Dear Students and Parents/Guardians:

Bienvenidos!--Welcome to Intro. to Spanish and Spanish 1...the beginning or continuation of an exciting adventure.  Both classes are designed to make language acquisition a natural, enjoyable, and rewarding experience.  We will work to attain proficiency in four skills--speaking, listening, reading and writing.  Below you will find course information, including: supplies, key concepts, participation, expectaions, homework and grades. If you have any questions or comments, please either call 480-472-2705 or send an email at cegarcia@mpsaz.org.

Sincerely,

Elisa Garcia

Textbook:

Introduction to Spanish:  Handouts and packets provided by the teacher.

Spanish 1: Realidades 1 and Realidades practice workbook 1

Class supplies for each day:

• Realidades workbook
• Spanish/English dictionary (suggested)
• Spiral notebook (for notes and guided practice)
• pocket folder (two pockets)
• Filler paper
• Highlighter (pink or yellow)
• Blue or black pens
• Red pen
• Sharpened pencils

Course Description/Key Concepts:

Both classes introduce the vocabulary of the language and components of the culture in which the language is spoken.  Emphasis is placed on the use of vocabulary in context, common phrases, grammatical structures, scripted dialogue, and cultural activities. 

Class Participation:

Class participation is essential and worth 5% of the grade.  Students will receive participation points for speaking in Spanish during class and for participating in language activities--singing, dancing, or TPR exercises which facilitate language acquisition. Students may earn ten participation points each day for the following:

• Speaking Spanish without instructional cues
• Using class-time wisely (working the entire hour)
• Participating positively
• Completing work (in-class and homework) neatly and accurately
• Coming to class prepared with all necessary materials
• Being a good listener and following directions the first they are given
• Being respectful of the teacher and other students

***Students may lose participation points  for the following:

• Gum chewing
• Not following directions
• Refusing to participate
• Disruptive behavior
• Poor/negative attitude

Class Expectations:

Students in Spanish are expected to:

• Come to class on time (seated in assigned seat before the bell rings)
• Begin La Practica independently, without discussion
• Use proper heading (name--first and last, date--in Spanish, and period--hora___)
• Raise their hand for permission to speak or get out of seat
• Take pride in their  work and do their best
• Be respectful of the teacher and other students
• Leave the room neat and orderly
• Wait for the teacher to dismiss the class

Homework and Classwork Policy:

Homework and classwork is 45% of the grade.  Homework must be complete at the beginning of class for full credit.  If a student is absent, he or she has the amount of days absent to complete the assignment.  However, students are advised to call a classmate or friend during an absence to avoid feeling overwhelmed by missed work.

Late work is not accepted.  If a student is unable to complete an assignment because he or she didn't understand the assignment, then a parent/guardian may write a note explaining that the work was attempted.  The student will then have to make arrangements to come in either before or afterschool to work on the assignemnt with the teacher's guidance. 

Tests and Quizzes

Assessments provide the opportunity to show what one has mastered.  They may be in the form of quizzes(announced or unannounced), tests (announced), projects, in-class activities, or oral presentations.

Silent Reading (2nd hour only):

Silent Reading is during second hour following the morning's announcements.  Students must come to class with either a novel or magazine that is school appropriate and at the student's independent reading level.  A silent reading book should be of interest to the student, however, it should also provide an opportunity to improve fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. 

Grade Distribution

Class Participation                    5%                                                                              

Homework and In-class work    45%

Tests and Quizzes                       50%

What Parents/Guardians can do at home to support the learning process:

Please encourage your son or daughter to practice concepts learned in class as often as possible.  In addition to homework that is assigned, students should study every night---vocabulary for at least 15 minutes, grammar concepts, reading short passages for fluency and comprehension.  A solid foundation of basic language skills is necessary for success in higher level classes.