Lincoln School - Español 8th - 2012-2013 - La Sra. Kindl - hkindl@lincolnschool.org - La Srta. Margenot - imargenot@lincolnschool.org
8th Grade Spanish
In 8th grade Spanish, the students continue on an exciting trip to new cultures while being introduced to grammar, language functions and everyday vocabulary. Individual and collaborative activities provide ample opportunity for the students to develop and use the language creatively and personally. Evaluation of student performance is based on participation in the classroom and on frequent skills testing (listening, speaking, reading and writing) throughout the year. Each year builds upon the other, allowing students to recycle the old with the new.
Course Materials
1. Esprésate I: (text), (cuaderno de actividades) (cuaderno de gramática), (lab manual)
2. En Busca de la Verdad (Video Workbook)
3. Spanish/English Dictionary (online dictionary: www.wordreference.com)
4. 3 ring binder with paper or a notebook with 3 holes to fit in binder
5. internet resources: http://go.hrw.com/gopages/wl-sp.html
6. Novel: "Las Estatuas de Machu Picchu" by Javier Navarro (we will use in May)
Course Goals: The following objectives will be achieved in accordance with the philosophy of Lincoln School and its Quaker values, such as investigation, reflection, observation, collaboration, active participation and the exchange and development of ideas.
1. To make connections between Hispanic culture and one's own culture
2. To develop the 4 language skills: Listening, speaking, reading and writing
3. To build a solid base in Spanish grammar, including the conjugation and usage of all regular, reflexive and many irregular verbs in the present tense, the formation of the preterite/past tense, object pronouns, the present progressive and the imperative mood.
4. To expand the knowledge of everyday vocabulary and idiomatic expressions
5. To speak Spanish as much as possible to improve fluency
6. To get to know oneself as a language learner by personalizing and applying learning strategies to enhance one's knowledge, attitude and skills
7. To recognize the importance of Spanish as an important and necessary influence in the world today and to appreciate the cultural aspects that relate to the language
8. To practice and perfect, as much as possible, Spanish pronunciation by practicing key phonetic sounds
9. To foster a positive understanding of Hispanic culture and history through projects and reports
10. To incorporate Quaker values such as investigation, reflection, observation, collaboration, active participation and exchange of ideas into the learning process
Expectations and Evaluation: This class will be conducted almost entirely in Spanish. You are expected to try to speak Spanish at all times. An active presence, an open mind and thorough and timely preparedness are all important to the final grade. It is expected that you will abide by Lincoln's rules at all times. The final grade is a combination of tests, quizzes (announced and unannounced), skills and project assessments, diary, (PUNCTUALITY OF) homework completion, attendance/active and appropriate presence in class and a willingness to use Spansih in the classroom Q/T= 50% Skills= 30% Participation/HW/use of Spanish= 20%
Grading System (From Family Handbook)
All grades are to be given as letters, following the numerical equivalents given below.
| A |
Work of consistently high caliber
Participation in class discussion outstanding in quality
Intellectual enthusiasm
Considerable initiative and originality in approach
Ability to apply the factual material learned, draw conclusions, make comparisons, and develop general concepts |
| B |
Good grasp of subject matter
Thoughtful applications of facts learned
Ability to express ideas with facility and fluency
Meaningful contribution to class discussions |
| C |
Adequate understanding and use of subject matter
Acceptable class participation and preparation |
| D |
Work slightly above minimum requirements. (This level of work at year's end gives little promise of marked success in any further study of the subject.) |
| F |
Work not meeting minimum standard |
The above presupposes that assigned work is completed punctually, is neat, and in proper form.
Grading Scale
| A+ |
97-100 |
|
C+ |
77-79 |
| A |
93-96 |
|
C |
73-76 |
| A- |
90-92 |
|
C- |
70-72 |
| B+ |
87-89 |
|
D+ |
67-69 |
| B |
83-86 |
|
D |
60-66 |
| B- |
80-82 |
|
F |
0-59 |
Homework policy
Homework is an integral part of the curriculum and is a way for students to extend what has been taught and to prepare for the next sequential part of the course. Homework teaches thinking skills and independence in learning and must be completed in a required time.
For 8th grade Spanish, homework should not go over 30 minutes (most assignments will take no more than 15-20 minutes). Please jot down the start and end times when doing your homework each night so that I can be sure to not overload you (this does not include breaks, phone calls etc... made while working)
*homework is due at the beginning of class
*I will not track you down for late or missing assignments. This is your responsibility as a student to communicate with me and to know what you need to do
*late homework will be penalized:
- type A: homework collected in class may be handed in late with a 10 point per day penalty. This type of homework may be graded or checked
- type B: homework not collected (hw we go over in class) cannot be handed in late and will be counted as a zero toward your participation grade. This type of homework will be checked
(check += superior, check= completed, check - = lacking, INC= incomplete 0= zero)
*all students will automatically get 1 free missed assignment per marking term for type B homework
Absences
-if you are absent, check the class web page for any new assignments. You can also email me with any questions
- you have 1 week to make up missed assingments or assessments upon returning from an excused absence. please talk to me to schedule a time
- in the case of an unexcused absence, you will not be given the opportunity to make up any missed assignments or assessments
a note on Integrity: In accordance with Lincoln School's Handbook, it is expected that all work that you produce is 100% your own. Please see the section on plagiarism for clarification. You are not allowed to use online translators. Please use wordreference.com for online dictionary help. If your written work shows evidence of the use of an online translator, you will be confronted, and the consequences will depend on the assignment, the severity of the case and the administration's decision.
other examples of plagiarism:
- sharing answers prior to or during a test
- consulting written information during a test (unless allowed by the teacher)
- submitting work done in one class for credit in another class
- copying or rewording the homework of others
- borrowing words, ideas, images from others and not giving the person due credit (to avoid this use a bibliography, footnotes)
- copying and pasting text from the internet
- having someone else do your work for you (tutor, family member etc...)
- using google translator (or any translator service)
*To avoid the possibility of plagiarism, you are also expected to acknowledge the sources you use. Refer to the MLA handbook (there is a direct link through the US library)
Bloom's Taxonomy: a stairway that classifies thinking according to six cognitive levels of complexity
level 1: Remembering: can the student recall or remember the information?
Level 2: Understanding: can the student explain ideas or concepts?
Level 3: Applying: can the student use the information in a new way?
Level 4: Analyzing: can the student distinguish between the different parts?
Level 5: Evaluating: can the student justify a stand or decision?
Level 6: Creating: can the student create new product or point of view?
http://www.odu.edu/educ/roverbau/Bloom/blooms_taxonomy.htm
Extra Credit: It is not acceptable to pass in extra credit unless you have completed all of your work during the grading period in question (thus being extra work). Please check with your teacher before you complete an additional assignment for credit.
