Español I

Señorita Lorraine Robinson

(509) 291-3721 ext. 204

¡Bienvenidos a la clase de español!

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to what promises to be a wonderful year! Spanish I is an introductory course that will ease you into Spanish vocabulary and grammar and will also begin to develop conversational skills. In learning, you will focus on the five Cs of world language education: communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities.

What is expected of me?

  • You are expected to come to class on time, prepared, and ready to learn. Every day you will need to bring paper and writing materials.
  • You are expected to be a part of a mutually respectful learning environment in which all students can feel comfortable experimenting with the Spanish language. Please be kind to yourselves, to one another, and to your teacher.
  • You should exhibit a willingness to experiment with the Spanish language. We will spend a lot of time speaking to one another in the target language, even if it’s just a couple words – so don’t be afraid to try it out!
  • You are expected to practice your vocabulary and grammar outside of class time, even when there is no homework. Fifteen extra minutes a day will do wonders for your Spanish skills.

How will I be graded?

Grades are calculated on a weighted system.

Homework – 15%Tests / Projects – 35%Participation – 10%

Quizzes – 15%Para Empezar – 10%[1]Final Exam – 15%

What if I am absent?

If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get the assignment from me. Please check the website ahead of time to see what materials are available. Also, homework assignments will be available in the Spanish I folder on the counter.

You are to complete missing assignmentswithin two school days (or within the number of days that you missed; please make up tests or quizzes within one week). If you miss too many classes, it will be extremely difficult to catch up, as we keep building on known material. It is your responsibility to make up any notes that you may have missed; I will not provide you with this material.

You are also responsible for making up a Para Empezar; never copy from another student because this will result in zero credit for both parties. To make up the entry task, you will need to create five sentences in Spanish on your own using current vocabulary and grammar.

What materials will I need?

Notebook (three ring binder or spiral) with plenty of paper

Pen or pencil

Spanish-English dictionary (recommended but not required)

What will I learn in this class?

Spanish I will primarily focus on mastering the present tense. Students will also be able to use the simple future, simple past, and express obligation. Vocabulary topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Greetings
  • Physical / personality descriptions
  • Weather
  • Emotions
  • In the school
  • Clothing
  • Colors
  • Telling time
  • Christmas vocabulary
  • Family members
  • The outdoors
  • Sports
  • Fairy tales
  • Food
  • In the airport

What if I need some help?

I am in the classroom for at least a half hour before school and for a half hour after school, and I would love the opportunity to work with you individually. Please let me know ahead of time (if possible) so that I can help you with what you need.

Also, making and using flashcards every day is a great way to memorize information. Additionally, you can check out a textbook for extra practice or a dictionary. Please do not use the internet to help you on any assignments; the internet will translate things for you, and this is considered cheating. It is not your own work and you will receive no credit.

Just a few more things….

  • Students may eat a snack or have a drink with a lid in my classroom, as long as he/she cleans up afterward. If students abuse the privilege or create messes, no food will be permitted.
  • Students may not bring sports bags with them to any class; they must be stored in the locker room.
  • Please adhere to the school’s backpack policy. Check the student handbook if you have questions.
  • During a fire alarm, students must remain with their teacher at all times.
  • Late work is accepted for half of the credit earned; however, you may only turn it in before the chapter test. Once the chapter test has been taken, you may not turn in any previous late work. It is important keep everything organized and be sure to check your grades regularly.
  • Cheating will not be permitted. This includes borrowing a friend’s paper to “check answers” or using the internet to translate sentences. Any sort of cheating will result in immediate loss of credit on the given assignment, project, quiz, or test.
  • Cell phones are not permitted. If a student uses a cell phone in the class, it will be taken away immediately and given back at the end of the day (for the first offense). Note: If a student has a cell phone out at any time on a test or quiz day, the student will immediately earn a 0 on the test or quiz; it does not matter if the student has already turned in his/her work.
  • There is an objective posted on the board – we will track daily objectives and students will evaluate their growth and understanding of each of them.
  • Please be kind. We will be playing games and speaking a new language with one another, so please come with an open mind and a positive attitude. Respect is of the utmost importance and anything less will not be tolerated.
  • Extra credit will be offered each chapter in two forms:
  • Flashcards – Student can make a set of flashcards for every word on the current chapter’s vocabulary sheet. This may be done through an app or on index cards. Choose whichever method you will more readily use!
  • Five Times – Student will write out each vocabulary word five times in Spanish.
  • Please check your grades regularly. It is important to be aware of your progress.
  • Always do your best!

[1]We will begin each class with Para Empezar, which will be the warm up; this too will be graded.