Classroom Procedures
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Beginning Spanish class will consist of learning the basics of the Spanish language, including vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, reading, listening, speaking, and comprehension. Anthropologists who study culture will say there is no language without culture, and vice-versa. Culture is a vital aspect in learning a language, and thus students will also learn culture from various Latin American countries as they learn the language. Students will learn other important aspects about the countries that speak Spanish as well, such as geography and current events. Students in 8th grade will review and continue working on the concepts mentioned above, as well as learn new ideas, such as past tense.
TEXTS AND OTHER MATERIALS
¡Avancemos! Textbook (located in the classroom)
¡Avancemos! Workbook
This is a workbook to complement the textbook. Each student will be given their own copy. If a copy is lost during the class the student is responsible for purchasing a new copy.
Spanish/English Dictionary
It is highly recommended that each student purchase a Spanish/English Dictionary! There will be a small supply of dictionaries for use in the classroom only (not for home use). Dictionaries can be found for as little as one dollar and is well worth the investment! I personally recommend www.spanishdict.com when working online for individual words.
Worksheets/Handouts
The teacher will also provide worksheets and copies of materials as needed (hard copy or online). It is the responsibility of each student to keep these items until the end of the class (even if they are not the best of grades), for the teacher often uses these for test study materials. The teacher is not responsible for lost worksheets!
Pen/Paper/pencil/notebook/Chromebook
This may seem obvious, but each student should always bring with them pen or pencil and paper as well as their Chromebook. You will take notes, either through the computer or hard copy. Points will be taken off for those students who chronically “forget” these items (three times or more). Students will also on occasion be asked to bring additional items such as markers or posters for projects.
Chromebook misuse:
1st time-verbal warning
2nd time-call home-lose for one day
3rd time-lose for a week
4th time-lose for the rest of the quarter and a negative comment on report card
5th or more-Directed to Principal Palmer for further discourse
Headphones/ear buds
We will be utilizing a lot of online resources and you will need to have earphones to listen to the resources in class.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
The teacher will follow the attendance rules found in the student handbook. In a nutshell, the students must be on time and prepared every day unless a valid excuse is given (doctor’s appointment, etc.). Make-up work shall be completed within two days for every day missed.
If you’re tardy for Spanish class, the first time you’ll have a verbal warning. The second time, you’ll be required to call home, and after three times within a quarter, then a negative comment will be posted on your report card.
HOMEWORK
Practice outside of the classroom is very important when learning a second language. Homework will be given on a weekly basis and the student is expected to complete the assignment on time. Only in-class assignments will be completed in class or, if time begin that day's homework (no completing late homework in class the day it is due). Homework is a good part of your grade and should be taken seriously. Late homework will be accepted with a 10% deduction per day. If homework is not complete on the due date, you will be responsible to fill out a “Lion’s Den” form and you will be required to attend Lion’s Den Make Up. Homework/classwork with less than a 70% (passing) can also be made up in Lion's Den (see above).
CHEATING/PLAGIARISM/ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
The teacher takes cheating and plagiarism (copying or translating large pieces of writing and stating it is yours) very seriously. Academically dishonest work will be made up in Lion's Den with a 10% penalty and a negative comment will be put on the report card. The teacher will also call the parents to make them aware. This also includes translators (outside of single word translations). Chronic dishonesty will be a case by case basis.
BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS
The student shall adhere to behavioral rules listed in the student handbook and classrooms. Some important reminders, particularly in this class, include:
*Be respectful to others at all times
*Be prepared for class
*Be ready to work when the bell rings
*Attempt to work in Spanish as much as possible
GRADING (FOR ALL CLASSES):
Homework 15%
In-class assignments/participation 15%
Projects 20%
Quizzes 20%
Unit tests 30%
Total 100%
Norridge District 80 Grading Scale
100-98 A+
97-95 A
94-92 A-
91-90 B+
89-87 B
86-85 B-
84-82 C+
81-79 C
78-77 C-
76-74 D+
73-72 D
71-70 D-
69-0 F
Equal opportunity! This is an equal opportunity classroom. Every person will be treated equally, no matter the race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or gender.
Choose this theme to customize and add content to this page.