WELCOME TO OUR ACADEMY OF INNOVATION CURRICULUM PAGE

Curriculum Foundation

The HAYES Method™: Grounded in Research. Designed for Real Learning.

At Dr. Hayes Educates Academy of Innovation, our approach to teaching and learning is rooted in what works—and what lasts. The HAYES Method™ draws from the most trusted educational research to create a dynamic, inquiry-based environment where students learn by doing, thinking, and exploring.

Built on Proven Learning Theories:

Constructivism (Piaget): Students build knowledge through hands-on discovery and real-world problem-solving.
Social Learning (Vygotsky): Learning is social. Peer collaboration and teacher guidance fuel growth.
Spiral Curriculum (Bruner): Key concepts are revisited throughout the year, deepening understanding over time.
The Writing Revolution (Hochman): Clear writing reflects clear thinking—across all subjects.
Science of Reading (Scarborough): Explicit phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension are taught with purpose.

✨ What Makes the HAYES Method™ Unique:

Inquiry-Based Learning: Students explore real questions and discover answers through projects and activities.
Cross-Curricular Integration: Lessons are themed and connected across subjects for deeper meaning.
Multi-Sensory Instruction: Learning comes to life through visuals, movement, discussion, and hands-on tasks.
Student Ownership: Kids reflect, explain, and take the lead in their learning journey.
Authentic Assessment: Portfolios, presentations, and performance tasks replace rote memorization.

In Practice, You’ll See:

Collaborative group work and student-led discussions
Conceptual math taught through visual models and real-world application
Writing assignments embedded in science, social studies, and math
Weekly themes that tie together literacy, STEM, and creative exploration
Flexible support based on where students are, not where they're "supposed" to be

Aligned & Meaningful:

All instruction is fully aligned with:

Tennessee State Academic Standards (ELA, MATH, SS, SCI)
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
TN State Social Studies Frameworks
International Society for Technology Education (ISTE)

But we don’t stop at alignment. The HAYES Method™ goes further—emphasizing creativity, connection, and purpose in every lesson.

Bottom Line?
We’re not here to mimic traditional school models—we’re here to build something better. Through the HAYES Method™, students don’t just learn for a test.
They learn for life.

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

Structured Literacy

Reading and writing are taught through structured literacy practices, integrating the Science of Reading, writing development, and culturally responsive texts. Whether analyzing novels or writing original pieces, students grow as readers, communicators, and thinkers — empowered to use their voices for impact.

Phonics/Morphology

Explicit phonics instruction is paired with word mapping and morphology to build decoding, fluency, and vocabulary. We teach spelling rules, root words, affixes, and patterns using multisensory techniques, helping students become confident and accurate readers and writers.

Math

We teach math conceptually — not just procedurally. Using our Hayes Math Block and WGI Model™, students build deep number sense, explore real-world problems, and use manipulatives and visuals to bring math to life. From fluency to reasoning, we meet every learner where they are and stretch them toward mastery.

Writing

Writing is taught through a structured, process-based approach focused on clarity, organization, and voice. Grounded in the Hochman Method, students write across genres, connect writing to their lives and learning, and grow into purposeful communicators.

Social Studies

At DHEAI, Social Studies is more than memorizing dates — it's about understanding identity, community, and systems. We explore history through multiple perspectives, connect civics to real-world issues, and empower students to become active thinkers and global citizens. Through Project-Based Learning, students investigate the past to build a better future.

Science

Science at DHEAI is hands-on, minds-on. From life cycles to engineering design, students explore scientific phenomena through inquiry, labs, and real-world connections. Grounded in STEM principles and critical thinking, science isn’t just a subject — it’s a way to question, test, and discover how the world works.

Our Innovative Time:
Enrichment Block

This daily block is where curiosity meets creativity. Students dive into monthly thematic units that blend STEM, literacy, social studies, and art into meaningful, hands-on projects.

Whether building prototypes, publishing zines, or planning community initiatives, students lead with inquiry and create with purpose. This is where our STEAM and PBL approach shines.

✔ Project-Based Learning
✔ Engineering & Design Thinking
✔ Creative Writing, Visual Arts, & Performing Arts
✔ Real-World Service Projects
✔ Genius Hour-style Exploration

This isn’t an “extra.” It’s the heart of how we make learning stick.

