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
Untitled Episode
Prior to tonight's workshop I recorded myself as a trial run. In this video we talk about
1. Use Colour and Creativity
Use at least 5 colours when revising — it engages more neural pathways and helps you remember.
Colourful notes are more inviting to revisit than plain black-and-white ones.
Visual memory tricks like drawing symbols or cartoons to represent quotes (e.g., for English Literature) can really cement them in your memory.
📅 2. Plan, but Keep It Realistic
Don’t overestimate what you can do — this leads to disappointment and overwhelm.
Start with just 15–30 minutes a day. You’ll often do more once you’ve started.
Be specific: if your timetable says “English,” decide in advance what exactly you'll revise.
Build revision into your lifestyle — use post-its around the house or short bursts during quiet moments (even brushing your teeth!).
💭 3. Understand Why You’re Revising
Remind yourself what your goals are after exams: college, never doing a certain subject again, pursuing a dream career — whatever matters to you.
On tough days, revisiting your “why” can help you keep going.
✍️ 4. Start With a Brain Dump
Write down what you feel confident in, what scares you, and what support you need.
Be honest — it’s just for you. This helps you track progress and adjust where needed.
Reflect regularly: what’s working, what’s not, and how can you shift things?
🧩 5. Break It Down
Use small, achievable chunks: 150 words, one past paper question, or one topic pulled from a “revision jar.”
A jar of difficult topics (especially for maths) helps randomise and focus attention where it’s needed most — pick one, work on it, then assess progress.
📚 6. Use a Variety of Tools
YouTube videos, past papers, mind maps, post-it notes, instruction sheets, flash cards, audiobooks — find what works for you.
You’re still revising even if you're not “writing notes.” Watching a YouTube explanation or talking through a topic still counts.
🗣️ 7. Revise Anywhere
You don’t have to sit at a desk. Find where you feel comfortable — sofa, garden, floor — with or without music.
Gather everything you need beforehand to avoid interrupting your flow.
✒️ 8. Tackling English Exam Techniques
For writing a speech, open with “Ladies and gentlemen…” to show direct address.
In literature analysis, structure answers with Point → Evidence → Analysis → Link, but use several pieces of evidence to support one point so analysis doesn’t need to be too deep.
Be subtle with quotes — weave them in rather than announcing them.
Get familiar with sentence openers (you’ve created resources for this, especially for Language Paper 1 Q2 and Q3).
🧘♀️ 9. If You're Stuck, Go Easy
If revision feels too much, watch a YouTube explainer video — it still counts.
Accept that some topics take longer. “Not getting it yet” is not failure — it’s progress in motion.
🌟 10. Above All, Be Proud of the Effort
Success isn't just about the grade. If you walk into the exam knowing you did your best, you’ve already won.
No one can ask more of you than your honest effort.
If you are interested in the membership group, the link can be found here: https://theclarajamesapproach.co.uk/cja-info-page
More and more resources are being added all the time. If we tutor your child, let me know and I will happily send you the free link for the downloads