We all know how tricky it can be introducing the Maltese language to the very young, especially when – for whatever reason – they are more exposed to English. One of the most hands-on ways is usually flashcards, especially because they are so versatile and can easily be turned into game-like activities.

Filling this lacuna, Merlin Publishers are launching a new series of Maltese flashcards. The first two packs are launching later this month, and the rest will be rolled out gradually to reach a full complement of six packs.

The first pack, L-alfabett, contains a flashcard for each letter of the Maltese alphabet, both in lower and upper case forms. The second pack, Annimali, Insetti u Għasafar, covers keywords for the most common animals, insects and birds.

Each flashcard contains a word, a large, high-quality, colour photograph of the object/animal the word describes, and in the case of the alphabet, the first letter of the word on the front.

On the back, the cards contain a series of questions aimed at parents and teachers to stimulate conversation based on the photograph.

The pack Annimali, Insetti u Għasafar – as well as future packs – contains a set of mini flashcards, a first in Malta, with all possible permutations of the article in Maltese, as well as the demonstrative pronouns dan and din. They can be used across the different packs, and are one of the most exciting features of Merlin’s flashcards packs.

Each pack also includes a card with notes for teachers and parents, with ideas on how to exploit the flashcards to the full, through additional games and activities.

The flashcards come with the highest safety CE certifications, and have rounded corners to prevent injury.

The Merlin cards are available later this month in all bookshops or online. For more information, e-mail info@merlinpublishers.com.

www.merlinpublishers.com