Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1240944
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 26 APRIL 2020 8 CULTURE Book Review l-Esperjenza tat-Taghlim Terence Portelli Horizons THIS book explains the basic princi- ples of teaching and what it takes to be a well-prepared teacher, then moving on to the understanding of one's own identi- ty as a teacher, of the students and of the context within which one teaches, how to deepen one's teaching programme, start- ing from the syllabus to the plan of action, how to lay the foundations of a lesson plan, together with the required resources and what to expect from certain specific lessons, and finishes off by highlighting the evaluation and method of assessment, together with the reflective processes about the teaching experience and the evaluation of certain aspects of teaching with the aim of continuous development. Despite the linear logic that underpins the way in which the book is structured, which also gives it a smooth and easily graspable flow, the short, frequently di- vided chapters make for a truly accessible read that can allow prospective teachers to dip into whichever subject is the most relevant to them at the given time. This applies in a special way to the sche- mas in the last chapter of the book. Ultimately, every teaching experience is a reflection of the one who is passing through it and it reflects the values of a community and a set of treasured ideas practised by society. Students expect and have the right to have well-prepared teachers. With a sys- tematic and meticulous preparation, the possibility of fulfilment will increase, re- sulting in having more successful students and teachers feeling more satisfied with their work. Nothing surpasses having teachers who are well-prepared in a profession which, like all other professions, has its tense mo- ments but which, however, may result in beautiful opportunities of hope and love. BOOKS transport minds into exciting new worlds and the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society has part- nered with the National Literacy Agen- cy to help children battle boredom dur- ing these days of social isolation. Launched this week to coincide with World Book Day, The Little Stars Li- brary (Il-Librerija tal-Istellini) is an in- itiative which piggybacks on the Food Aid Project to deliver reading books and a dose of cheer to families' homes together with the emergency food packs. Foundation chair Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca said: "Books have always been very dear to me and we are hop- ing this initiative will kindle a love for reading in children who have no access to books." Born from the Secret Garden sessions coordinated by the Children's Hub, the Little Stars Library is being revived to support children and help develop their creative and communicative side. "Words are the building blocks of life and leisurely reading during these dif- ficult times of physical distancing may also provide a space for children to dis- cover companionship in the wonderful world of books and reading," Coleiro Preca said. Since visits to school and local librar- ies are no longer an option, the Chil- dren's Hub discussed alternative ways of book sharing and came up with the concept of delivering them to children within the community. National Literacy Agency CEO David Muscat said the Agency was proud to collaborate with the MFWS on such a noble cause. The agency, he said, will be providing age-appropriate books, in Maltese and English, for children and adolescents aged five to 18. Furthermore, the Agen- cy has created a specially designed leaf- let where children may keep a record of the books they have read and to write a brief passage inspired by a book. These leaflets will then be collected and win- ners selected from the submissions. "During this unprecedented time, it is imperative that children have access to reading books and continue reading at home," Muscat said. "Through this initiative, we will be offering an equal opportunity to all children, especially those from disadvantaged families, to keep reading." Requests for these books can be done by filling out a simple online form that may be accessed on the Facebook pages of the Malta Foundation for the Well- being of Society and the National Lit- eracy Agency. For further information on this initia- tive, send an email to littlestarslibrary@ gmail.com or call or 2598 2992 Little Stars Library to deliver books to children stuck at home