Award in Maltese as a Foreign Language for Childcare Educators (EQF/MQF Level 1)

What Will You Learn?

• Develop the four language skills (listening, reading, speaking and writing) up to Level A1 of the CEFR.
• Develop an understanding of key vocabulary and expressions used in childcare and early education settings.
• Be able to engage with children effectively, using age-appropriate language and communication techniques.
• Understand and apply Maltese language concepts in caregiving activities, such as storytelling, play, and instruction.
• Build confidence in using Maltese to liaise with parents and colleagues regarding children’s progress, well-being, and daily routines.
• Acquire basic grammatical and syntactical structures of Maltese to improve both verbal and written communication.
• Understand the role of the Maltese language in Maltese society, its significance in cultural identity, and its status as both an official and national language of Malta.
• Read and comprehend simple texts in Maltese, including signs, advertisements, and short passages, demonstrating an understanding of basic vocabulary and grammar.
• Engage in basic conversational exchanges in Maltese, including greetings, introductions, asking and answering simple questions, and expressing simple ideas or needs.
• Learners will demonstrate an understanding of Maltese cultural references, traditions, and customs, and integrate this knowledge into childcare practices, promoting respect for diversity and inclusivity.
• Demonstrate the ability to understand spoken Maltese in everyday conversations, as well as in the context of educational activities.
• Use Maltese language in verbal communication with children, parents, and colleagues, adapting language level to suit different age groups and situations.
• MODULE 1:
• Demonstrate an understanding of basic Maltese grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structures.
• Understand and apply proper Maltese pronunciation, including the sounds that are unique to the language
• Achieve clarity in speaking and listening comprehension at an introductory level.
• Develop the ability to read and understand simple texts in Maltese, including signs, advertisements, and short narratives.
• Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between the language and cultural practices and appreciate Maltese language-related traditions and media.
• Improve the ability to comprehend spoken Maltese and engage in basic spoken interactions in real-life situations.
• Recognise and use common Maltese vocabulary, phrases, and expressions.
• Engage in basic conversations in Maltese, including greetings, introductions, and simple interactions, with children, parents, and colleagues in the childcare settings.
• Demonstrate the ability to use age-appropriate, clear, and encouraging language when speaking to children, promoting positive communication and emotional well-being.
• Use vocabulary relevant to childcare, such as words related to daily routines, emotions, body parts, colours, toys, and safety.
• MODULE 2:
• Practice writing short sentences and paragraphs in Maltese, adhering to basic grammatical rules.
• Produce short and simple, coherent written pieces, such as personal messages, descriptions, or emails.
• Accurately use common prepositions to form meaningful phrases (e.g., in, on, under, etc.).
• Read simple Maltese texts and identify grammatical structures such as subject-verb agreement, noun-adjective agreement, and proper tense usage.
• Understand basic grammatical rules, including sentence structure, verb conjugation, noun-adjective agreement, and the use of gender and plural forms.
• Develop a foundational understanding of Maltese pronunciation, including the alphabet, phonetics, and common pronunciation patterns.
• Write simple sentences and short paragraphs in Maltese, demonstrating an ability to use correct spelling, grammar, and sentence construction.
• Negate sentences appropriately using the correct negation particles.
• Correctly use definite and indefinite articles, ensuring gender and number agreement with nouns.
• Use adjectives correctly, ensuring they agree in gender and number with the nouns they describe.
• Form and understand basic questions, using question words (What, Where, When, etc.).
• Conjugate a basic verb in the present and past tense.
• Learn fundamental grammatical structures, such as noun-adjective agreement, verb conjugation, and sentence construction.
• Use basic grammatical rules correctly in speech and writing to form clear and accurate sentences.
• Provide students with the foundational skills needed to use Maltese in everyday contexts and to appreciate its cultural and linguistic value.
• Demonstrate an ability to understand basic written Maltese in a variety of everyday contexts.
• Demonstrate the ability to write using basic vocabulary and grammatical structures learned in the module.
• Engage in simple conversations in Maltese, asking and answering basic questions.
• MODULE 3:
• Learning to communicate clearly, empathetically, and professionally in Maltese with parents and colleagues.
• Exploring strategies for engaging parents in their child’s learning process and fostering collaboration between home and educational settings.
• Techniques for handling concerns constructively, ensuring that communication remains positive and productive.
• Understanding and respecting diverse family backgrounds, beliefs, and practices while communicating in a professional and supportive manner.
• Working effectively with colleagues in a childcare setting, emphasizing the importance of shared goals, mutual respect, and team support.
• Writing progress reports and other forms of communication in Maltese, ensuring clarity and professionalism.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of parents and colleagues in the context of childcare and early childhood education.
• Recognise the importance of collaboration between parents, educators, and other professionals in promoting a child’s development.
• Apply effective communication strategies in the Maltese language when interacting with parents and colleagues, ensuring clarity and respect.
• Utilise appropriate vocabulary, phrases, and expressions in Maltese to facilitate positive and productive conversations.
• Reflect on personal practice and interactions with parents and colleagues to identify areas for improvement.
• Demonstrate the ability to work with parents and colleagues to develop and implement strategies that support a child’s educational, emotional, and social needs.
• Recognise the role of continuous feedback from parents and colleagues in adapting teaching and care practices.