The Arts of Language Podcast

In this podcast, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss how IEW teaches thinking using some aspects of the classical model and the Canons of Rhetoric. They specifically address the first canon, invention, and how students learn division of subjects, one of the key skills in inventive writing. Listen to this episode to learn how to help your students come up with content and present it in a winsome and well-ordered way.   Referenced Materials University-Ready Writing “Is IEW ‘Classical’?” “Filling the Blank Page with Unit 7” University-Ready Writing Free Lessons Introduction to Public Speaking Episode 236: The Five Canons of Rhetoric, Part 1 Video Interview with Dr. Chesley reviewing University-Ready Writing    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 classical education and preparing your students to become rhetoricians. Tim Knotts, who studies and writes about classical education, shares resources and suggestions to help you and your students become stronger thinkers and communicators.   Referenced Materials New England Consortium of Classical Educators (NECCE) The Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer The Liberal Arts Tradition by Kevin Clark and Ravi Jain Norms & Nobility by David V. Hicks New England Consortium of Classical Educators Summer Conference 2025   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 the value of IEW’s Premium Membership. Since 2014, Premium Members have been able to view the Teaching Writing: Structure and Style seminar videos and access articles and talks by Andrew. Through the years the IEW Checklist Generator, Teaching Tips with Andrew Pudewa, and many other resources have been added. Don’t wait to join!   Referenced Materials Premium Membership Teaching Writing: Structure and Style® “An Exciting Addition to Premium Membership: TTAP” “Convert to Pens” Spanish Resources However Imperfectly: Lessons Learned from Thirty Years of Teaching  Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization IEW Checklist Generator™ Transcript of Podcast Episode 462   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

Join Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker as they dive deeper into the theme for this year: How to Think. Before we can talk about how to think, we need to know what thinking is. Andrew talks about the importance of language in building brain pathways along with how the structure of language aids in thinking. Finally, he discusses critical thinking skills and how language is the foundation for those skills.   Referenced Materials Cultivating Language Arts – Preschool through High School audio talk by Andrew Pudewa “How to Think” “Writing Maketh an Exact Man” Aging with Grace: What the Nun Study Teaches Us About Leading Longer, Healthier, and More Meaningful Lives Transcript of Podcast Episode 461   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, Julie Walker asks Andrew Pudewa questions submitted by listeners, including how to follow the topic-clincher rule, what to do when a student uses a dress-up incorrectly, how to help visual learners with communication skills, and how to encourage perseverance and excellence. The episode ends with Andrew reading an assignment from one of his current students who claims to hate writing. Be sure to listen all the way to the end!   Referenced Materials “Understanding Topic-Clincher Sentences with Unit 4” Strengthening Structure Models for IEW Structural Units Review of SSS-1A “Why Hire an Editor?” IEW’s Winter Retreat 2025: A Virtual Writing Workshop for Teachers University-Ready Writing From Copywork to Composition: Teaching Writing through Imitation audio talk by Andrew Pudewa “Process versus Product” Adventures in Writing Theme-Based Writing Lessons free lessons Structure and Style for Students: Year 1 Level A Structure and Style for Students free lessons Nurturing Competent Communicators audio talk by Andrew Pudewa Link to Episode 460 video Transcript of Podcast Episode 460   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 Christy Shipe about why teens should participate in speech and debate. Christy is the board chair of NCFCA Christian Speech and Debate and has been involved in many roles since NCFCA was founded. Learn the history of the organization and the many benefits of speech and debate for your students in all communication skills, not just speaking.   Referenced Materials NCFCA Christian Speech and Debate Christy Shipe Introduction to Public Speaking Free Speech Lessons NCFCA Tournaments Transcript of Podcast Episode 459   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 IEW’s theme for 2025: How to Think. Listen as they discuss the feeling of accomplishment in learning to think through research and writing as well as the negative impact of AI on thinking and writing.   Referenced Materials Magalog “Writing Maketh an Exact Man” Twelve Days of Christmas Giving Episode 207: Thinking – The Quintessence of the Four Language Arts Transcript of Podcast Episode 458   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 talk about the purpose and history of IEW’s Twelve Days of Christmas Giving. Listen and learn how to win a gift certificate by sharing with your friends. They also give a hint about the gifts IEW is sharing. Join us! Referenced Materials Twelve Days of Christmas Giving Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare Transcript of Podcast Episode 457   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

