Course Syllabus 2011-2012

Spanish I Course Syllabus 2011-2012 Instructor: Señora Monica Woods Email: [email protected] GHS Phone No: (270) 651-8801 Planning Period: 9:15 A.M. to 10:15 A.M. Textbook: ¡Exprésate!, Holt Rinehart & Winston 2006

What is the reason for this class? Thousands of Kentuckians speak Spanish as their primary language. Many of them live and work in Barren and surrounding counties. Spanish I at Glasgow High School will enable you to communicate in Spanish in order to gather and provide basic information for the people you encounter in your future career, whatever that may be.

The 5 areas of focus for Spanish class are (1) Speaking, (2) Listening, (3) Reading, (4) Writing, and (5) Culture. Speaking and comprehending what you hear will be emphasized in this class. Verbal participation is vital to your success! You must leave your fears at the door. You cannot be afraid of getting embarrassed when you speak Spanish. That is part of the fun! And we will have fun!

What will I learn? By the end of Spanish I, you will be able to communicate with Spanish speakers more than you can even imagine right now, if you participate and believe in yourself as much as I do! By the end of the year you will be able to say and confidently do the following:

 I CAN say the Spanish alphabet (Chapter 1).

 I CAN recognize the names of the letters in the Spanish alphabet when I hear them

(Chapter 1).

 I CAN introduce myself to someone and ask him/her how he/she is (Chapter 1).

 I CAN ask someone if he/she speaks Spanish(Chapter 1).

 I CAN count to 100 (Chapter 1).

 I CAN say and understand the date and time (Chapter 1).

 I CAN say my birthday and ask for and understand someone else’s (Chapter 2).

 I CAN use the colors and physical descriptors to describe myself or someone else

(Chapter 2).  I CAN use in conversation and writing various aspects of Spanish grammar, to

include subject pronouns and definite and indefinite articles (Chapter 1-4).

 I CAN say and understand the common weather expressions (Chapter 3).

 I CAN obtain information using the various question words (Who? What? When?

Where? How

much/many?) (Chapter 4).

 I CAN explain the structure of Latino family names.

 I CAN use various Spanish verbs to describe situations in the present tense

(Chapters 2-5).

 I CAN identify the various Spanish speaking countries in the world (Chapters 1-5).

 I CAN describe basic aspects of Latino culture, including family relationships and

daily life, with knowledge and sensitivity (Chapters 1-5). What do I need to bring to class?

Bring your Spanish textbook to class every day, along with a pen or pencil and paper. You will also need to bring a willingness to learn and a positive attitude!

How will I be graded? Your grades will be based on daily participation, completion of assignments, chapter exams, quizzes, and cultural presentations & projects.

Grades will be based on the percentage of total possible points a student has earned at the end of the nine weeks.

What about homework and “Bell Ringers?” Homework is given 2 to 3 times a week. Generally, there will be some time at the end of class to complete the assignment. If the assignment is not completed during this time, then it is homework. All homework is due the following day and will be part of your class grade, counting the same amount as quizzes. I expect you to complete and participate in all bell ringer activities. I will randomly select activities to count for daily points. It is your responsibility to speak with me about making up any work you have missed due to an absence. You will have a missing grade (a zero) until it is completed.

What about tests? If you participate in class and study outside of class, you will be prepared for tests. If you are absent on a test day, you will be given a make-up test before or after school by making arrangements with me. The test MUST be made up during the 5 day allotted time frame as stated in the GHS Student Handbook. I will give you plenty of notice to prepare for a test. Quizzes will be made up during class time. All students will be required to take semester (mid-term) and final (end of year) exams that will cover class content up to that point in the class. These exams will each count as 10% of your overall course grade.

What are the rules? With your GHS Student Handbook and your good common sense as the guide, I only ask that you do nothing in this class that will slow down or keep you or someone else from learning. Really think about that. I will be respectful of you and expect the same in return. Be on time, be prepared, be responsible, and be yourself! ¡Bienvenidos todos!