Spanish 3 – 4 Syllabus Prescott High School Seň
orita Boehle 2015– 2016 Welcome to Spanish Class! Contact Information: Room 416
Phone: 928­445­2322 x 416
Email: ​
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tiffany.boehle @prescottschools.com Course Description: ​
This is an academic elective that requires consistent studying and completion of written assignments. Advanced grammar concepts are presented and practiced. (1 credit). Pre­requisite: Spanish 1 – 2 with a grade of C or better. To continue to second semester, a grade of D or higher is required; a grade of C or better and passing the Compass language exam at Yavapai College is required to advance to dual credit Spanish 201/201. Materials​
: Our textbook is Descubre 2, you will be given a Descubre 2 workbook, a notebook that is only used for Spanish class, a folder to stay organized with handouts and homework, paper, pen or pencil. How will we learn in this class? ​
We will continue your acquisition of the Spanish language by using multiple methods and resources. Contextualized comprehensible input will be primary and will give you enough experience with listening to and reading Spanish that the language will begin to sound more natural. We will read individually as well as in small groups and as a class. We will listen to and do activities related to songs and listen to native speakers engage in conversations. We will complete group and individual projects on cultural concepts and representative artists, authors and people of interest. Another very powerful way to acquire language (also supported by research) is through stories or narrative. We will also spend time with grammar exercises to reinforce concepts. Our textbook is ​
Descubre 2​
. Why isn’t Spanish like some of my other classes?​
Spanish, like any language, is a skill. It is NOT like riding a bike! This is not a class where you can learn material for a test and then forget it. Acquiring a language is a skill that builds and requires practice. In order to communicate successfully, you will need to continually know and be able to recall vocabulary. You may be tested at any time over any vocabulary acquired at any time during this year as well as last year. We’ll review and build upon concepts learned in the past throughout the year as we add new concepts. What are the behavioral expectations?​
I expect you to be courteous and curious! I expect you to try as hard as you can and to allow your fellow classmates the same opportunity. Please do not engage in behaviors that distract or detract from your and your classmate’s ability to take part in class and learn. I expect respectful behaviors not only for myself but for your classmates. By the time you reach high school you should be well aware of appropriate behavior for the classroom. Please, no food or drink or gum in class. You will be speaking a lot in class, and it is impolite as well as inappropriate to have something in your mouth while you are speaking. When in doubt, refer to the PHS student handbook as this class aligns with the handbook’s requirements. 1
How is my grade determined for this class?​
Semester grade = Quarter 1 40% + Quarter 2 40% + final exam 20%. Your grade will be based on the following: Participation Homework Tests and Quizzes / Final Exam Weekly Activity Sheets In­class activities (written & spoken) Final Exam (Oral, written, and listening components) ***Extra credit projects or assignments to salvage or “bump” a grade will not be offered or permitted. On occasion, extra credit opportunities will be given to ALL students (not just one individual in need of extra points) as part of an assignment or quiz. *** Your grade for this course will be based on the following: 90­100 = A; 80­89 = B; 70­79 = C; 60­69 = D; below 60 = F Participation:​
To have a great participation grade, work on the items in the positive column. If you do any of the things in the negative column, your participation grade will be lowered. Positive: ● Use the Spanish language to communicate whenever possible ● STAY OFF YOUR PHONE! ● Have, organize, and use notebook effectively ● Pay attention and follow directions ● Listen when others talk ● Ask and answer questions ● Help other students learn ● Contribute ideas for mnemonic (memory) devices ● Encourage and/or praise others ● Demonstrate good sportsmanship ● Put forth extra effort ● Allow yourself to have fun and enjoy yourself in class 2
Negative: ● Not pay attention / follow directions ● REFUSE TO PUT PHONE AWAY ● Read or work on assignments for another class ● Pass notes that are “off topic” ● Forget materials for class ● Do not try ● Use English to communicate when inappropriate ● Show disrespect for others ● Make negative comments and put­downs ● Interrupt when someone else is talking ● Be off­task ● Distract others ● Not practice with partner when time is given ● Be too serious… no fun Homework: ​
Homework will consist of workbook assignments (I will issue you your workbook) and projects. The due dates will always be posted on the whiteboard under Spanish II heading. The assignments are designed to help you practice what we’ve be doing in class as well as learn about Spanish speaking cultures and countries. ***DO NOT LOSE YOUR WORKBOOK! You will be responsible for purchasing a new one from me if lost. (25$ fee)*** ● Please keep all work appropriate for school (G­rated). If you are unsure whether your work fulfills the requirement, please ask me ​
