C Structure and Style for Students: Year 2 Level B The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting Investigations in Writing Structure and Style for Students: Year 1 Level A Fix It!® Grammar Wonders of Science Writing Lessons Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni The Plague by Albert Camus 1984 by George Orwell Silence by Shūsaku Endō Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley The End of the World Is Just the Beginning by Peter Zeihan We Who Wrestle with God by Jordan B. Peterson IEW Online Classes Structure and Style for Students: Year 3 Level B Writing Contests Magnum Opus Magazine Structure and Style for Students: Year 2 Level C Paper and Pen – What the Research Says audio talk by Andrew Pudewa Link to Episode 480 video Transcript of Podcast Episode 480   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.comPerhaps 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  

IEW’s instructor accreditation program is back and better than ever! In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker sit down with Denise Kelley, Director of Product Development at IEW. They talk about the history and purpose of the accreditation program before explaining the new tiers of accreditation and the improved process for becoming accredited. If you want to know more about the new accreditation program, listen to this podcast and visit the IEW Accreditation Program web page.   Referenced Materials IEW Accreditation Program Apply for IEW Accreditation Teaching Writing: Structure and Style® Seminar Structure and Style for Students IEW® Gradebook Transcript of Podcast Episode 479   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.comPerhaps 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

May is often the month when IEW instructors are reaching Unit 9 in which students write formal critiques and Response to Literature compositions. Many of IEW’s courses include literature suggestions because we recognize the importance of connecting literature and writing. In this podcast, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss the impact literature has on thinking and the connections between memory, imagination, and words. Finally, they share some of their favorite books that are in their Audible accounts. Go to Part 2. Referenced Materials Episode 283: A Bookish Discussion, Part 1  Episode 398: Think like Shakespeare, Part 1  Lord of the Flies by William Golding Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater The Chronicles of Narnia collection by C.S. Lewis Zorro: The Legend Begins by Johnston McCulley Homer Price by Robert McCloskey The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni Catherine of Siena by Sigrid Undset Kristen Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset Wanting by Luke Burgis The Molecule of More by Daniel Z. Lieberman and Michael E. Long Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis Perelandra by C.S. Lewis That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis The Complete Novels of Jane Austen by Jane Austen Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry Transcript of Podcast Episode 478   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.comPerhaps 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 talk with Sarah Mackenzie about furnishing the mind with words and beauty by reading aloud. Listen as they discuss the importance of not just the words but also the artwork in children’s picture books. Sarah shares her passion for rightly ordered beauty in the words and art in the books they are publishing at Waxwing Books, and she gives a short summary of each of the picture books available.   Referenced Materials Nurturing Competent Communicators audio talk by Andrew Pudewa Read-Aloud Revival® Waxwing Books A Little More Beautiful by Sarah Mackenzie While Everyone Is Sleeping by Sarah Mackenzie Because Barbara by Sarah Mackenzie Dear Duck, Please Come! by Sarah Mackenzie Painting Wonder by Katie Wray Schon Read-Aloud Revival Podcast Read-Aloud Revival Booklists Transcript of Podcast Episode 477   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.comPerhaps 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

May 5–9 is Teacher Appreciation Week. What gifts do teachers appreciate most? Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker share some ideas for showing appreciation to all the teachers in your life.   Referenced Materials “Gifts for Teachers: What They REALLY Want” Teaching Writing: Structure and Style® Transcript of Podcast Episode 476   If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.comPerhaps 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