Hull High School
Course Expectations
20010-2011
Spanish I, Course # 517
Ms. D'Ottavio
6 Credits
Text: Paso a Paso I
Asi se dice I
Course Overview:
This is an introductory course in Spanish language and culture. In addition to learning basic grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and listening comprehension, we will explore the history and culture of the Spanish-speaking world, particularly that of Mexico, and how that has an impact on our contemporary American lives.
Course Objectives:
· Students will use the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in Spanish.
· Students will gain knowledge and understanding of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.
· Students will develop insight into the nature of language and culture by comparing to their culture and language to those of Spanish-speaking world.
· Students will make connections with other subject areas (like History and Math) and acquire information in Spanish related to those subject areas.
· Students will participate in communities at home and around the world in Spanish.
Course Content
· We will learn basic vocabulary from the text book Paso a Paso I, as well as supplementary vocabulary provided by the teacher, organized around categories of daily life, from school to friends and what we like to do on vacation to household objects and chores.
· We will learn basic, standard Spanish grammar, including:
o Noun gender;
o Pronouns and adjectives: agreement of gender and number w/nouns;
o Conjugation of -ar, -er, and -ir verbs in the present and simple past tenses;
o Conjugation of irregular verbs in the present and simple past tenses;
o Some conversational Spanish related to the themes mentioned above;
o Negative statements;
o Idiomatic expressions;
o Simple commands; and
o Basic sentence structure.
· We will become accustomed to hearing Spanish spoken and learn appropriate responses for simple conversations, like greetings, ordering food and asking for personal information.
· We will learn proper pronunciation of Spanish.
· We will learn about the history and contemporary culture of the Spanish-speaking world, with an emphasis on Mexico.
General Statement:
Our main purpose in this classroom is to learn. To do so, we must respect the class, including our classmates, our teacher, and most importantly, ourselves. We also must work diligently. Everyone who follows these guidelines will be successful in this class.
Rules and Regulations (these are in addition to all rules in the student handbook):
1. When the bell rings, be in your seat, prepared for class and ready to begin the lesson.
2. Speak only when called upon, during group or during paired activities.
3. Speak respectfully at all times.
4. Remain in your seat during instruction.
5. Leave the classroom, and especially your seating area, as you found it.
Consequences:
1. If you are late without a pass, you will get a detention the first time, a phone call home and a detention the second time, and a a discipline referral the third.
2. If you come to class unprepared, you will receive a zero for the class work, quiz or exam you did not complete.
3. If you speak out when you don't have permission, you will get a detention the first time, a phone call home and a detention the second time, and a discipline referral the third.
4. If you speak disrespectfully, to the teacher or a classmate, you will get a detention the first time, a phone call home and a detention the second, a discipline referral the third.
5. Any damage to the classroom (including litter) will result in a detention. At that time, you will clean and/or repair the damage (where reasonable).
Rewards:
Students will participate in fun activities.
Procedures:
· Being prepared for class means:
o Having your own, covered textbook
o Having a pen or pencil (blue or black ink only)
o Having extra, loose-leaf paper
o Having a three-ring binder with the following sections:
§ Vocabulary
§ Notes and Handouts (grammar and cultural)
§ Homework
§ Classwork
§ Graded assignments (i.e. tests, quizzes, compositions etc.)
· Homework will be checked at the beginning of each class period. Have it out for me to see it when I pass by.
· Raise your hand to be recognized for a comment or a question.
· Throwing out trash, going to the bathroom or going to the nurse can be taken care of during individual or group activity except in an emergency.
· If you have a concern that is not appropriate to address during the class period, please talk to me after class or after school. I am always happy to talk with you then.
· Pay attention and follow the lesson so you are prepared to participate and learn.
Grading Policy:
Students are assessed based on:
· Class work and classroom participation/behavior
· Homework
· Quizzes
· Tests
· Compositions-Weekly compositions will be assessed with the Hull High School Writing Rubric.
· Projects
Homework
Homework is graded based on completion, not accuracy. Homework must be complete to receive credit. Homework may not be handed in late.
Compositions and Projects: Compositions and Projects will be graded using the school-wide writing rubric, which each of you receives at the begining of the year and which should be kept in your binder at all times.
Quarter Grades are determined as follows:
· Tests 30%
· Quizzes 30%
· Homework 20%
· Class Participation/Projects 20%
Spanish I Hull High School
Ms. D'Ottavio 2007-2008
Student/Parent Acknowledgement
I have read and understood the course expectations and classroom management plan for this class.
Student signature _______________________________________________________________________
Date _______________________________________________________
Parent Signature _________________________________________________________________________
Date _______________________________________________________
PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO MS. DiSABATINO WITHIN THE FIRST SEVEN DAYS OF SCHOOL.
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