Spanish 1 Syllabus
Course Overview
Welcome to Spanish I! I am so excited to embark on this adventure with you. By putting forth the effort to learn a second language, you are truly giving yourself an invaluable gift. Not only will you gain a new understanding of people in many parts of the world, but you’ll actually be expanding the limits of your brain! Learning a second language physically challenges your brain to form new connections and pathways.
Language classes are different than most because they require you to be engaged in different ways. Your success in this class is directly related to the effort you put into it. Learning a second language can be LOTS of fun but it is no simple task. It takes dedication and LOTS of PRACTICE! You are ultimately responsible for your own success in all that you do, but I will do my best to offer you tools and support to help you along the way. The most important thing is that you always TRY your very BEST and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I am looking forward to a great year together! ¡Buen Viaje!
Tips on being successful in Spanish class:
- Ask for help when you need it
- Practice your vocabulary EVERY NIGHT! (10-15 minutes is all it takes!)
- Do your homework (on time!)
- Actively participate in all class exercises no matter how difficult they may seem
- Visit websites and apps for Spanish learners (some suggestions listed below)
- Do Extra Credit
- Train your ear by listening to Spanish music or watching Spanish television or movies
- Utilize every opportunity to speak Spanish. Speak with someone else who speaks Spanish or teach someone what you are learning about!
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. This is a safe environment where you are only expected to TRY YOUR BEST!
Text Book & Extra Credit Resources
Textbook: ¡Así se dice! Conrad J. Schmitt. McGraw-Hill Education.
- We will use a class set of these books in the classroom
- Text is also available online at www.connected.mcgraw-hill.com
- Students will be given information to create online accounts
- The entire textbook can be downloaded to a device
- You may check out a copy of the book from the bookstore if needed
- Extra practice:
- LearnSmart is an online aspect of our curriculum that is tailored to your specific needs. It shows you what you have mastered and what needs work. This can be accessed through the Resources in ConnectED
- CEREGO is an app that can be installed on your device to practice concepts and vocabulary studied in our curriculum
- studyspanish.com -Detailed grammar explanations and practice quizzes
- Quizlet.com -Create customized practice quizzes and games. Many relevant study sets to our class are already in the data base.
- Duolingo FREE App available through Google Play or iTunes
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Course Materials
In order to prepare ourselves for success, students will be creating an organized binder/ portfolio of resources and assignments. Students are expected to bring your binder and materials to class with you EVERY DAY. Neglecting to bring your materials will result in a loss of participation points. Please let me know privately if acquiring these supplies is a hardship and I will help you find what you need. Supplies needed for this class are as follows:
- 3-Ring binder with pockets (if you have 1 binder for all your classes, that is fine)
- 10 Sheet protectors (minimum)**
- 5-10 binder dividers with tabs**
- Loose leaf notebook paper**
- Note cards
- # 2 Pencils
- Pens
- Highlighters in different colors
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** Kept in binder
Tardies: Students arriving to class after the bell should have a pass from attendance or a signed note from another teacher or school staff member that explains their late arrival. (Late arrivals from previous classes should be kept to a minimum.) Students without a pass will not be admitted to class and must report to ALC immediately.
Late & Make-up Work Policies
Expect homework. Homework may include completing chapter vocabulary lists or resources, practice worksheets, annotating notes, or chapter projects. If you happen to finish your homework during the time provided in class, there is always something you can do at home to ensure your success. You should spend at least 10 minutes most days connecting with the material that is covered in class. Turn your work in on time! Homework is due for full credit at the beginning of class. Late work is worth roughly 50% credit.
It is the student’s responsibility to obtain and make up missed work in class. Worksheets may be available on ConnectED or in class. If your absence is excused, you will have as many days as you are absent to make up missed work for full credit. Make up exams will be scheduled within a week of the original test. It is your responsibility to schedule another time if you are unable to make up the exam during the scheduled time.
If you plan to miss class due to a doctor appointment, field trip or sports, you are responsible for finding out what the assignments were and turning them in on time. It is important that you take responsibility for what we do in class while you are gone.
Coursework:
We will be using a hybrid model that includes physical and online text and resources. There are three main sections in each chapter of our text book: vocabulary, grammar and culture. For each chapter we will make a vocabulary list, take notes, complete practice worksheets and writing assignments. We will also explore conversational, listening and video activities. Learning should be fun! So we will venture outside the text whenever possible with games, music, literature and other resources of enrichment. Some students may receive adjusted coursework based on individual needs.
Grades: Individual grades will be posted on Family Link. A score of zero reflects an incomplete assignment and will affect the overall grade in the class. An assignment with no score does not affect the over-all score in the class. Points may vary accordingly. Grades consist of an average of the following categories:
Participation - Learning a language requires active participation and organization! Students who fail to come to class prepared or participate in class activities will lose points.
Quizzes & Exams - Quizzes will cover the vocabulary and grammar sections of each chapter. These are designed to check comprehension and progress before moving on. Chapter exams are cumulative in nature and may contain reading, writing, listening and speaking. Occasionally, a project may replace a chapter test.
Classwork - Assignments and projects that require class time will be recorded as classwork. Many assignments will be collected the following day, so they may be completed at home.
Homework - These are typically worksheets designed to serve as an “intended repetition” or at-home practice. Work done at home may also include vocabulary practice, reviewing notes, or finishing in-class assignments.
Extra Credit: There may be opportunities to earn extra credit.
Cheating: The grade of zero will be given to anyone who is caught cheating or has the same answers on an individual assignment. Copying other students’ work is not acceptable. Do not rely on others or your cell phone to do your thinking for you. Apply yourself! You can do this!
Behavior, etc: It is important to me that ALL of my students show respect in my classroom while we explore new territory together. Disrespect of any form will not be tolerated. Students will follow all guidelines and procedures listed in the MUHS Student Handbook.
NO food, drinks or gum allowed in my classroom unless pre-approved by teacher for curricular relevance!
Cell phones and other electronic devices (from Student Handbook): Unless the teacher has given permission for these devices to be used for acceptable educational purposes, all devices must be turned off and out of sight during instructional time. Phones may be used during passing periods. Students who bring these items to school and create a disruption of any nature will have the device confiscated and given to the appropriate administrator. The following can be the order of consequence for a confiscated device:
First and Second Offense: Warned, given back to the student at the end of the day.
Third Offense: Given back to student at the end of the day and parent phone call.
* Continued offenses could result in further disciplinary consequences.
Instructor
Miss Allison McCord
Phone
928.634.7531 ext. 6604
Email
Website
Allison_McCord. MyTeacherSite.org
Location
Room 604
Office Hours
Mon-Fri: 8:00a-8:20a
Lunch BY APPT
After school BY APPT
Textbook Website
Each student has unique log-in credentials
Communication is key! Please feel free to contact me to address any questions, comments or concerns.
Policies and procedures are subject to change at the discretion of the teacher. Thank you for your patience and feedback as we embark on this exciting learning process!
Please keep this syllabus in your Spanish binder as a reference.
Muchisimas Gracias,
Miss McCord