MCAST is committed to forming a crucial link between theoretical knowledge and applied learning, highlighted through work-based experiences. This philosophy is particularly evident in the Early Years programmes offered by the Institute of Community Services, where prospective educators engage in teaching placements, allowing them to apply their learning in educational contexts.
A prime example showcasing this approach is the story-writing project undertaken by second-year students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Early Years.
This task forms part of a unit dedicated to Maltese pedagogy in the early years, delivered by Melanie Darmanin. As part of their assessment, MCAST students are guided to write an original story in Maltese for kindergarten children, presented in a big book format. This hands-on task encourages students to develop their creative abilities and helps them refine their story-writing skills for educational purposes.
The full potential of this project is realised during teaching placements, where the students present and read their big books, linking the stories to meaningful learning opportunities. This practical exercise enables them to gather constructive feedback from their classmates, the unit lecturer, the placement tutors, and, most importantly, the children themselves. This initiative was recently enriched through a collaboration with the National Literacy Agency, enabling our students to see their stories published nationally.
Four books were selected for this partnership:
- Pina u x-Xadina l-Vjola authored by Erika Cassar: a touching story about a young girl named Pina, whose favourite toy – a purple monkey – serves as a cherished reminder of a special day spent with her mother at the zoo. Inspired by the importance of quality time with loved ones,the book encourages families to value meaningful experiences and to nurture imaginative play over screen time. At its heart, it delivers a timeless message: our families are our greatest treasure.
- L- Avventuri ta’ Valentina man-Nanna by Rebecca Cremona: this story is about a girl named Valentina, the granddaughter of Grandma Anna. Valentina narrates how she used to spend her weekly days doing different activities with her grandma.
“I was inspired to write this story in memory of my beloved grandmother, reflecting on how I used to spend my days with her when I was younger. Now, she watches over me from heaven” − Rebecca
- Vjoletta ż-Żebra bi Strixxi Differenti by Sherise Galea: Vjoletta isn’t just any zebra, she’s full of colour, sparkle, and heart! With her funky stripes and big smile, she teaches children that being kind, being yourself, and accepting others is what really matters.
“I created Vjoletta because our world is becoming more wonderfully diverse, and it’s important that children learn to celebrate differences. After all, it’s our character that makes us the beautiful souls we are!” − Sherise
- Nella n-Naħla by Maxine Manicaro: this book tells the story of a hardworking honeybee who wins a carnival competition with a costume made entirely from recycled materials. Through Nella’s adventure, children learn about the crucial role bees play in pollination, while also discovering how recycling and upcycling can have a big impact on the environment.
“I chose a honeybee as the main character because bees are vital to our ecosystem, and the Maltese honeybee has recently been named Malta’s national insect” − Maxine
The selection process was initiated by a board of reviewers comprising Mario Cardona, Ann Marie Cassar, Elaine Attard, Christine Schembri and Melanie Darmanin. The National Literacy Agency conducted a second selection round.
Once published, the big books were distributed to primary schools around Malta and Gozo.
On behalf of the Institute of Community Services, MCAST would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the students on the publication of their first children’s book in Maltese. May this achievement inspire other MCAST students to recognise the value of their work and motivate them to pursue their aspirations.
This article was written in collaboration with Melanie Darmanin, Institute of Community Services.
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