Spanish I Syllabus Instructor Course Overview Sra. Trecia Taylor Welcome to Spanish I! I am so excited to embark on this adventure with you. By putting forth the effort to learn a second language, you are truly giving yourself an invaluable gift. In order to develop a deep understanding of the Spanish language, we will also delve into the cultures that speak it as a native language. Not only will you gain a new understanding of many parts of the world, but you’ll actually be expanding the limits of your brain! Learning a second language physically challenges your brain to form new connections and pathways. Phone (928)634-7531 ext 1103 Email ttaylor@muhs.com Location Room 103 Language classes are different than most because they require you to be engaged at all times. You will be successful in this class if you actively participate in classroom activities and you PRACTICE your vocabulary every night! YOU are ultimately responsible for your own success in all that you do, so the most important thing is that you always TRY your very BEST! ¡Buen Viaje! Benefits to learning a foreign language: Enhances and enriches mental development Website www.ttaylorspanish.my teachersite.com Develop a better ear for listening through flexibility in thinking and sensitivity to language Improves understanding of your native language Allows you the opportunity to communicate with people you would not otherwise have had the chance to know Please feel free to contact me to set up an appointment to address any questions, comments or concerns you may have. Increases job opportunities and pay Tips on being successful in a foreign language class: Practice your vocabulary EVERY NIGHT! (flashcards 7-10 mins) Do your homework Actively participate in class exercises Train your ear by listening to Spanish music or watching Spanish television or movies Visit websites for Spanish learners (listed below) Allow yourself to make mistakes. The larger the mistake, the less likely you are to forget! This is a safe environment where you are only expected to TRY your very BEST. Required Text & Extra Credit Resources Textbook: ¡BuenViaje! Glencoe Spanish 1, Schmitt & Woodford Buen Viaje Website: http://www.glencoe.com/sec/worldlanguages/spanish/buenviajelevel1/# Extra practice: www.studyspanish.com (choose current grammar topic for each chapter) www.Quizlet.com (this website allows you to create customized practice quizzes and games. Many relevant study sets to our class are already in the data base.) Spanish I 2015-2016 Page 1 Course Materials Prepare yourself for success! You are expected to bring your text book and materials to class with you every day. Please remember to take them with you when you leave! Neglecting to bring your materials will result in a trip to ALC. Please contact me if acquiring these supplies is a hardship and I will do my best to provide what is necessary. Supplies needed for this class are as follows: 3-Ring binder with pockets Pencils 10 Sheet protectors Highlighter/ Colored Pen for grading Loose leaf notebook paper Current chapter Workbook packet Note cards Dry Erase Marker Tardies: Tardy students will not be admitted to class and must report to ALC immediately. You will lose bellwork and participation points for the day. Homework, Late & Make-up Work Policies Expect homework four nights a week. Generally there will be a chapter vocabulary list (VERY important to your success in this class!) and several activities from the chapter workbook packet. If you happen to finish your homework during the time provided in class, there is always something you can do at home to ensure your success. This may be as simple as studying your vocabulary list, practicing verbs or visiting the Spanish learning websites provided. Turn your work in on time! Late homework will not be awarded any more than 50% of possible points. Homework is due at the beginning of class. You will have as many days as you are absent to make up missed work if you absence is excused. Unexcused absences will result in zero points awarded for participation, quizzes and assignments. Missed exams will be scheduled immediately upon return. No extra time will be given. If you plan to miss class due to doctor appointment, field trip or sports, you are responsible for finding out what the assignments were and turning them in on time. Assignments and daily agendas will be posted on my class website: http://ttaylorspanish.MyTeacherSite.org Classwork: There are three sections to each chapter: vocabulary, grammar and culture. For each chapter we will make a vocabulary list and/or flashcards, take notes, complete a chapter packet and explore conversational, listening and video activities. Learning should be fun! So we will venture outside the text whenever possible with games, music, literature and other resources of enrichment. Bellwork is collected 5 minutes after the bell rings. There is no credit for bellwork turned in after that time. There is no make-up bellwork for late students. Excused absences will be exempt from bellwork. Quizzes will cover the sections of each chapter and be given once to twice per week. Chapter tests will be given approximately every two to three weeks. Assessments may include listening and speaking sections. Extra Credit: Students will have up to 5 extra credit opportunities for most chapters we study. Students may email results or print results page of practice quizzes for credit. These are DUE at the Chapter Test. 1. 2. Flashcards with the chapter vocabulary list (10pts) Up to 4 different practice quizzes from textbook website or quizlet.com (3pts each) Cheating: The grade of zero will be given to anyone who is caught cheating or has the same answers on an individual assignment. Zeros will also be given for using a translating program. Do not rely on others or your cell phone to do your thinking for you. Apply yourself! You can do this! Spanish I 2015-2016 Page 2 Spanish Buddies! Exchange contact information with at least two classmates’ contact information and keep this page in your Spanish notebook. Let’s create a spirit of camaraderie in our classroom by being available to help one another succeed. It is important to have a support system in a foreign language class! We can utilize these classmates as a resource for study partners, to practice speaking, or to find out about missed assignments. Name: Phone Number: Second Phone: Email: Name: Phone Number: Second Phone: Email: Name: Phone Number: Second Phone: Email: Spanish I 2015-2016 Page 3 I have read and understand the Syllabus for Spanish I as presented by Señora Taylor. I agree to the policies and procedures listed there-in and will do my best to uphold them. I also understand that these policies and procedures are subject to change at the discretion of the teacher. I understand that my effort in this class directly affects my success and I will apply myself to the fullest to ensure that I am successful in this class. I will show my best effort by: Answer the prompt above and discuss with your parents. (Must be done for credit) Sign, date and return no later than Friday for extra credit. Student Name (Print): ___________________________________ Student Email: __________________________________________ Period: __________________ Date: _________________ Student Signature: ______________________________________ Parent Name (Print): ____________________________________ Parent Email: _________________________ Date: _____________ Parent Phone (Best Contact): _____________________________ Parent Signature: _____________________________________ Spanish I 2015-2016 Page 4