Syllabus

Spanish

Tracy Butler

Course Description:
My 6th, 7th & 8th grade Spanish classes are a semester-long study of the language, culture, and people of Spanish-speaking countries. The focus of this course is the spoken language and the culture of the people who speak it. Students will spend the semester learning to speak practical, basic Spanish that is relevant for everyday life. The purpose of this course is to equip students with a foundational knowledge of the Spanish language, to broaden their knowledge of the importance of different cultures, and to encourage them to greater involvement in the international community.

Learning Levels:
Since Spanish is a language, the spoken and heard language is a very important part of the teaching method in my classes. Visual aides and physical activities are also used to meet the needs of different learning styles.

IB Objectives:
The four skills that are fundamental to language learning are speaking, writing, listening, and reading.

South Carolina Foreign Language Standards:
http://www.myscschools.com/offices/cso/standards/foreign/

Approaches to Intercultural Awareness:
In addition to using the Spanish language, students will explore the Latin American culture. Topics including the role of family, holidays and education will be discussed.

Course Outline: (Topics to be covered)

Unit 1: Spanish-speaking countries, Spanish alphabet, greetings, useful phrases, and
Spanish names.

Unit 2: Classroom objects, indefinite articles, days of the week, months of the year, numbers 0-30, dates, birthdays, latinos in the United States p.40, “I am” poem about being a foreigner in a foreign country. Learn about trick or treat for UNICEF.

Unit 3: Numbers 31-60, telling time and class schedules, definite articles, body parts, learn about Day of the Dead & do project, learn about Mexico, and interrogatives (question words).

Unit 4: Adjectives and gender in Spanish, forming questions, study Puerto Rico with project, colors, numbers 61-100 & math.

**Instructor reserves the right to modify outline as needed.**

Text:
Classroom textbooks: “¡En Español!," McDougal and Little
Students will also construct their own Spanish textbook from handouts and worksheets as the year progresses.

Areas of Interaction:
Matematicas, estudios sociales, geografía, arte, musica and los artes linguísticas

Teaching Methods/Strategies:
Listening is the first step to learning a language. To optimize student learning, I use Spanish frequently during instruction. Immersion is the key. Once this format is established, students have a variey of learning tools available. They will use physical activities, visual cues, and group assignments to teach and assist their peers.

Assessment:
1. Formative- students will receive feedback regularly to assist their progress.

2. Summative (testing)- Tests and/or quizzes will be given every other week. Students will also be given oral quizzes to increase their speaking abilities in Spanish

Grading Scale:
A=94-100
B=87-93
C=77-86
D=70=76
F= Below 70

Instructional/Supplementary Materials:
Spanish worksheets & workbooks, Spanish music, cultural and Spanish language books, Spanish CD's and tapes, films

Homework Policy:
Assignments must be turned in the next school day to receive full credit. I only accept late homework the next class period.

Student Progress Records:
Beyond report cards and progress reports, students will be given back oral/written tests to keep abreast of their own progress. In addition, students will be given opportunities to revise and correct their work on tests.

Missed work/Make-up policy:
From the day of return, students have 5 school days to make up missed tests and class work without penalty.

Classroom Rules and Expectations:
1. Raise hand to speak.
2. Be kind and courteous to others.
3. Come prepared for class.
4. ¡Hable español!
5. All Northwest handbook rules apply.

Disciplinary Steps:
1. Verbal Warning
2. Parent Contact
3. Written Assignment with parent signature
4. After school detention
5. Administrative referral

Non-instructional Procedures/Routines:
Restroom Policy- Students will be granted permission based on instructor's discretion. During testing, no passes will be permitted unless emergency. This eliminates unnecessary distraction and disruption to the testing process. If a medical condition exists that warrants frequent visits, please contact instructor via email, phone, or letter.

Parent/Teacher Communication:
Progress reports-middle of each quarter

Individual/Team Conferences- Call 355-6900

email: tbutler@greenville.k12.sc.us

Planning Period:
12:15-1:15pm Mon-Fri.