A New Box of Crayons

   As an adult, I still associate going back to school with a particular scent—the aroma of a freshly opened box of sixty-four crayons. And at the end of the summer, when I’m shopping the aisles that are filled to overflowing with school supplies, excited children, and exhausted parents, I only need to glance at that familiar yellow box, and the memory of that waxy, fresh scent carries me back. Back-to-school time is filled with recollections of previous school years as well as thoughts about the upcoming year. For teachers and teaching parents, it is a time of potential. School is on the cusp of beginning all over again, and the promise of a productive year filled with engaged and excited students is thrilling to contemplate. Conversely, the worry that perhaps our students will be less than engaged or will struggle with the material can cloud the happy return. Let us help you feel more assured that your students will learn and will (gasp!) even have fun doing it! We have loads of support to offer you on our website. If you have a question about anything related to IEW, pop on over to look for assistance. Here are a few places where you will find support and answers. The IEW Forums – These are the perfect places to ask questions, whether they be on classroom management, struggling learners, or high school writing. Forums are tailored to your specific needs, whether you are a home educator, hybrid school or co-op facilitator, or full-time teacher at a brick-and-mortar school. It’s a safe and welcoming space to ask questions of your fellow educators and is moderated by our IEW staff. The Arts of Language Podcast – This weekly podcast is filled with nuggets of inspiration and education. Learn about new products, listen to interviews of interesting people, or expand your understanding of IEW concepts such as our stylistic techniques. It’s a great way to gain learning as you fold the laundry or fix a meal. The IEW Blog – There’s tons of help and information tucked into our blog. To search, check the filters along the left side of the page to help you find what you’re looking for. The IEW Webinar Archive – Are you preparing to teach Unit 3? Pull up the webinar on that unit to refresh your understanding of how to introduce it. The IEW Mailing List – Never miss an event, post, or update with this list. You can tailor it to your particular preferences so that you receive only the updates you want. Our Web Resources – These resources include articles, videos, audio recordings, e-newsletters, and free downloads to support you as you seek to teach your students. Facebook – We are happy to answer your questions you send to our Facebook page as well. We also share interesting articles, our own and those of other organizations, through this platform. Our Customer Service Team – Are you not able to find the answer you’re seeking? Contact Customer Service! We have a variety of ways you can reach out to us—by phone at 800-856-5815, email at info@IEW.com, or chat. Our customer service team members are delighted to help you, and if you have a question that requires a specialized response, we have a stellar group we call our 911 team who are equipped and delighted to help you. Which of the above tools do you find most useful? Let us know in the comments of this blog post, and we will place your name into a drawing for a $50.00 IEW gift certificate. The drawing will be held at the end of the business day on Friday, August 10. Good luck! Go back to school this fall with confidence, knowing that IEW is ready and prepared to support you as you teach your students. Instead of stressing, relax and pick up a new box of crayons—the good kind with a full complement of colors. When you open them, take a sniff and recall your own student days. Then take some time to relax and color. You’ve got this year covered. Isn’t that a great feeling?    Jennifer Mauser  has always loved reading and writing and received a B.A. in English from the University of Kansas in 1991. Once she and her husband had children, they decided to homeschool, and she put all her training to use in the home. In addition to homeschooling her children, Jennifer teaches IEW classes out of her home, coaches budding writers via  email,  and tutors students who struggle with dyslexia. Log in or register to post commentsJennifer Mausers blog Log in or register to post comments Web Resources Permalink By rbentzJul27 I LOVE how you continue to support us, long after our initial purchases! Plus, you have the best Customer Service! Log in or register to post comments Customer Support Permalink By Melanie ChurchJul27 About 4 years ago my oldest had successfully complete the Level A Student Writing Intensive course. His writing had significantly improved, yet I wasnt sure how or if it would mature as he did. A quick e-mail to customer service netted a wealth of information and a path forward. Ever step that weve taken on that path has indeed matured his writing, and Im very grateful for that assistance. Log in or register to post comments Customer service team Permalink By mrsbear1024Jul28 As a teacher new to IEW, I have had occasion twice to use the online chat with a customer service representative. Both times, someone has been available almost immediately, has paid attention to what I'm asking, and has had a clear and relevant answer for what I needed to know. Having used online chat services with a variety of websites, I am used to waiting a long time for a response, getting something that sounded more like a robot than a person, and not getting much help, so IEW's responses have impressed me greatly. Thanks for being so responsive to newbies! Log in or register to post comments Customer Service Team Permalink By TeresagoetschJul28 The customer service team is amazing! They answer every question succinctly which allows me to jump right back into the fun of teaching. It is comforting to know that help is there if and when you need it. Thanks IEW for sticking with us on this fabulous journey! Log in or register to post comments Customer Service Team Permalink By lbates79Jul29 They were extremely helpful as I tried to figure out where to begin with 5 different ages in the new-to-us IEW system. I’m so excited to get started! The pathway and other website resources are also very user friendly and informative. Log in or register to post comments The Arts of Language Podcast Permalink By MCDamonJul29 I love the variety of the sessions. I learn something every time I listen, and what I learn always enriches our home schooling experience. Thank you! Log in or register to post comments