Bienvenidos a la clase de español 1! Welcome to Spanish 1 Class! Teacher Information Señorita Nale (Room A300) hnale@clarksvilleschools.org Required Materials Textbook Blanco, Jose. (2014) Descubre Level 1. Boston, Massachusetts: Vista Higher Learning. Notebook, pencil/blue or black pen, red pen, 2-inch binder, binder tab dividers Recommended Materials Spanish-English Dictionary There will be a very limited amount of dictionaries that may be used for in-class activities. These dictionaries will be helpful for out-of-class assignments. 501 Verb Book There will be a very limited amount of these books that may be used for in-class activities. These books contain every conjugation of a list of verbs and will be useful during assignments. 1
Course Objectives: To explore the importance of learning a foreign language and express the benefits of being multilingual in today s society. To gain insight into the many cultures and traditions of the Spanish-speaking world and compare/contrast those customs with those of the student while fostering an appreciation of the traditions and gaining more insight into the students own cultures and traditions. To learn of the impact of the Spanish language and Hispanic culture in the English language and daily life in the students own life. To grow self-confidence for living and working in today s diverse and global society. To learn basic Spanish vocabulary and grammar in the present tense. To foster the students listening and reading comprehension abilities as well as their confidence in speaking and writing by participating in class activities and outside-of-class activities. Course Description: This is an introductory, beginner s level Spanish course. Previous knowledge of the Spanish language and/or Hispanic cultures are not required for this class, but any knowledge shared will be welcomed during class. Any previous knowledge and exposure will be helpful as we continue this course. You must pass this course (Spanish 1) in order to be eligible and able to continue on to the next level (Spanish 2). You may not move on in Spanish without successfully passing Spanish 1. Your grade in this class will go on your high school transcript, so always do your best. Through our (continued) study of both the Spanish language and Hispanic culture, the students will (continue to) gain better insight into the Spanish-speaking world, while developing a greater appreciation for cultural diversity. They will also expand upon any previously learned Spanish vocabulary & grammar, along with any previously acquired conversational and written skills in the Spanish language, while continuing to improve and further develop such skills. Evaluation and Class Participation: Class Grades Will Be Based on the Following: Exams (Chapter/Unit exams, final exams) Written quizzes, oral quizzes, listening comprehension quizzes, pop quizzes 2
Vocabulary tests Daily bell work assignments (these will be referred to as tarea de caliente su mente.) Homework (graded and completion assignments) Class participation In-class Activities (oral drills, written activities, skits, binder checks, etc.) Projects and presentations Practice is the best way to learn a new language. Therefore, participation is very important in this course. Students will be expected to volunteer information throughout the course and engage in games and in-class exercises. The student will have several daily opportunities to participate in the target language during class and must take advantage of those opportunities. Exams Chapter/unit exams will be given after the completion of each unit. Dates of exams will be announced in class several days before the exam and there will be at least 1 review day in-class to prepare. Chapter/unit exams will consist of fill-in-the-blank items, short answer, multiple choice, listening comprehension, matching questions, translations, and/or writing prompts. If a student is absent on an exam day, the student must make up the exam the next day they come back to school at a time set by both the student and the teacher. Extensions will be granted at the teacher s discretion. There will be 2 final exams; one at the end of each semester. These exams will be cumulative and will test the knowledge gained in the prior semester. A study guide and review day will be given before each final exam. Oral Quizzes: There will be at least 1-2 oral quizzes administered every nine week grading period. This is a great way for students to use the material in an everyday situation. The students will be told about oral quizzes several days in advance and will have ample time to approach the teacher in order to take the exam. If a student is absent on the day of an oral exam, the student must take the exam the next day they are at school at a time that is convenient to both the student and teacher. Extensions are granted at teacher s discretion. 3
Vocabulary Exams: Vocabulary exams will test the students listening comprehension abilities, as well as their ability to spell in Spanish. Students will be presented with a list of words that will be on each test and it is their job to find the translations and study the words. These lists will also come in handy during studying for final exams. The student can earn up to 2 points per term. One point for the correct English translation and one point for the correct spelling of the Spanish word (including any necessary accents and punctuation.) Bell Work/Caliente su mente: These are short assignments that will usually review a concept from a previous class or prepare students for an upcoming lesson. There will be an assignment almost every day, and each completed assignment will be worth 2 points. Please note: these scores add up quickly and by the end of the grading period, this will be worth the same as a test score. Each day when a student comes in the classroom, they should grab a caliente su mente from the appropriate basket and work quietly at their desk for usually 8-10 minutes. If absent, these will often be able to be made up as part of make-up work. These are not able to be turned in as late work. Binder Checks: Binder checks will occur on most Fridays. The teacher will check binders for organization and for the latest materials that should be in the binder. Organization is key to receive these points and be successful in this class. Homework: There may be homework during your time in this class. It is the student s responsibility to complete the homework and turn it in at the beginning of the next class, unless otherwise noted by the teacher. 4
Late Work Policy: Any assignment turned in after the teacher initially collects the assignments is counted late. Late assignments will be accepted up to 2 school days after the initial date. For example, if an assignment is due on Monday, Wednesday is the last day it may be turned in for credit. Late work will be awarded half credit. Make-Up Work Policy: If a student is absent, it is their responsibility to obtain their make-up work upon their return to school. The teacher will create daily make-up work packets for those who were absent. The student should find the folder marked with their class period, and find the packet(s) with their name highlighted. There will be one packet for each day missed. Upon returning to school, the student will have the same amount of days that were missed to complete their make-up work. If they were absent for 3 days, they will have 3 days to complete their 3 packets of make-up work. It is the student s responsibility to turn in the completed packet in a timely manner. Extra Credit: There will be very few extra credit opportunities given. Students should not rely on extra credit to help their grade at the end of a grading period. A student may not complete extra credit if they have multiple assignments. Grading: Grades will be determined by the total points possible in the course and the amount earned by the student. Grades will follow the CHS grading scale. 5
Cell Phone Policy: The CHS cell phone policy will be enforced in this classroom. All electronic devices and headphones are to remain out of sight during instructional time. They are to be off and kept in the students pockets or lockers. Pictures and videos in class are prohibited due to privacy concerns. The consequences for having your cell phone out in this class are as follows: 1. The teacher will take the phone and the student will pick up the phone at the end of the class period. 2. The teacher will take the phone and turn it into the office. The student will pick up the phone from the front office at the end of the school day. 3. The teacher will take the phone and turn it into the office. The student s parent or guardian must come to the school to collect the phone. I would love to use technology in the classroom as often as possible, but students must show responsibility and respect for this rule before we can use it for class. 6
Please sign and return the Course Syllabus Signature Page below. Course Syllabus Signature Page: By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and intend to comply with the classroom policies and course expectations defined in the course syllabus above. Student Date Signed By signing below, I (we) acknowledge that I (we) have read and understand the classroom policies and course expectations defined in the course syllabus above, and I am (we are) fully aware of the expectations outlined for my (our) child. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Date Signed 7