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...

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 S...

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 Ma...

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 ski...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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 reflectio...

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 E...

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” “S...

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?”...

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 Hav...

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 writ...

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 othe...

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 Bookl...

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 Mar...

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 m...

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 Learni...

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 provide...

In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker talk about one of Andrew’s favorite subjects—healthy living. He shares the changes he has made recently and the resources he has used. Finally, they offer easy ways homeschoolers in particular can incorporate a healthier lifestyle.   Referenced Materials "Richard Branson: Finding the Right Balance in Business" Eat to Beat Disease by William W. Li Why...

In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss the benefits of eating meals as a family, from healthier eating habits to more confident communicators. Julie also shares a resource on cooking once a month. Listen and be encouraged to put down your phone and start a conversation over a meal.   Referenced Materials Cultivating Language Arts – Preschool through High School audio talk by Andre...

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 T...

In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss cultivating the first two language arts but with a twist. Julie asks Andrew for advice on listening and speaking when English is not someone’s native language. Andrew shares his experience of living in Japan and learning Japanese, using audio books, memorization, fables, fairy tales, and more. GO TO  PART 2 Referenced Materials Cultivating La...

Renee Cook from the Everyday Homeschool Podcast joins Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker to talk about adding other creative writing assignments that build on Structure and Style® methods and ideas. Andrew and Julie also address diagramming sentences, motivating a reluctant student, and using Structure and Style for Students in a dual enrollment course. Be sure to listen for encouragement and ideas as...