before​
the due date. Inappropriate work receives no credit. ● Please take pride in doing your own work and have the integrity to work independently on your assignments. Plagiarized work, work done by an online translator, or work done by others receives no credit. (It is VERY obvious if you have chosen to use an online translator) ● In addition to the homework assignments from the workbook, you will also be doing various projects including research projects, skits, and reading target language stories and expository writing. 3
Tests and Quizzes​
: We will have an in­class quiz every week or so. Quizzes may cover any and all vocabulary we have practiced in class up to the prior week and specific grammar points. If you pay attention and participate positively, you will do fine. Tests will be administered at the end of each chapter. Tests will assess reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in addition to vocabulary for that particular chapter. Once a chapter test has been administered, make­up work is no longer accepted for that chapter. At the end of the semester, we will have a cumulative final exam that will enable you to demonstrate your skills in Spanish. We will spend lots of time preparing and reviewing for the final exam, but you must be prepared and plan to study. Written and speaking sections of tests/projects/etc. will be graded using a rubric which you will receive prior to the tests or activities. Weekly Activity Sheets:​
Daily warm­ups / bellwork will be completed. You will definitely be quizzed periodically on this information. (see Notebook Quiz). Notebook Quiz:​
In addition to quizzes based on activities and class content, we will have a Notebook Quiz. The quiz will assess if you complete daily work (including warm­ups) as well as organization. Warm­ups, homework, notes, graded assignments, quizzes, and handouts will be kept in the folder you designate as your “Spanish ONLY” folder. You will be given a timed quiz over the notebook that should be easy if you follow instructions and stay organized at the end of each unit. What do I need for Spanish class? ​
You will need to bring your Spanish only notebook and folder, as well as your textbook and workbook each day and a pen or pencil. What if I make a mistake in class?​
Mistakes when acquiring a new language are normal, natural, and… EXPECTED! Even students with a high degree of proficiency in the language will make errors when speaking or writing. Remember that while laughing at yourself or with others is encouraged, making fun of others will not be tolerated. Relax and have fun participating in class, and your Spanish will improve quickly. What if I’m absent?​
Ask me and / or a fellow classmate for what you missed after or before an absence. You WILL be responsible for the new vocabulary, any upcoming due dates, or in­ class activities that are turned in, the next time class meets. If you will be absent for an extended period, please let me know in advance (if possible) so that your transition back will be smooth. You should also copy warm­ups for each day you miss (ask an amigo!) Please refer to the student handbook for specifics on tardies and absences. TARDIES* If you are tardy 3 times in a quarter, after the 3rd, I will write a referral to administration for further consequences. ***Do NOT ditch my class.​
If you have an unexcused absence and it is not resolved by the end of the week, you will receive a zero for participation for the entire week, (0/20 points) and you will receive a zero for any work you missed, quiz you should’ve taken, homework you should’ve turned in, etc. It is NOT worth 4
it to miss Spanish class. I will also be in communication with administration and your parents/guardians re: the UNX absence. ​
Always communicate with me about absences. Make­up Work: Under normal circumstances I ​
do not ​
accept late work. However, there are times that I allow students to take assessments such as exams and quizzes late or early provided that the student has a dialogue with me about the unexpected circumstances first. In these cases, the student must take the quizzes and/or exams as soon as possible. My Philosophy:​
I believe that ALL students can acquire an additional language. I have a passion for languages and I will do all that I can to help you acquire Spanish. By making a commitment: showing up for every class (mentally and physically) and participating in a positive way, you will make significant progress this year and earn a grade that reflects that progress. Let’s have a super year!! I have read and understand the policies of Seῆorita Boehle’s class. I understand that homework packets are due every other Wednesday and are posted at the top of this syllabus. I also understand the late work and make­up work policies. Student Signature: _______________________________________________________________ Parent / Guardian Signature:_______________________________________________________ 5