Kingston Middle School
6 grade World Languages
th
Lynn Atherton 394-4963
latherton@nkschools.org
World Languages is a one semester course in which students explore foreign languages and cultures.
The purpose of this class is to help prepare you for successful participation in our global society. You
can also use the knowledge you gain in this class to make informed choices about language study in
middle school, high school, or college.
Since Spanish is offered as a two-year course to 7th and 8th graders at Kingston Middle School, we will
spend much of our time exploring Spanish in order to prepare 6th graders. This will also serve as a
bridge for those students who have been studying Spanish in elementary school. In the remaining time,
we will explore Italian and Japanese.
A variety of language study techniques will be used, including memorization, dramatizations, films,
songs, cooperative work, arts & crafts, games, internet research and public speaking. We will also team
with Kingston High School’s “World Language Buccaneer Ambassadors” who will be creating and
teaching mini lessons for our class.
Our studies will introduce you to the National Standards for World Language Learning:
You will know the pronunciation and recognize the
Communication Communicate in
languages other than
writing systems of each language. You will be able to
English.
meet and greet in each language.
Cultures
Gain knowledge and
understanding of other
cultures.
You will understand a cultural feature of a country where
each language is spoken and be able to have a basic
conversation about that feature. Examples: art in Spain.
Connections
Connect with other
academic subjects to
deepen understanding.
You will expand your knowledge of world geography and
history as it relates to the spread of language. You will
also become familiar with the arts, entertainment and/or
cuisine of each culture.
Comparisons
Increase understanding
what language and culture
are.
You will compare what we learn about each language and
culture with what we know about our own language and
culture. You will notice similarities among languages and
develop skills for learning any new language.
Communities
Participate in multilingual
communities at home and
around the world.
You will contribute to celebrations showcasing what
we’ve learned about each language and culture. You will
also be encouraged to take field trips to experience other
cultures and languages on your own.
6th Grade World Languages Course Description, Ms. Atherton page 2
Text and Materials: We will use a variety of resources including internet research. Make sure that
you have an Internet User Access form on file. From time to time you will also be assigned the
textbook Invitation to Languages for use in the classroom. You are responsible for the condition of
your text while in your possession. Last, but not least, you will receive a pocket-portfolio to keep notes
and class work handy for use in class. These portfolios may help jumpstart your language study in high
school. Additional materials needed for class are listed on the KMS Supply List.
Attendance: Because much of the instruction and practice will be oral, attendance is of the highest
importance for success in the class. If you do miss class, you are responsible for identifying and
completing missed work. Certain activities, however, cannot be made-up outside of class. In the event
of a long illness, a study packet can be made with 24 hours advance notice.
Grading: World Languages is graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. Since you are just beginning to
explore languages, mastery is not expected, however, effort and a positive attitude are. You will be
evaluated on how well you meet the learning targets for each World Language Learning Standard.
A score of 3 or 4 is satisfactory:
4 – Exceeding Standards: Shows in-depth knowledge and understanding. Applies skills with consistent
accuracy, independence and a high level of quality.
3 – Meeting Standards: Shows sufficient knowledge and understanding. Consistently applies skills
with accuracy and quality.
A score of 2 is unsatisfactory:
2 – Working Towards Standards: Shows some knowledge and understanding. Making progress toward
standard. With extra practice may revise this score.
No grade is ever final. If you are unhappy with your performance,
you may make arrangements to get extra help and revise a project or test.
Classroom Expectations: In order to create a positive learning environment, your behavior should
respect each person's right to learn. This respect extends to the teacher, your classmates, you, the
classroom, the materials, and to the cultures and languages we are studying. The expectations and
consequences listed in the KMS Expectations for Success and Student Handbook apply in the World
Languages classroom as well.
Here are some easy ways to make your time in class go smoothly:
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Come to class on time: in your assigned seat when the final bell rings.
Come to class prepared to learn: supplies are ready, posted instructions are read and followed.
Pay attention during instruction; raise your hand to ask questions or make comments; save
bathroom requests for independent work time.
Complete assignments to the best of your ability.
Use supplies appropriately and ask for permission before borrowing any.
Share ideas and encourage classmates.
Turn in work as instructed.
Carefully clean and pack up the end of class; wait in your seat to be dismissed.
6th Grade World Languages Course Description, Ms. Atherton page 3
Kingston Middle School
Common Classroom Syllabus
Expectations for Success
1. High Achieving KMS Students
 Arrive on time, organized, and prepared with materials
 Understand school rules
 Are motivated learners
 Attend school regularly
 Complete all work to the best of their ability
2. Common Behavior Expectations
 Honor directions and decisions of parents, teachers and school staff
 Respect self, others, and school property
 Follow school rules
3. Bathroom Policy
 Use during passing time whenever possible
 Utilize student sign out sheet in classroom
 Use bathroom closest to classroom
 Use with teacher permission during student work time or non-instructional time
4. Water/Snack Policy
 No Candy or Gum
 Water only (clear containers)! No substitutes
 Healthy snacks (during the first 5 minutes of class at teacher discretion)
5. “Sidewalk Electronics” Policy
 Cameras, cell phones, ipods, etc. are allowed on sidewalk by busses before 7:40 a.m. or after 2:40
p.m.
6. Advisory Period
 School business (i.e. peer mentoring, tutoring, WEB, NAVIGATION, etc.)
 Planner check
 Quiet study time/reading
 Prior pass required to go to another classroom (Report to Advisory teacher first for check in)
7. Parent Support
 Send student with school supplies and organized backpack
 Attend Student-Led Conferences
 Make sure student follows the dress code
 Sign and return progress reports
 Check student’s planner daily
 Respect school calendar when scheduling vacations (support regular attendance)
 Share concerns and ask questions when they arise
 Participate in your student’s learning experience; support clubs and activities
6th Grade World Languages Course Description, Ms. Atherton page 4
Here are some suggestions for making the most of language learning:
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Relax. Expect to make mistakes and learn to laugh at them.
Mimic the experts. Listen and repeat, echo what you hear, and speak as often as you can.
Share ideas and encourage classmates. Language learning is most successful as a social
activity.
Practice every day. You can’t cram for a foreign language…look how much practice it took to
learn English!
Classroom Communication: If you have a problem or concern that is affecting your success in class,
feel free to talk with me about it. I am usually available before and after school, and at lunch. You can
meet with me in person, call me at 394-4963, or email me at latherton@nkschools.org.
You are responsible for knowing this information and using it in class.
Keep this course description in your folder in case you have questions.
6th Grade World Languages Course Description, Ms. Atherton page 5
I have read and understood the Course Description for World Languages in Ms. Atherton’s class.
Student Name:
Student Signature:
Date:
I have read the Course Description and have discussed it with my child.
Parent/Guardian Name:
Parent/Guardian Signature:
Date:
Phone Number:
Email Address: ________________________________________________
I would be willing to help the class in the following ways:
 Sharing cultural knowledge and experiences, and/or language proficiency.
Language (Spanish, Italian, Japanese, or other):
Date/time available:
 Contributing culturally appropriate food or drink, or supplies to our cultural celebrations at the end
of each language unit.
 Other:
Other comments:
Thank you for your time and support!