Our process makes teaching reading simple and effective for homeschooling families. The Maloney Method uses a proven, step-by-step system that’s easy to follow, adapts to your child’s pace, and builds real confidence through practice and progress. No special training needed—just clear guidance, engaging lessons, and lasting results.
IF YOU CAN READ, YOU CAN TEACH A CHILD TO READ!
As a homeschooling parent, you know reading is the cornerstone of every subject. But teaching it can feel overwhelming — especially if progress is slow.
That’s why we built Maloney Method: a flexible, step-by-step reading system created for homeschool families. It’s easy to follow, requires no special training, and keeps kids engaged — even the reluctant readers.
Maloney Method Digital Learning is your own virtual teaching assistant. Your child follows the simple videos to become a fluent reader in 120 lessons!
Ready to Get Started?
Your child’s learning journey begins here. With the Maloney Method, you’ll gain access to a complete, research-based system that’s already helped many other homeschool families teach reading, math, and spelling with confidence. Our downloadable lessons are easy to follow, engaging for students, and proven to deliver lasting results—no special training required.
Sign up today to unlock everything you need for step-by-step success, including structured lessons, progress tracking, and helpful teaching resources. Or, if you’re just getting started, explore our Free Assessments & Tools to discover the right level and program for your child before you begin.
THE PERFECT COMBINATION OF 4 PROVEN METHODS
The Maloney Method uniquely incorporates four educational strategies into one all-encompassing system that works for everyone:
1. Creating a Roadmap
Behavioral Objectives
Behavioral objectives specify a plan for what you are going to teach and a strategy to implement that plan so that the student is guaranteed to learn. In short, they create a road map to take the student from A to B as quickly and efficiently as possible.
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These objectives are sequenced to provide the most efficient learning path. Each learning outcome adds another skill. Importantly, behavioral objectives are directly measurable by the teacher, parent, or anyone who needs the information. For example, a behavioral objective might be: “The student can see and say 50 – 60 sounds and/or sound combinations in one minute without making more than 2 errors.” This statement is easily understood, easily measured and delivers numerical scores which are easily compared to previous scores to determine progress.
Monitoring the errors helps the teacher determine what parts need correction. Watching the sounds at which the student hesitates indicates those which need more practice.
2. Maintaining Focus
Behavioral Managment
It’s important that the student is receptive to instruction. The most effective method to promote a student’s progress is to provide consistent feedback and rewards for diligent effort and for successful work. How do we do this?
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This is accomplished by:
- The setting and following of simple rules
- The judicious, immediate use of praise for specific behaviors
- The acknowledgment of appropriate behavior with praise
- Providing preferred activities or points that can be used to earn privileges
You can solve 75%-80% of your behavior problems with clear rules and the judicious use of praise for appropriate behavior.
Monitoring the errors helps the teacher determine what parts need correction. Watching the sounds at which the student hesitates indicates those which need more practice.
3. Teaching Effectively
Direct Instruction
Direct Instruction, a teaching method developed by Siegfried Engelmann and his colleagues at University of Oregon, has proven to be the most effective instructional method available for teaching basic and advanced skills in reading, writing, spelling, math and language development.
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Simply put, Direct Instruction clearly demonstrates the concept and/or the application for the student, with no guesswork involved.
- Each lesson follows three progressive stages: “Model – Lead Test.” First, the teacher models the task. Then, the students performs the same task along with the teacher. Finally, when the teacher is sure the student can do the task correctly, the student practices it alone.
- All curriculum is scripted, spelling out exactly what the teacher needs to say and how to say it.
- Correction procedures tell the teacher what to say when faced with specific incorrect responses. All errors are corrected immediately.
- Direct Instruction teaches children rules whenever possible, rather than asking them to memorize baskets of facts.
4. Measuring Achievement
Direct Instruction
Direct Instruction, a teaching method developed by Siegfried Engelmann and his colleagues at University of Oregon, has proven to be the most effective instructional method available for teaching basic and advanced skills in reading, writing, spelling, math and language development.
Read More
Simply put, Direct Instruction clearly demonstrates the concept and/or the application for the student, with no guesswork involved.
- Each lesson follows three progressive stages: “Model – Lead Test.” First, the teacher models the task. Then, the students performs the same task along with the teacher. Finally, when the teacher is sure the student can do the task correctly, the student practices it alone.
- All curriculum is scripted, spelling out exactly what the teacher needs to say and how to say it.
- Correction procedures tell the teacher what to say when faced with specific incorrect responses. All errors are corrected immediately.
- Direct Instruction teaches children rules whenever possible, rather than asking them to memorize baskets of facts.
Our Process
1. Free Assessment
Not sure where to start? Begin with a free reading assessment to discover your child’s current level and learning needs. We’ll guide you to the right lessons and strategies for faster progress.
2. Downloadable Lessons
Access ready-to-use, step-by-step reading lessons you can download instantly. Each one is designed for easy teaching at home, with clear instructions and engaging activities that make learning fun.
3. See the Results
With the Maloney Method, children build confidence, improve reading, math, and spelling skills, and develop independent learning habits. See how our step-by-step programs help students succeed.
WHO IS MICHAEL MALONEY?
Michael Maloney is an educator, researcher, writer and speaker with over 50 years of hands-on experience in both the private and public education sectors. He has used this experience to pursue his dream of sharing his highly effective teaching methods with people around the world.
With 40 years of teaching experience, 25 learning centers around the globe, & 34 books to his credit, it’s no wonder he was named Canada’s Literacy Educator of the Year in 2001.
Over 100,000 Students Taught
For the past 15 years, Michael has offered his expertise in Behavior Management, Direct Instruction and Precision Teaching through his reading spelling and math curricula. His methods for teaching effectively have taught 100,000 students to read well. More than 3,000 home schooling families in North America benefit from Michael’s Teach Your Children to Read Well series each year.
Michael Maloney is an internationally recognized educator dedicated to ending illiteracy. His proven methods have helped students around the world become fluent readers while strengthening skills in language, math, and spelling. His programs have been used in private learning centers, public charter schools, homeschooling families, and foster homes, as well as in a school for autistic children in Hong Kong, where his strategies have shown remarkable results.
As a Rotarian, Michael served as Literacy Chair of the Belleville Rotary Club, co-developing Rotary Reads, a literacy catalogue now adopted by Rotary International to support over 23,000 clubs worldwide. He also launched the Each One Teach One initiative with the YMCA and local churches, providing underprivileged children with one-on-one reading support.
Career Highlights
Founder & CEO, Teach Your Children Well (1999–present), co-author of 34 books.
Founder & CEO, QLC Educational Services (1979).
Former Principal, Educational Psychologist, College Professor, and University Lecturer.
Developer of a province-wide training program for staff supporting individuals with disabilities (now the Personal Support Worker college course).
Education & Awards
BA (Philosophy), MA (Child Research & Development), completed PhD coursework.
Canadian Literacy Award – Canada Post (2001).
Parents’ Choice Award – Math Tutor (1987).
Curriculum Digest Top 10 Software – Math Tutor (1986).
Michael’s lifelong mission is simple yet powerful: to give every child the opportunity to read, learn, and succeed.