Spanish 6 Sec. 4 Home

Town School for Boys
Seventh Grade Spanish 2009-2010
Ms. González

¡Bienvenidos a la clase de español!

Course Description: Building on the language the students learned in 5th grade Spanish, this course now meets four times a week, giving the students more consistent practice with the language. The class is conducted in Spanish. Activities in class require lots of participation, imagination and focus as we continue to work on being more fluent and learn new material. En Español, level 1a is our text, along with the workbook and the Take Home Tutor CD. Additional activities are used to enrich the curriculum. They include games, skits, conversations, songs, art, films, stories, poems, articles, journal writing and cultural readings and projects. Tests, quizzes, and other important assignments will be kept in a portfolio in the classroom that students and parents are welcome to view at any time. 

Text: En Español 1A and workbook. Qué tal magazine. There are additional copies of the text book kept in the Spanish classroom for student use during class. Therefore, students are encouraged to save room in their backpacks and leave their copy of the book at home. 

Materials needed: A binder section for assignments and class notes, loose-leaf paper, pen and pencil, laptop.

Extra Help: Extra help is provided after school on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Grading System: 

Participation and class work 40%

Given the nature of learning a language and the importance of being exposed to the target language, it is imperative that students come to class and participate. Students should be focused on the material that is being covered in class and should be ready and prepared to contribute to any and all class activities. I also want to point out the importance of trying to conduct any sort of communication with me and with fellow students in Spanish. I am not looking for the perfect use of grammar or the right answer, but I am looking for students to put as much effort as possible into trying to communicate in Spanish.

Participation is being respectful, being attentive in class, listening to the teacher and classmates as well as taking part in the class in a constructive manner. During pair work or small group work participation is staying on task and speaking only in Spanish. Participation also includes being prepared for class with homework, binder, paper, workbook, and a pencil. 

Participation will be evaluated on a daily basis.

Participation

 Comments: _________________________________________________________________

Quizzes/ Tests 30%

Quizzes and tests are given on Friday. There will be test at the end of each chapter. If needed, quizzes or tests may be given before the end of the chapter as well. Spelling, accents, grammar, vocabulary, reading and listening comprehension, cultural knowledge/understanding and proficiency are tested. Some quizzes may be unannounced. However, this will be a rare occurrence. 

Homework 30%

Learning a language is a gradual process that requires time and dedication, both inside and outside of the class; hence the need for homework. Homework assignments consist of two categories; Precision Practice and Language Performance assignments.

Precision practice assignments are those that are somewhat mechanical in nature and basically ask students to fill in a blank, be it with a verb conjugation or a vocabulary word. These assignments are to be completed in their entirety prior to the start of class and will, as such, receive full credit. If the assignment is not completed before class starts, the student will receive a zero for the homework.

Whereby precision practice assignments provide rote practice of the material being studied, the assignments under the category Language Performance are meant to assess what students can actually do with the language. The focus is to assure MEANING; are students capable of successfully expressing themselves either in writing or when speaking? These assignments will take the shape of written responses, projects, presentations, speaking practices, etc.

Homework will be posted for one or two weeks on the homework page.

Classroom Expectations:

Please do not: 

hit, kick, push, etc

insult others

Please do:

behave respectfully towards others, others’ property, and towards the classroom

give each lesson your respect, attention and participation

listen respectfully

wait for your turn to speak

clean up your own desk/area after working

wait to pack up/leave until dismissed

There will be one warning followed by strike(s) for not meeting expectations.

Remember: Practice every chance you get! Watch TV in Spanish, listen to Spanish radio stations, check out Spanish sites on the internet and try thinking in Spanish and have fun!Enjoy the cultural richness of our city and check out events in the Hispanic community.