What is media literacy? In this episode Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker interview Nate Noorlander, who teaches English, history, and philosophy online. They discuss media literacy and its importance in avoiding cynicism and uncertainty in confidently navigating information in the increasingly complex world we live in. Click the link below for a free session of Media Literacy, including a reflection assignment and an invitation to submit your work. Referenced Materials “Media Literacy Is an Essential Skill. Schools Should Teach It That Way” The Nomadic Professor Nate Noorlander The Nomadic Professor on YouTube The Nomadic Professor on Instagram Media Literacy course  Free session from Media Literacy course Ground News Transcript for Podcast Episode 456 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 is interviewed by Gena Mayo, the founder of Music in Our Homeschool. Several years ago, Andrew asked Gena to take over the music course that his mother had written, Singing Made Easy. Listen as Andrew shares the history of that course as well as his own background in and love for music education.  Referenced Materials Music in Our Homeschool Gena Mayo  Singing Made Easy Suzuki Method Cultivating Language Arts – Preschool through High School Music in Our Homeschool Instagram Music in Our Homeschool on YouTube Transcript of Podcast Episode 455   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 continue to discuss and provide tips for teaching through the final five units from Teaching Writing: Structure and Style® if you are not using one of the theme-based lessons or the Structure and Style for Students video courses.  GO TO PART 1 Referenced Materials “Understanding Topic-Clincher Sentences with Unit 4” “Asking Questions with Unit 5” “Streamlining Research with Unit 6” “Filling the Blank Page with Unit 7” “Writing Essays with Unit 8” “Critiquing Literature with Unit 9” “Lesson Planning” article by Andrew Pudewa How to Think like Shakespeare: Lessons from a Renaissance Education by Scott Newstok Episode 398: Think like Shakespeare, Part 1 Transcript of Podcast Episode 454   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, Julie Walker asks Andrew Pudewa to give tips on teaching the first four units if someone is not using one of the theme-based writing lessons or the Structure and Style® for Students video courses. She asks him, “What do you need to know if you want to teach your students on your own, using topics that your children find interesting or that you are studying in your other classes?” Go To Part 2 Referenced Materials Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Writing Source Packet Premium Membership Tips Handout Episode 269: The Mighty Pen – Teaching Students to Change the World through Language “Flying Solo with Teaching Writing: Structure and Style” “Taking Notes with Unit 1” “Writing the Paper with Unit 2” “Using the Story Sequence Chart with Unit 3” “Understanding Topic-Clincher Sentences with Unit 4” Transcript of Podcast Episode 453   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

Happy Thanksgiving! In this episode Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss the power of gratitude. Andrew reads a letter from a student expressing his gratitude for the writing courses. In sharing things they are grateful for, Andrew and Julie encourage listeners to see how simply expressing thanks can change your perspective.   Referenced Materials Structure and Style® for Students “You Don’t Have to Like It”  article by Andrew Pudewa Principles of Motivation  audio talk by Andrew Pudewa Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo Transcript of Podcast Episode 452   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

Thirty years ago, Andrew Pudewa began offering writing seminars to homeschool parents. In this episode, Julie Walker asks Andrew to reflect on those thirty years, share some of the highlights of those years, and discuss how students and adults are using the Structure and Style® method in the classroom as well as in the real world. He ends with why it is so important for people to learn how to write and speak and communicate in a world that so desperately needs leaders with those skills.   Referenced Materials What Are We Really Doing Here? by Andrew Pudewa Article Audio talk Teaching Writing: Structure and Style® Seminar Workbook Structure and Style for Students Structure and Style for Students: Year 3 Level B University-Ready Writing Transcript for Podcast Episode 451   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

