MS NSCDS. 6th Grade Spanish. Sra. Lucila Felcaro
tel. 847-
881 8879. The NSCDS Language Department Mission Statement.
MS NSCDS 6th Grade Spanish Sra. Lucila Felcaro
[email protected] tel. 847-881 8879 The NSCDS Language Department Mission Statement The Language Department supports North Shore’s core philosophy of global consciousness by fostering students’ respect for and understanding of other languages and cultures. We seek to enable students to communicate effectively using all four language related skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and to develop the skills and competencies necessary to interact with people from other cultures. Course Overview Texts Realidades 1 Practice Workbook 1 Writing, Audio & Video Workbook 1 www.phschool.com Spanish/English Dictionary (recommended) and/or use www.wordreference.com (online) Goals of the Course Students will continue acquiring vocabulary and integrating grammar concepts while expanding their knowledge of the history, geography, and the culture of Spanishspeaking countries. Many new concepts are presented and some previously presented topics are reentered and reviewed. In class activities and homework assignments allow students to practice and improve their skills in all language related areas: speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing. Assessment Students in language classes are evaluated on all aspects of their work. Written quizzes and exams are given to test vocabulary acquisition and understanding of grammar concepts. Oral exams and presentations assess speaking and listening comprehension skills. Class participation is a very important aspect of any language class as is careful, thorough preparation of daily homework assignments. Class Participation Time in class will mainly be devoted to conversation, questions, speaking activities, paired work and grammar explanations. Because this may be the only time that you speak Spanish during the day, I expect you to speak in Spanish as much as possible. I will speak Spanish a great deal of the time. Make a serious effort to participate actively in paired and group activities and speak Spanish as often as possible.
Homework All written assignments are reviewed in class. A few assignments will be collected, graded, and included in the category of graded assignments. Examples of these types of assignments include original sentences, dialogues, and short compositions. Other homework will count toward completed homework grade. Students will have speaking assignments using different kinds of technology (audacity and google voice). The teacher will explain it in class and will provide all the directions to use the technology tool applied. This type of activity is designed to help enhance the student speaking skills. The homework will be written on the board every class and also posted on Moodle. The student is responsible for noting it and asking questions if he/she does not understand the assignment. If the student is absent from class, he/she can access the pages and concepts covered that day in Moodle, as well as call or e-mail the teacher. Unless the student is absent, daily homework will not be accepted late. Graded written assignments will be accepted late but you will automatically lose 10% for lateness. They will not be accepted more than a week late unless there are extenuating circumstances. Achievement Grade
40% written quizzes, tests, graded assignments, activities, projects 20% oral quizzes and presentations 25% class participation 15% homework (5% completed+10% graded assignments) Expectations
§
§ § § § § § § § § §
It is my expectation that all students: Speak Spanish! I ask that they speak Spanish (to classmates, to me in the hallways, and to any person that they may know can speak the language) from the moment they enter the classroom. Developing fluidity happens through practice. Respect the rights of others; raise their hand to speak. Do their part to create a supportive and pleasant classroom environment. Arrive on time; class will start with or without them! Demonstrate engagement and interest in learning. Come to class with assignments carefully and thoughtfully prepared. Bring all the necessary materials on a regular basis. Participate regularly in class activities and discussions. Contribute constructively to the class. Ask for extra help, when needed; demonstrates self-advocacy. Make up work in a timely fashion. Respond to teacher’s request to come for extra help. Academic Integrity
“Personal and academic integrity are held paramount by this community” (See pp. 34-7 of the Upper School Handbook)
Plagiarism includes (but is not limited to): --presenting someone else’s word or ideas without citing the source --using electronic translators --submitting someone else’s paper, homework, or other assignment --preparing an assignment with the help of parents, a tutor, or another student without the teacher’s permission --allowing someone to copy their work When in doubt, check with me. Lapses in integrity will result in penalties to their grade and it will be referred to advisor and their parents will also be informed. Expectations from students, their families and the teacher We need to work together! Students: make sure to come always prepared and follow the rules of the Spanish class. Parents: please take a moment to ask your child/children (or verify if necessary) that they have all their material and homework for the next day, every night before a Spanish class. If you have the time review with them the Rules of the Spanish class, or remind them they always have to follow those rules. Teacher: make sure to give very clear explanations, directions on homework and or special assignments. Extra Help A word to the wise: Ask for help as soon as you are aware that you don’t understand something. In language classes students are presented with new concepts and then many exercises are offered to provide practice in order to integrate the new concept. If you wait until the very end of this cycle to ask for help, you will not have benefited from all the practiced activities. If you’re experiencing difficulty, ask for help…early and often. Make an appointment to meet with me outside of class. Consultancy is a great opportunity. We’re in this together!
Work hard and have a great year!
