2013-2014 Español I Course Overview
Señor Ferral
¡Buenos días! Welcome to your introduction to Spanish. In this course you will begin to understand Spanish in oral and written form and to express yourself in everyday situations. You will learn geography of Spanish-speaking countries and many different aspects of Hispanic culture. Be open to the experience, and don’t let fear of not understanding, misunderstanding, mispronouncing, or any other “miss-” interfere with your learning and your enjoyment!
In the course of our exploration, you will be challenged to use your Spanish in many different ways and contexts. Be prepared to listen, talk, rap, sing, write poetry, surf the web, tell stories, etc.
The linguistic goals of this class shall be:
· Greet others and make appropriate small talk
· Express likes and dislikes
· Talk about family and friends
· Describe people and things using adjectives and adverbs
· Communicate about school life and function in Spanish in the classroom
· Talk about the home as well as the community
· Order food in a restaurant and purchase other items in stores
· Shop for clothes and sundry items
· Ask and answer questions about yourself and others
· Give directions for finding things and places
· Express opinions
· Read poetry, stories, and folktales
· Use negations
· Talk and write in present and past tenses
· Write letters, descriptions, and narrations to share information with penpals
Cultural goals of this class shall be:
· Appreciate differences in schools, homes, clothing, and other aspects between Hispanic countries and America
· Locate on a map several Spanish-speaking countries, know their capitals, and details about geographic and social features
· Describe some holiday traditions of Hispanic countries
· Learn about different food traditions in Hispanic countries
Overview of skills:
The following skills will be targeted during your language study:
o Speaking— the primary goal for this class!
o Listening—an essential skill for accurate communication – including announcements, messages, personal questions, and other information
o Reading—a variety of sources including short paragraphs/stories, a variety of authentic material (ads, articles, schedules), etc.
o Writing—starting with simple sentences and building towards paragraphs, letters, dialogues, summaries, etc.
o Thinking – a skill, often forgotten, that you use when performing the above four tasks!
Grading:
Believing that each step of learning the language is as important and worthy as mastering it, students’ grades are cumulative throughout each term.
o Assessments—vocabulary and grammar quizzes are frequent with cumulative tests occurring less often but typically at the end of a unit. Assessments will be 40% of your grade.
o Homework & assignments— given three to four times per week on average. A letter grade will be deducted per day for late work. Homework will be 25% of your grade.
o Projects—assigned occasionally throughout the year; may be independent or cooperative, often incorporating technology. Projects will count for a homework or test grade.
o Class participation—essential for success in a foreign language class! Participation and Class Work will be 25% of your grade.
o Missing/late work— submitting assignments after the due date will result in Silent Study during recess and daily point deductions; failure to complete assignments will result in a zero; make-up assignments will be accepted at the teacher’s discretion.
Classroom Rules are as follows (All conduct covered in the Student Handbook is in effect, but please pay attention to the following!):
- Be on time.
- Do not bring food, drinks, or gum to class.
- Be prepared to work.
- Be productive.
- Do not disturb others.
6. Absolutely no cell phones for texting, etc.
Failure to comply with these rules will result in a few warnings, followed by other disciplinary actions.
Texts:
o ¡Avancemos! textbook published by Holt McDougal (2013)
o ¡Avancemos! Cuaderno: práctica por niveles published by Holt McDougal (2013)
o The New College Spanish & English Dictionary published by Amsco (or Spanish/English dictionary of choice)
Semester Exams:
Upper School Spanish students are required to take two semester exams. These are given in December and May, and they cover material specific to each semester as well as the student’s overall grasp of the language to date. Additionally, a proficiency exam is administered in the spring. Information regarding this test will be communicated closer to date. At the end of the year, students will be evaluated in regard to their readiness for the second level of Spanish. Guidelines for this can be found in the Student Handbook.
I am excited to have you in class as an Upper School student. Preparation and participation on a consistent basis throughout the year will lead students to success. However, if you need or want extra help, please let me know as soon as possible. I will be available outside of the classroom to assist. I can be reached at school (254-1361 ext. 406) or by email (). Please get this overview signed and return it tomorrow for the first homework grade.
Sincerely,
Aaron Ferral
Señor Aaron Ferral
Student’s Name: ______
Parent’s Signature: ______