Spanish 1 (Section p3)

Course Description, Goals and Highlights

In Spanish class, students will have opportunities to develop vocabulary and grammar skills based on contexts related to daily living. By the end of the year, students will be able to communicate about many topics relating to our daily lives.

In addition to communication and a broadened cultural understanding, another goal of learning Spanish is to connect with other disciplines and participate in multilingual communities at home and around the world.

When you walk into this class, you will be entering a world where only Spanish is spoken by everyone. This will be a fun experience and it will contribute to your ability to understand and speak more Spanish in a shorter period of time. Do not be afraid to make mistakes-it is OK. You will be surprised by how well you are able to survive in a Spanish-Speaking environment.

Expectations

• Respect others in the class and their right to learn. Respect the property of other students, as well as the school’s/teacher’s property.
• Arrive on time, and begin to do the warm-up (repaso) activity immediately. Tardy policy will be enforced (see student handbook for detail description). Evaluations or assignments missed due to truancy will receive an automatic 0 with no opportunity for make-ups.
• Eating, drinking (except bottled water), personal grooming, magazine reading and gum are not permitted during class time.
• Your full attention and active participation are expected to be your priorities during the entire class period. Part of this expectation includes bringing your book, paper, pen/pencil and legible homework.
• Follow all school rules. All school rules will be enforced including zero tolerance for weapons or drugs. The dress code will be enforced. Cheating will not be tolerated on tests and/or homework. If you bring cellular phones makes sure the ring tone is off; if not it will be confiscated.

Attendance/Participation

• You are expected to attend class on time each day.
• In the event of an illness, you are responsible for obtaining missed assignments. You are to check my website.
• Make-up credit will be given for qualified absences only.
• Upon returning from an absence you are expected to be prepared to participate in the day’s activities.
• Daily participation in the class activities is paramount to maximum learning.
• Students are encouraged to speak Spanish as much as possible as this facilitates language acquisition.

Homework

• Homework is assigned on a regular basis. It serves to reinforce the day’s lesson. Homework assignments are due a day prior to the Chapter’s test unless otherwise stated.
• No late work will be accepted.
• You should have separate binder for Spanish for your classwork, vocabulary sheets, etc.

Assessment

Student performance is evaluated regularly on a point system. Progress reports are issued upon the completion of every grading period by the school. Grades will also be available online.

• Evaluations, projects      30%                              90-100% A
• Oral performance           20%                              80-89%   B
• Participation                  20%                              70-79%   C
• Class work/repaso         10%                              60-69%   D
• Homework                     10%                              59%        F
• Midterm/Final                10%

* Bathroom passes not used during the school year will earn 5 extra points each!

Spanish Only!

The spoken language in this class is Spanish. Of course, you will not be able to express yourself in Spanish as you do in English. Simplify what you want to say! The following expression will be useful:

Presente. Present.                                           

¿Puedo ir al baño? May I go to the restroom?

No entiendo. I don’t understand                        

¿Qué quiere decir…? What does…mean?

Tengo una pregunta. I have a question.

Más despacio por favor. Slower, please.

¿Cómo se dice…? How do you say?                

Repita por favor. Repeat it, please.

 

Secrets to success.

• Have a positive attitude and enjoy the language!
• When you study, practice aloud.
• Don’t always sit at a desk to study! Speak Spanish as you walk around school and at home.
• When possible, study with a classmate. Exchange your phone number with students in class. It helps in case of absences or forgotten assignments.
• Watch TV programs and listen to the radio in Spanish.
• Every day counts. Good attendance is very important.

Save these guidelines in your binder.

Parents: Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

 

Accents on your computer

Hold the alt key and press

144=É               160=á               130=é               161=í                162=ó

163=ú               164=ñ               165=Ñ               168=¿

 

I have read and understand the rules and grading procedures for this class. I understand that violation of the class rules will result in a lower participation grade, parent notification, detention, or Saturday school. Repeated defiance of these rules will result in being dropped from the class with no credit.

Name (print)_____________________________    Phone ________________________

Student signature _________________________  Birthday ______________________

Parent signature __________________________

 

Do you know anyone who uses Spanish in the workplace who would like to speak to the class?

Yes _________________                        No _______________

Name of person _____________________________________

Profession ______________________________

Phone # _____________________________

 

Do you know anyone from a Spanish speaking country who would like to speak to the class about his/her country?

Yes _________________                        No _______________

Name of person _____________________________________

Phone # _____________________________