Movement & Music

We believe movement fuels learning. Instead of traditional P.E., students participate in a daily Motion & Meditation Block — a mix of outdoor play, movement-based games, yoga-inspired mindfulness, and student-led activities that support self-regulation, focus, and joy.

These sessions balance the rigor of academic learning with the rest kids actually need.

✔ Indoor/Outdoor Mixed Movement
✔ Brain Breaks with Purpose
✔ Guided Breathing & Mindfulness
✔ Whole-Group Games, Creative Play, and Student-Led Fun

It’s all part of our commitment to nurturing the body, brain, and heart.

Fueling Innovation, Curiosity,

and Real-World Skills

At DHEAI, S.T.E.M. + PBL isn’t an add-on — it’s a core part of how we teach, learn, and grow. Students don’t just memorize facts. They build, design, question, test, and innovate.

What Is STEAM + PBL at DHEAI?

Our program blends science, technology, engineering, art, and math with project-based learning rooted in real-world application and critical thinking. Whether they’re solving problems, building prototypes, or conducting investigations — students are engaged at every level.

What Does Learning Looks Like?

Real-World Challenges:
Students design water filters, prototype inventions, solve community problems, and present solutions.
Hands-On Labs:
STEM isn’t just paper and pencil. We use tools, tech, coding kits, circuits, building materials, and more — right in our labs or from home with guided plans.
Cross-Disciplinary Learning:
A single project might include reading scientific articles, writing persuasive letters, applying math, and building a working model. It’s messy in the best way.
Small Group & Independent Exploration:
Learners work collaboratively and independently based on interest, learning style, and project goals.

S.T.E.A.M.- Science,Technology, Art, Engineering & Mathematics

+ P.B.L.-Project Based Learning

DAILY INNOVATION TIME

Unlimited Possibility.

At DHEAI, Innovation Time happens every day, whether students are learning in-person or online. It’s a protected block for creativity, critical thinking, and real-world application — where students drive their own learning and bring ideas to life.

Student-Led Projects
Learners pursue topics they’re passionate about — from designing games to launching mini-businesses, building inventions, or writing books.
Hands-On Challenges
Through design thinking and maker-centered learning, students build, test, revise, and reflect on their process.
Creative Expression
Innovation Time includes space for coding, sewing, engineering builds, digital media, art, and anything that merges curiosity with creation.
Daily Ownership
Whether on campus or working remotely, students use Innovation Time to explore, research, create, and grow — with support from their teacher.

Innovation isn’t a subject. It’s a mindset. And we nurture it every single day.

Skills We Grow

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Collaboration & Communication
Time Management & Planning
Perseverance & Creativity
Scientific Inquiry & Mathematical Reasoning

STEAM + PBL at DHEAI builds thinkers, doers, and leaders.
Because our students aren’t just preparing for the future — they’re already creating it.

CHARACTER ED & EXECUTIVE FUNCTION STRATEGIES FAITH INFUSED

At Dr. Hayes Educates Academy of Innovation (DHEAI), we believe that character development is just as important as academics. Our Faith-Infused Character Education program is designed to help students grow into compassionate, resilient, and Christ-like leaders who are prepared for success in school and in life.

Our approach integrates faith-based lessons, executive function coaching, and practical, real-world application — ensuring that every child learns not only what it means to be a good student, but also what it means to be a kind, thoughtful, and empowered human being.

What We Use

Our Faith-Infused Character Education program is built on a strong foundation of trusted, research-based resources:

Kids of Integrity: Faith-based lessons that build Christ-like character and leadership skills.
Ninja Life Hacks: Engaging stories and activities that teach social-emotional skills, self-regulation, and problem-solving.
Executive Function Strategies: Activities and coaching that help students develop planning, organization, and perseverance.

How We Teach It (The HAYES Method™)

Through the HAYES Method™, we bring character education to life in every classroom:

Gather: Whole-group lessons that introduce key character traits and connect them to daily life.
Grow: Small-group discussions and activities where students explore these traits, practice them through role-plays, and reflect on their importance.
Guide: Individual support and service-driven projects that help students apply these lessons in real-world situations, both at school and at home.

Why It Matters

Faith-Infused Character Education at DHEAI goes beyond academics to shape the whole child:

Builds confidence, resilience, and leadership skills.
Fosters empathy, kindness, and community-mindedness.
Equips students with practical executive function skills that prepare them for success in school and life.

We believe that developing strong character is essential for every child — and we’re committed to helping every student grow into a confident, capable, and Christ-like leader.