Centers, Small-Group Instruction, and Mastery-Based Learning

Differentiated Learning

The HAYES Method™: A Mastery-Based Approach to Meeting Every Learner’s Needs

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Dr. Alisha A. Hayes designed The HAYES Method™ to ensure that every child receives the kind of instruction that meets them where they are—academically, developmentally, and emotionally. Her goal was to create a learning environment where progress is based on mastery, not minutes, and where active engagement and hands-on learning lead to deep understanding.

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Through small-group instruction, real-world learning centers, and flexible pacing, students move forward only when they’ve demonstrated readiness. Instruction is never one-size-fits-all—it’s precise, purposeful, and rooted in research.

This approach integrates structured literacy, conceptual math, inquiry-based learning, and interdisciplinary teaching—ensuring that all students receive targeted support, meaningful practice, and opportunities to apply what they’ve learned in real-world contexts.

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Why Centers and Small-Group Instruction Matter

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Studies in cognitive science and social learning theory consistently show that students learn best in environments that are hands-on, collaborative, and responsive to their needs. That’s why The HAYES Method™ includes:

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• Learning Centers – Hands-on, skill-based stations that allow for exploration, repetition, and application

• Small-Group Instruction – Flexible, teacher-guided lessons focused on specific skills

• Mastery-Based Learning – Students progress by showing they understand, not by moving with the clock

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This model creates space for differentiation, peer learning, and student voice—across every subject.

 

What Centers Look Like in Action

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Each subject includes three rotating stations: one teacher-led, one for partner work, and one independent. Every station is designed with intentional structure and flexibility, allowing students to build, test, apply, and reflect.

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Examples by Subject:

• Literacy Centers
  Focus: Reading, writing, fluency, comprehension
  Activities: Phonics word sorts (Orton-Gillingham based), fluency strips, comprehension mats, peer feedback on writing

• Math Centers
  Focus: Number sense, strategy development, real-world application
  Activities: Manipulatives, number games, discourse cards, problem-solving journals

• Science & Inquiry Centers
  Focus: Scientific thinking, experimentation, engineering
  Activities: STEM challenges, experiment stations, student research corners

• Social Studies Centers
  Focus: Critical thinking, historical perspective, civic understanding
  Activities: Map puzzles, community role-play, inquiry-based investigations

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These centers are available in both print and digital formats, making them accessible in class and at home.

 

The Role of Small-Group Instruction

While students rotate through centers, teachers work with small groups to provide focused, differentiated instruction based on ongoing assessment.

Key Elements:

• Skill-Based Grouping – Students are grouped by readiness, not grade

• Short, High-Impact Lessons – Typically 15–20 minutes with active modeling and guided practice

• Dynamic Grouping – Students move between groups as needs shift and mastery develops

Focus Areas by Subject:

• Literacy – Phonics, comprehension, fluency, writing structure

• Math – Multi-step problems, number strategies, reasoning

• Science – Scientific method, experimentation, data analysis

• Social Studies – Primary source exploration, debate, community-based problem-solving

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Instruction is data-driven and constantly responsive—designed to help students reach their next level with confidence.

Mastery-Based Progression

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One of the defining features of The HAYES Method™ is that students advance based on demonstrated mastery, not pacing guides or grade levels.

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Comparison:

Traditional Model vs. The HAYES Method™

Advancement based on timeline vs. Advancement based on mastery

Grades reflect averages  vs. Progress shown through student work

Tests as final judgments vs. Performance-based assessments and reflection

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Mastery Tools Include:

• Weekly Checkpoints – Performance tasks, student-led discussions, real-world applications

• Portfolios – Ongoing collection of student work and growth

• Student-Led Conferences – Students explain what they’ve learned and where they’re headed

 

What Mastery Looks Like Across Subjects

• Literacy – Writing samples, oral fluency recordings, comprehension discussions

• Math – Real-world problem-solving, strategy explanations, student-created challenges

• Science – Inquiry projects, lab reports, application-based tasks

• Social Studies – Debates, simulations, project-based presentations

Students who need additional support receive reteaching and scaffolds. Those who’ve mastered the content move into enrichment tasks, independent projects, and opportunities to mentor peers.

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Real-World Learning in a K–5 Community

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Dr. Hayes’s vision for differentiated learning extends beyond academics—it’s about building a connected, student-led community of thinkers.

• Cross-Age Collaboration – Older students support and model for younger peers

• Thematic Learning – Content is tied together through big-picture, real-world themes

• Inquiry-Driven Approach – Students are encouraged to ask questions, dig deeper, and pursue what matters to them

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Example: Measurement Unit

• Kindergarten–1st: Compare lengths with nonstandard tools

• 2nd–3rd: Measure and estimate using rulers

• 4th–5th: Convert measurements, apply perimeter/area, solve real-world challenges

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All students explore the same core theme at a level that’s right for them—deepening understanding without frustration or boredom.

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Aligned With Standards, Built for Depth​

The HAYES Method™ is fully aligned with:

• Tennessee State Academic Standards

• Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

• ISTE (Science & Technology)Standards

• NCTM (Mathematical) Standards 

Every lesson is rooted in standards and enhanced through project-based learning, portfolios, and authentic assessments—so students meet expectations and develop the skills that matter most.