WEBSITE: www.fcmsspanish.weebly.com
Welcome to Spanish! Sra. Parr 2014-2015
I hope you are looking forward to learning a new language! This course will count as high school credit so it is very important you understand the expectations in the class. As a former CHS Spanish teacher, I know what is expected of you as a freshman taking Spanish II. It is important to look at your first year as part of a bigger journey. It is my hope that you will take Spanish for many years…and love it!
The main goal in learning a language is Communication.
Participation: Participation is crucial when learning a language. Being an “active” participant involves daily listening, understanding, reading, writing and performing in the target language. Often you will work with a partner or in a group. Staying focused on the activity being asked of you is a big part of participation. Please keep in mind that most students feel uncomfortable and a little bit nervous, but the more you speak and participate; the more relaxed and better speaker you will become.
Performance, Performance, Performance! Performance points will be recorded regularly as part of daily (and/or major) grades. Classroom activities and exercises, homework, reading comprehension, writing, speaking and participation checks count as performance points.
Vocabulary: Currently the district is working on a new curriculum utilizing authentic resources. Only the vocabulary presented in class and provided on any lists given will be used on all assignments; including quizzes, exams and projects. No other vocabulary is accepted. Never use Spanish Translator or ‘search’ Spanish words for classroom use. The present tense is the primary focus spoken during the first year of Spanish.
Vocabulary will be introduced daily and in sections. . Participate in the planned activities using the new vocabulary and take notes as needed.
Saying the vocabulary words OUT LOUD will help you with learning and speaking the language. Study the vocabulary every day. Be creative (use iphone and visuals) as discussed in class.
Keep all materials. You will need them for semester reviews and for Spanish II.
Homework: You should study/speak/write vocabulary and concepts about 15 minutes every day
Major Grades: Most major grades will be in the form of projects. Each project will have a guideline/rubric to follow. You will work alone, with a partner or in a small group setting pending on the project. Even though it is partner or group work, each student is graded individually based on the rubric provided. Because students are able to prepare during class (and often at home), there are no ‘re-tests’ for projects. OPE (Oral Proficiency Exams) are major grades as well. We will prepare carefully in class.
Classroom Management and Organization: (see Power Point tab)
Arrive to class on time, have required materials (planner, notebook, pen and paper, and art supplies.)
Once you enter the classroom, sit in your assigned seat. Do not touch anything that is not yours including class props or supplies.
If you are absent, copy another student’s planner and notebook for any make-up work. See me immediately about making up any missed assignment or quiz. If you were absent the day something was due then it is your responsibility to turn assignment in as soon as you come to class.
Your parent can check the planner to see what you are doing in class each day.
OLÉ Activities: Every day you will listen to, understand, read, write and speak in the target language.
O-Organization and Objectives. Begin each class period by independently participating in a 2-4 minute warm-up activity. This is called "Ahora". It is the first part of your notebook. DATE the activity in case there is a notebook check.
L-Language/Listening You learn by doing! Follow my example and practice with a partner helping each other in learning Spanish. Performance points can be earned here.
É-Ejemplo/Ejercicios. You and your partner may be called on to model what you have learned. It is very important to listen to other students as they perform. Performance points can be earned here as well.
Learning a language requires a great deal of time and focus. Working bell to bell is expected.
Contact and Classroom Information: My email address is [email protected] .
Please view the FCMS Spanish Website: www.fcmsspanish.weebly.com for continuous updates.
I check emails twice a day, so please email me if you have questions or concerns. I will respond in a 24 hour period unless I am absent. IF you do not hear from me, PLEASE send it to me again or call me.
Retesting/Reteaching: Any student who makes below a 75 on a major grade in-class written exam has the opportunity to retest or make test corrections (per teacher specification) for a high grade of a 75. Students must attend at least one tutorial session and complete the retest/test corrections before the next major grade or end of the grading period on the date and time designated by the teacher. This does not include projects, Oral Proficiency Exams (OPE), scripts or anything that can be prepared during class or at home.
Major Project/Presentation Late Work Policy
1st day (or same day at later time than designated)—20 pt reduction from score
2nd day—30 pt reduction from score (most drop it off before 1st period)
3rd day—Major projects/presentations will not be accepted after 3 days. The 3 day rule/deadline applies regardless of absences earned after the original due date. Please note that no late work will be accepted 3 days before the end of any grading cycle regardless of when the original assignment was due. Also, no work will be accepted after a grading cycle has passed.
If students are permitted to work on the assignment during class time, then late work does not have to be accepted.
Supplies: You will need your planner, and notebook (with 5 dividers/paper/pen or pencil) daily. Be sure to have vocabulary, pen and paper. Other items you may need are colored notecards/cardstock, construction paper, markers, map colors, scissors, glue, ruler, etc.
Tutorials: Elective tutorials are every Monday at 8:20am in my classroom. Please be prepared for tutorials by bringing your binder (including your class notes, papers and vocabulary lists) and think about what you would like to review. If I am expecting you and you are not able to make tutorials, please email me as soon as possible.
I have duty on Wednesday mornings just outside of the portables. You are welcome to meet me there for any assistance needed.
Notebook Dividers (5): 1) Ahora 2) Vocabulario 3) Lectura 4) Gramática 5) Ejercicios
NO GUM, FOOD or DRINK of any kind in the classroom please.
Cell phones and other electronic devices will be allowed but only when given permission by me.
REMIND TEXTS:
If you would like to receive texts from me about some of the upcoming grades/projects in class then text
@fcmssp to 319.774.3137.
