An Emergent Curriculum for the Early Years in Malta: Stories of Professional and Pedagogical Transformation

This book charts the firsthand experiences and challenges faced by Maltese early childhood educators in the implementation of a novel approach to the curriculum: the replacement of a prescriptive curricula with one co-constructed by the educator and the child. This book charts the firsthand experiences and challenges faced by Maltese early childhood educators in the implementation of a novel approach to the curriculum: the replacement of a prescriptive curricula with one co-constructed by the educator and the child. Chapters provide seven contextualised, inspiring narratives of how the ‘emergent curriculum’ approach was implemented, received, and reflected upon within Maltese educational settings, ranging from childcare (0–3 years), kindergarten (3–5 years), and early primary (5–7 years). Packed with practical guidance along with on-the-ground commentary, this volume showcases the pedagogical and professional transformation of these educators, informing and encouraging reflection as well as inspiring others on a global scale. Challenging the established modes and traditions of pedagogical best practice, this book ultimately fills a gap in research on how educators in diverse local contexts and cultures can embrace the global concept of the ‘emergent curriculum’ within their own practice and settings. Providing pedagogical and professional insights for early years educators in similar contexts internationally, the book will be of interest to researchers and early childhood educators, as well as curriculum designers and policy makers interested in how the curriculum can take shape in different cultures and contexts.