Towards a developmental process for the introduction of English to Maltese schoolchildren

Abstract

The work which I am presenting discusses some important developmental stages in children1s language with implications for the teaching of English in the early primary years. I include some information on the historical background of English and bilingualism in Malta. This is followed by an analysis of questionnaires for Kindergarten Assistants and Teachers of Years I and II. These have been set ·with the aim of investigating the present situation of English-language learning in State Primary Schools. I have also discussed Reading and Writing at an early age. A brief analysis of the language and sentence structures in the Ladybird Key Words Reading Scheme has also been included. A part of the study is dedicated to the language which children use. This includes a study of the speech of young Maltese children. The work is concluded with a description of how the developmental approach for learning English can be implemented within the classroom.