The Clara James Approach to learning
When it comes to learning we are all individuals.
The past 20+ years have taught me that no matter our learning style if the child is engaged and relaxed they are more likely to learn.
If we just keep giving them the same resources, varied over and over again, all we are doing is giving them one place in their brains to find the information. However, by giving them a variety of resources we can make it more interesting, more relevant, and help them to create multiple memories so that when they need to recall the information, they have more places they can go to in order to find it.
If we can boost their confidence as well as their knowledge we will make their life and ours easier.
For 20 years now I've been fascinated by different learning styles: ASD, Dyslexia, ADHD. The purpose of this podcast is to share my findings with you, so that maybe what I've learned will be of help to you too.
The Clara James Approach to learning
Supporting your child in telling the time
Today, let's talk about telling time. March's bundle from James' cloud series focuses on this skill, so it seemed fitting to discuss it here too.
I work with a boy who struggles to tell time. He relies on his phone or Alexa but doesn't see the need for learning analogue clocks since digital displays are everywhere – in schools and even during exams. However, many parents still value teaching their children this traditional skill for situations where technology might not be available.
When helping your child learn to tell time, start with the basics: seasons, months, days of the week. Create visual aids like collages depicting yearly events relevant to your family. Then associate times with daily routines—7 AM wake-up and breakfast times as examples—building familiarity and confidence.
To further engage them in learning, consider making a clock from simple materials or buying one designed for educational purposes. Play games that connect specific times with activities; drawing what happens at different hours can make it fun and memorable.
We also have upcoming games like 'Dot Board,' which reinforces time-telling skills through play—with cards matching times to words or replicating clock faces on an analoug clock.
Remember that patience is key—it won't happen overnight just like other skills such as tying shoelaces might take some kids longer than others. To support your child effectively in learning how to tell time requires starting from scratch and building up gradually.
Hope these tips help! Have a great week ahead and catch you next podcast episode!
To find out more about how we learn and the Clara James Approach click here: How we learn - The Clara James Approach