Happy 30th birthday, IEW! In this special Ask Andrew Anything episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker are joined in the studio by IEW staff members from Oklahoma and around the United States. Listen as Andrew answers questions from listeners presented by the live audience, including how to apply Structure and Style to other languages, how to teach multiple ages, how to translate IEW skills to other assignments, and many others.  Referenced Materials IEW Team Teaching Writing: Structure and Style® EZ+1 Theme-Based Writing Lessons Checklist Generator™ “Reading: Ideas to Encourage Your Students” Bark of the Bog Owl Bible-Based Writing Lessons Structure and Style for Students: Year 1 Level C Dual Enrollment with Christian Halls International NCFCA Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization “The Value of the KWO” Episode 376: A Necessary Conversation about Artificial Intelligence Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing audio talk by Andrew Pudewa Episode 333: Letter to the Editor IEW Online Classes Link to Episode 450 Video Transcript of Podcast Episode 450 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

Homeschooling preschool does not have to be complicated! In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss simple ways to incorporate the listening and speaking skills that will best prepare younger students for reading and writing.   Referenced Materials Cultivating Language Arts  – Preschool through High School audio talk by Andrew Pudewa Read-Aloud Revival Podcast Read-Aloud Revival Booklists Waxwing Books Classical Kids — Susan Hammond By Heart: The Goodness of Memory Nurturing Competent Communicators audio talk by Andrew Pudewa Transcript of Podcast Episode 449 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 Hannah Maruyama to learn about her experience with higher education and job training, understand why she calls college “buying a degree,” and discover how parents can assist their students with planning well for their future. If you have a high school or college student, this episode is for you!   Referenced Materials Degree Free Hannah Maruyama U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Structure and Style for Students: Year 2 Level B University-Ready Writing Mike Rowe Brazilian Jiu Jitsu study The Degree Free Way by Ryan and Hannah Maruyama Transcript of Podcast Episode 448   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 Jennifer Mauser, IEW Schools Division Educational Consultant and our in-house expert on learning differences. Andrew and Julie ask Jennifer about teaching and helping students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD. The Structure and Style® method can be especially helpful for these students because it breaks down the writing process into manageable steps. They discuss how IEW’s methods and materials also assist gifted and talented students.   Referenced Materials Jennifer Mauser Barton Reading & Spelling System Episode 159: IEW and Dyslexia – A Conversation with Susan Barton Drs. Brock and Fernette Eide Episode 231: The Dyslexic Advantage – A Conversation with Brock and Fernette Eide NeuroLearning app The Dyslexic Advantage Emily Hanford Science of Reading Orton-Gillingham Episode 378: IEW and Dysgraphia with Jennifer Mauser Episode 197: Living with Dyslexia – An Interview with Chris Pudewa  Transcript of Podcast Episode 447   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 dive into inquiry-based learning, which leads to critical thinking skills and problem solving skills. They walk listeners through the nine units of Structure and Style® and how they encourage creativity, thinking skills, and problem solving.   Referenced Materials By Heart: The Goodness of Memory audio talk by Andrew Pudewa Episode 439: Active Learning Strategies Structure and Style® for Students "What the Heck Is Inquiry-Based Learning?" "What Is ‘Inquiry-Based Learning’?: Types, Benefits, Examples" Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing audio talk by Andrew Pudewa Frontiers in Writing Transcript of Podcast Episode 446 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 week’s episode, Julie Walker switches places with Andrew Pudewa and is our special guest! Andrew invites Julie to share some of the wisdom gained from more than twenty years of homeschooling her three boys. She talks about the habits that made homeschooling successful and also reflects on some of the things that she would have done differently. Enjoy the gentle mentoring that Julie provides in this encouraging episode.   Referenced Materials Disciplining Your Teens and Other Dangerous Endeavors audio talk by Julie Walker “Zapata” by Joel Walker  The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson Atomic Habits by James Clear The Boy Crisis by Warren Farrell and John Gray The Bible Story “Teaching Teens the Power of Discipline” Transcript of Podcast Episode 445   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