The Arts of Language Podcast

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.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 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.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 “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.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 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.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 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.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

  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 Transcript of Podcast Episode 501   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 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 Transcript of Podcast Episode 500 Part 3 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.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 part two of their 500th episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker continue their lighthearted yet thoughtful conversation. They explain how IEW’s accreditation process works and helps applicants achieve mastery of each unit step by step. The conversation then shifts toward larger educational questions, specifically the role of artificial intelligence in teaching writing. Listen as Andrew and Julie explain the value of process over product and encourage families to invest in authentic learning experiences that will prepare students to thrive. Go to Part 1. Go to Part 3. Referenced Materials IEW® Gradebook IEW Instructor Accreditation Structure and Style for Students Portable Walls™ for Structure and Style®Students Transcript of Podcast Episode 500 Part 2 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.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 part one of the 500th episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker reflect on the history and growth of the Arts of Language podcast. They share lighthearted stories about podcast listening habits and discuss how far the podcast has come since its early days. The conversation turns to memorable episodes, such as interviews with Andrew’s son about the hidden strengths of dyslexia, guest appearances from Dr. Leonard Sax and Dr. Carol Swain, and discussions of books like How to Think like Shakespeare.  Go to Part 2. Go to Part 3.   Referenced Materials Episode 54: What Are We Really Doing Here? Part 1 Episode 197: While Andrew's Away – Living with Dyslexia—An Interview with Chris Pudewa, Part 1 Episode R07: Why Gender Matters – An Interview with Dr. Leonard Sax Episode 398: Think like Shakespeare, Part 1 Episode 382: Announcing IEW’s Partnership with Hillsdale College! Episode 481: Writing across the Curriculum with Dr. O’Toole Amber O’Neal Johnston Heidi St. John MomStrong 365 A Daily Devotional to Encourage and Empower Everyday Moms The Read-Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie Episode R05: Are You a Part of a "Read-Aloud Family"? A Conversation with Sarah Mackenzie Episode 435: Becoming Homeschoolers with Monica Swanson Episode 282: A Visit with Dr. Carol Swain† Episode 264: The Benefits of Mastery Education Episode 299: The Profound Power of Poetry Episode 283: A Bookish Discussion, Part 1 Episode 272: The Different Stages of Learning Episode 273: Culture, Curriculum, and Care, Part 1 Episode 281: Talking about the Intangibles Episode 296: Impacting English Language Learners with Structure and Style Episode 288: Reaching the Reluctant Writer, Part 1 Episode 293: Process versus Product Episode 294: Writing across the Curriculum Episode 269: The Mighty Pen – Teaching Students to Change the World through Language Episode 311: Optimizing Instruction for Boys and Girls Episode 306: Speaking of Spelling Episode 305: Homeschool 101, An Interview with Sam Sorbo Episode 447: Alternative Learning with Jennifer Mauser Episode 478: What’s in Your Audible Account? Soul School by Amber O’Neal Johnston Twelve Days of Christmas Giving Episode 261: When Technology in Education Makes Sense Transcript of Podcast Episode 500 Part 1   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 Jennifer Mauser, an educational consultant with IEW Schools Department, about the importance of critical thinking and some ways to build critical thinking in your students. Jennifer brings her experience as a mom, Accomplished IEW Instructor, and Master Barton Tutor and shares how she has seen the critical thinking skills in her students expand as she has used IEW methods and materials. Referenced Materials Jennifer Mauser IEW Book Recommendations  Read-Aloud Revival Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization “How IEW Teaches Thinking” Transcript of Podcast Episode 499   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 address how to assist students who join midyear. They discuss whether it is necessary to teach all the previous units before new students join the rest of the class and how to handle customizing the checklist. Listen to this helpful conversation that focuses on the best practices that will truly benefit a student.   Referenced Materials Bible-Based Writing Lessons Episode 398: Think like Shakespeare, Part 1 Teaching Writing: Structure and Style® Structure and Style Overview Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing audio talk by Andrew Pudewa IEW Checklist Generator™ “IEW's Checklist: Supporting Student Success” Premium Membership Principles of Motivation audio talk by Andrew Pudewa “Perfecting Style with Time and Practice” Transcript of Podcast Episode 498   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 Donahue Academy’s Dr. Marc Snyder, principal, and Deacon Edward Watson, assistant principal for curriculum and instruction. They share how and why Donahue Academy has chosen to use IEW, why classical education is growing, and how the IEW Schools Department can assist schools with implementing the Structure and Style® methodology.   Referenced Materials Donahue Academy  Dr. Marc Snyder, Ed.D. Deacon Edward Watson, M.S.E Teacher Training Method Options: Live On-Site Professional Development Structure and Style for Students “Writing across the Curriculum and Why It Matters” Theme-Based Writing Lessons Why Donahue Academy Chose IEW video Transcript of Podcast Episode 497   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 a recent study that shows young parents are not reading aloud to their children. Andrew shares stories of reading aloud to his children and grandchildren. They share ways to make reading aloud more enjoyable for both parents and children and end with a call to action for parents.    Referenced Materials Nurturing Competent Communicators audio talk by Andrew Pudewa Read-Aloud Revival Episode 486: Unfairly Advantaging Your Students Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier “New Research Reveals That Parents Are Losing the Love of Reading Aloud”  Transcript of Podcast Episode 496   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 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 Transcript of Podcast Episode 495   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 Transcript for Podcast Episode 494   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 Transcript of Podcast Episode 493   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 Poetry recitation videos from Rose Writing Center IEW Accreditation Program Transcript of Podcast Episode 491   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 Link to Episode 490 video Transcript of Podcast Episode 490   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 Transcript for Podcast Episode 489   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