Syllabus

Aptos Academy
Spanish
Sra. Adriana Hernandez


¡Bienvenidos a la clase de español! Learning a foreign language can be fantastic and fun! Together we will explore a new culture and a different way of looking at the world.

Together we will learn, have fun while treating each other with respect and consideration. We will be kind and respectful when we work in pairs and during group discussions. Being open to the opinions of others will surely help us grow and learn.

Class Materials:
• 3-ring binder designated for Spanish class only (una carpeta)
-each binder should have 5 dividers labeled:
Vocabulario, Gramática, Ejercicios, Literatura, Historia
• Composition book or 75-100 pg spiral notebook (un cuaderno)
• Index cards for flashcards (tarjetas de índice)
• Pencils (lápices)

Some specific expectations are as follows:
• Attendance is of the utmost importance because we will accomplish a lot during each class period.
• In the event of a known absence, it is important to let me know so I can provide material that will be missed.
• Each student is responsible for obtaining any class notes, assignments and important dates. I recommend talking to me after class or asking a classmate.
• A student must be prepared for class with pen/pencil, notebook paper, binder, and materials. Be on time!
• Class participation is crucial to a student’s acquisition of language. Your grade will be based on effort, contribution to class discussions, attentiveness, etc.
• Remember, we learn from our mistakes. There is no punishment for effort. I love questions and I am more than happy to answer them.
• Academic honesty is an important part of learning. I expect that you will do all your work alone. Do not trust translating devices/gadgets: you can do a much better job than they can!
• Binders will be periodically checked to insure proper organization.

Classroom Rules
- Students will not be allowed to use the outside drinking fountain during class. It is distracting and if one student goes others will want to follow resulting in wasted learning time.
- There is absolutely no bullying, sexual comments, racial slurs or jokes of any kind allowed in the classroom.
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Grading Procedures:
A. Exams and Projects 35%
B. Quizzes and written assignments 25%
C. Homework 30%
D. Class Participation 10%


Communication
Communication is an appropriate expression of an idea, desire, opinion, feeling, greeting, reaction or question in Spanish. It may occur during a pair work activity or during a discussion or as you enter or leave the classroom. Sometimes it will be on a volunteer basis and at other times you will be called on, so you always need to be prepared. Part of communication is listening to others and speaking in turn. It is not merely saying “sí” or “no”.
Diarios
You will start each class period by responding to a prompt or question on the board in your Diario. The purpose of this activity is to review materials from the previous day and focus our lesson for the current day. If you are absent you will need to write 10 sentences using the previous vocabulary given to make up the missed entry. Diarios will be collected and graded periodically as follows.

Date written correctly in Spanish 4 3 2 1
Uses punctuation correctly 4 3 2 1
Honest attempt made to answer 4 3 2 1
question or prompt

Entries are neatly done 4 3 2 1

Copies question/prompt for 4 3 2 1
each day

total = 20 points

Vocabulario
Each unit, you will be assigned Spanish vocabulary. You are to review and study the vocabulary words given, on a daily basis. Even on days where you don’t have an actual homework assignment, you should always review vocabulary for at least 15 minutes.

Assignment Calendar
You will need to keep track of homework and other important assignments and dates on a planner or student calendar. If you need one I can provide a printout of a calendar, but you need to ask. You will be given one “free homework pass” Pase Libre each trimester. Homework and assignments that are turned in late without an excuse will get points taken off.

Extra Help:
I am here to help you develop better learning skills and enjoy the process. I am happy to help you—you just have to ask. Meeting times can be arranged on a one to one basis at a mutually convenient time. Parents and students are free to email me if you have questions or concerns. My email is: hernandez.adrianab@gmail.com

¡Buena Suerte!
Sra. Hernandez