I hope you are looking forward to learning a new language! This course will count as high school credit so it is very important you understand the expectations in the class. As a former CHS Spanish teacher, I know what is expected of you as a freshman taking Spanish II. It is important to look at your first year as part of a bigger journey. It is my hope that you will take Spanish for many years…and love it!
The main goal in learning a language is Communication.
Participation: Participation is crucial when learning a language. Being an “active” participant involves daily listening, understanding, reading, writing and performing in the target language. Often you will work with a partner or in a group. Staying focused on the activity being asked of you is a big part of participation. Please keep in mind that most students feel uncomfortable and a little bit nervous, but the more you speak and participate; the more relaxed and better speaker you will become.
Performance, Performance, Performance! Performance points will be recorded regularly as part of daily (and/or major) grades. Classroom activities and exercises, homework, reading comprehension, writing, speaking and participation checks count as performance points.
Vocabulary: Currently the district is working on a new curriculum utilizing authentic resources. Only the vocabulary presented in class and provided on any lists given will be used on all assignments; including quizzes, exams and projects. No other vocabulary is accepted. Never use Spanish Translator or ‘search’ Spanish words for classroom use. The present tense is the primary focus spoken during the first year of Spanish.
Vocabulary will be introduced daily and in sections. . Participate in the planned activities using the new vocabulary and take notes as needed.
Saying the vocabulary words OUT LOUD will help you with learning and speaking the language. Study the vocabulary every day. Be creative (use iphone and visuals) as discussed in class.
Keep all materials. You will need them for semester reviews and for Spanish II.
Homework: You should study/speak/write vocabulary and concepts about 15 minutes every day
Major Grades: Most major grades will be in the form of projects. Each project will have a guideline/rubric to follow. You will work alone, with a partner or in a small group setting pending on the project. Even though it is partner or group work, each student is graded individually based on the rubric provided. Because students are able to prepare during class (and often at home), there are no ‘re-tests’ for projects. OPE (Oral Proficiency Exams) are major grades as well. We will prepare carefully in class.
Classroom Management and Organization: (see Power Point tab)
Arrive to class on time, have required materials (planner, notebook, pen and paper, and art supplies.)
Once you enter the classroom, sit in your assigned seat. Do not touch anything that is not yours including class props or supplies.
If you are absent, copy another student’s planner and notebook for any make-up work. See me immediately about making up any missed assignment or quiz. If you were absent the day something was due then it is your responsibility to turn assignment in as soon as you come to class.
Your parent can check the planner to see what you are doing in class each day.
OLÉ Activities: Every day you will listen to, understand, read, write and speak in the target language.
O-Organization and Objectives. Begin each class period by independently participating in a 2-4 minute warm-up activity. This is called "Ahora". It is the first part of your notebook. DATE the activity in case there is a notebook check.
L-Language/Listening You learn by doing! Follow my example and practice with a partner helping each other in learning Spanish. Performance points can be earned here.
É-Ejemplo/Ejercicios. You and your partner may be called on to model what you have learned. It is very important to listen to other students as they perform. Performance points can be earned here as well.
Learning a language requires a great deal of time and focus. Working bell to bell is expected.
Contact and Classroom Information: My email address is [email protected] .
Please view the FCMS Spanish Website: www.fcmsspanish.weebly.com for continuous updates.
I check emails twice a day, so please email me if you have questions or concerns. I will respond in a 24 hour period unless I am absent. IF you do not hear from me, PLEASE send it to me again or call me.
Retesting/Reteaching: Any student who makes below a 75 on a major grade in-class written exam has the opportunity to retest or make test corrections (per teacher specification) for a high grade of a 75. Students must attend at least one tutorial session and complete the retest/test corrections before the next major grade or end of the grading period on the date and time designated by the teacher. This does not include projects, Oral Proficiency Exams (OPE), scripts or anything that can be prepared during class or at home.
Major Project/Presentation Late Work Policy
1st day (or same day at later time than designated)—20 pt reduction from score
2nd day—30 pt reduction from score (most drop it off before 1st period)
3rd day—Major projects/presentations will not be accepted after 3 days. The 3 day rule/deadline applies regardless of absences earned after the original due date. Please note that no late work will be accepted 3 days before the end of any grading cycle regardless of when the original assignment was due. Also, no work will be accepted after a grading cycle has passed.
If students are permitted to work on the assignment during class time, then late work does not have to be accepted.
Supplies: You will need your planner, and notebook (with 5 dividers/paper/pen or pencil) daily. Be sure to have vocabulary, pen and paper. Other items you may need are colored notecards/cardstock, construction paper, markers, map colors, scissors, glue, ruler, etc.
Tutorials: Elective tutorials are every Monday at 8:20am in my classroom. Please be prepared for tutorials by bringing your binder (including your class notes, papers and vocabulary lists) and think about what you would like to review. If I am expecting you and you are not able to make tutorials, please email me as soon as possible.
I have duty on Wednesday mornings just outside of the portables. You are welcome to meet me there for any assistance needed.
Notebook Dividers (5): 1) Ahora 2) Vocabulario 3) Lectura 4) Gramática 5) Ejercicios
NO GUM, FOOD or DRINK of any kind in the classroom please.
Cell phones and other electronic devices will be allowed but only when given permission by me.
REMIND TEXTS:
If you would like to receive texts from me about some of the upcoming grades/projects in class then text
@fcmssp to 319.774.3137.