South Laurel High School
Spanish I Course Syllabus 2011-2012
Señorita Smothers (Room 356)
audreanna.smothers@laurel.kyschools.us
(606) 862-4727, ext. 2148
OVERVIEW:
This exciting introductory course is designed to give all students a solid foundation in Spanish. By
incorporating language and culture, music and dance, as well as food and family traditions, we will
explore a number of interesting ideas. I expect you to complete all assignments and assessments,
participate in class activities, and apply critical thought in all endeavors. I look forward to learning and
exploring with you. I promise that we will learn new things that will prepare you for a bright and
prosperous future. You may even discover that learning Spanish helps improve your skills in English and
Communication Arts! Be prepared to work hard; I will expect nothing less from you.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
We will cover the basic vocabulary, grammatical structures, and cultural knowledge needed to
communicate in each of the following situations (this list is not exhaustive and is subject to change):
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Greetings, Goodbyes, Courtesies,
Calendar Dates, Colors, Numbers
Meeting, Describing a Friend
Telling Time
Classmates, Classes
School Supplies, Going to School
Food, Ordering and Eating at a Restaurant
Family and the Home
Clothing, Shopping
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Telling Your Age and Birthday
Team Sports
Health and Wellness, Body Parts
Seasons, Weather
Cultural Events, Art, Music, Unique Customs
Traveling
Daily Routines
We will also learn about several unique people and traditions from the Spanish-speaking world,
including:
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Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15)
Spanish Speaking Countries (Geography)
Famous Latinos
Immigration
Spanish names (and last names)
Food Preparation
Music (various genres /styles)
TEXTBOOK:
¡Exprèsate! Level 1. Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 2006.
REQUIRED SUPPLIES (you must have the following by Monday, August 15):
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3-ring binder (1 or 1 ½ in.)
5 tab dividers (1 pack)
Loose-leaf notebook paper
Pencils and/or pens (blue or black ink only)
Index cards (for vocabulary flashcards)
 Spanish-English dictionary
GRADING:
Learning a foreign language involves the following skills: writing, speaking, listening, and reading. You
will be evaluated in those four areas from now until the end of the course. You may find that you excel in
one area and have trouble in another. Therefore, it is very important that you come to class everyday to
have ample practice in each skill area. I will do my best to explain concepts clearly and give you plenty of
practice exercises (in-class and at home) to ensure that you understand and have what you need to do well
in the class.
I will use the following to calculate grades and assess your learning:
1. HACER AHORA: When you enter class, you will have an “Hacer Ahora” (Do Now) assignment
to do for the first 10-15 minutes of class. You are to complete the assignment quietly and on your
own. For example: the “Hacer Ahora” may be a journal entry, a worksheet, an article to read, etc.
2. PARTICIPATION: You can receive up to 5 points for participation each day. Everyday counts.
You will lose participation points for being tardy or absent.
3. EXAMANES/PROYECTOS: We will have at least 4 tests in this class. There will be a
cumulative, final exam at the end of the course that will cover all content from the class. We will
have an in-class review before each test.
4. PRUEBAS: “Pruebas” (Quizzes) will be given periodically to ensure that you are studying and
understanding the material. “Pruebas” will be short and to the point.
5. EL CUADERNO: You will keep EVERYTHING that you do (notes, graded papers, handouts,
this syllabus, etc.) in “El Cuaderno” (the notebook). You will receive another handout that
explains “El Cuaderno” and its sections in detail.
6. TAREA: The only way to really master a language is to practice, practice, practice… and
practice! As a result, you will have “tarea” (homework). Don’t worry. Your assignments will not
be too long. I do not expect your homework assignments to be perfect. However, I do expect you
to put forth your best effort and produce high quality work. No excuses.
The rough breakdown for quarter grades is as follows:
EVALUATION METHOD
PERCENTAGE
FREQUENCY
Hacer Ahora (Do Now)
Participación (Participation)
Examenes (Tests)/Projects
El Examen Final (Final Exam)
Pruebas (Quizzes)
El Cuaderno (Notebook)
Tarea (Homework/Classwork)
10%
15%
20%
15%
15%
15%
10%
Daily
Daily
After every 2-3 units
End of the course
Once each week
Checked every 3 weeks
Daily
Grading Scale:
100 = A+
96-99 = A
92-95 = A89-91 = B+
86-88 = B
83-85 = B80-82 = C+
77-79 = C
74-76 = C71-73 = D+
68-70= D
64-67 = D-
Below 64 = F