In-Naħla Katerina Educational Material Launch: A New Resource for Kindergarten and Early Primary Schools

To celebrate World Bee Day on 20th May 2025, the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee is launching a brand-new educational resource designed for kindergarten and early primary schools. Featuring the lovable character In-Naħla Katerina, this age-appropriate PowerPoint presentation introduces young children to the fascinating world of the Maltese Honey Bee in a friendly and accessible way. This resource is part of the broader initiative Maltese Honey Bee Education Through Songs and Rhymes, which aims to raise awareness about pollinators and biodiversity through engaging, child-friendly materials.

Developed by the Foundation for Young Learners

The presentation has been developed by the Foundation to support educators working with children aged 3 to 6 years. Delivered through a colourful and easy-to-follow PowerPoint, the resource explains key concepts such as who In-Naħla Katerina is, where she lives, how she gathers nectar, and why bees are essential for pollination and plant growth.

Simple language, bold visuals, and a gentle narrative structure make this an ideal classroom tool. It encourages children to become familiar with their environment, while nurturing a sense of curiosity and respect for nature. The presentation can be used during circle time, assemblies, or as part of a thematic project on insects, pollinators, or the natural world.

A Joyful Song for Ages 0–6

After the presentation, children are invited to enjoy the accompanying song In-Naħla Katerina, also launching on 20th May 2025. The song is specially written for children aged 0 to 6 years, making it ideal for use in both kindergarten and early primary classrooms. It was written and composed by Michael Piscopo and performed by Phyllisienne Brincat—the creative duo behind the well-loved Fonzu l-Fenek song. The song’s educational content was guided by Professor Suzanne Piscopo to ensure that it is fun, musically engaging, and appropriate for early learners.

With cheerful lyrics and a catchy rhythm, the song tells the story of the Maltese Honey Bee and her daily journey from flower to flower. The simple repetition of sounds like “Bzz Bzz Bzz” supports language development and phonemic awareness, while the use of Maltese vocabulary helps reinforce language acquisition in a natural, playful way.

Sing, Dance, and Learn

A karaoke version of In-Naħla Katerina will be released alongside the original track to encourage active participation. Children will be able to sing along either independently or in groups, further supporting speech development and memory skills.

To add an element of movement, a fun dance has been choreographed using lines such as:

“Bzz Bzz Bzz, she flutters her wings, and those behind her, do the same.”

Children are encouraged to flap their arms like wings and follow each other in a buzzing line—promoting motor skills, rhythm, and cooperation.

Creative Add-Ons: Drawing Book and Slideshow Video

In addition to the PowerPoint and music, the Foundation will also release a downloadable drawing book featuring In-Naħla Katerina. This resource allows children to explore the themes of the presentation and song through colouring activities, helping them to retain what they’ve learned in a visual and tactile way.

A slideshow-style video, produced by Michael Piscopo, will also accompany the song. Designed with young audiences in mind, the video features bright, animated illustrations that reinforce the narrative of the bee’s daily adventures.

A Buzzing Start to Environmental Education

In-Naħla Katerina is more than just a character—it is a doorway into Malta’s unique biodiversity for young children. By combining visual storytelling, music, movement, and creative expression, this new educational resource is set to become a staple in kindergarten and early primary classrooms across the country.

This project is coordinated by founders Dylan Farrugia and Abner Joe Buttigieg, with the support of the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS), the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS), and the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV). Together, they are ensuring that Malta’s National Insect—the Maltese Honey Bee—is celebrated, understood, and protected by even the youngest citizens.

To stay up to date with the Foundation’s work, we warmly invite you to join our WhatsApp community. The smooth functioning of our organisation relies on financial resources, and your support is essential. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real difference in advancing our mission. You can help by joining the Foundation’s cause, become a supporter for just €10 a year or make a donation here: Support the Foundation.

Disclaimer: This project has been funded by the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS) managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) supported by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV). This project/ publication reflects the views only of the author, and the MCVS cannot be held responsible for the content or any use which may be made of the information contained therein.