ESPAÑOL II, 2014-15

Mrs. Russo e-mail: MARYANN.RUSSO@marlboroschools.org

Course objectives:

- to increase your knowledge, awareness and respect of the language and culture of Spanish-speaking people throughout the world

- to improve your skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing Spanish. By the end of the year, it is my goal that you are able to speak more naturally in Spanish, interpret phrases and more complicated vocabulary when listening, comprehend more complex texts when reading, converse on a wider range of topics and write complete thoughts more clearly and creatively.

- to create an environment in which all students can experience success and enjoy learning. Your success in this class, as in most everything, depends largely upon you and your efforts.

Required materials:

Notebook: For this class you should have a small three-ring binder and folder OR single subject notebook and folder for class notes, homework and handouts. This notebook and folder should be used ONLY for Spanish.

Handouts: you will receive many handouts throughout the year. Vocabulary lists and notes that I provide should be organized and kept for the whole year.

Suggested materials:

Highlighter: I suggest that you have a highlighter to highlight vocabulary words that you do not know in reading assignments and on vocabulary lists.

Textbook: ¡Así Se Dice! textbooks will not be distributed but will be used at times for in-class assignments. If you would like a copy of the text to leave at home as a reference, please see me at your earliest convenience.

Las Unidades: **

Unidad 1: La Identificación Personal y Repaso Unidad 6: Tecno mundo Extensive review/presentation of adjectives, common verbs and basic vocabulary Unidad 2: Viajando Unidad 7: En el hotel

Unidad 3: La Casa y el Hogar Unidad 8: El ambiente

Unidad 4: Una Rutina Diferente ** Each unit contains grammar and vocabularytopics which correspond to NYS Checkpoint B,

Unidad 5: La Comunidad y el Vecindario Level 2 foreign language study

Class expectations:

You have the right to a classroom in which you can learn and achieve to the best of your ability. You also have the responsibility to conduct yourself in a way that allows every other student to do that as well.

Es tu responsabilidad: -participar y hablar en español CADA DÍA cuando estás en la clase

-ser positivo y hacer tu mejor esfuerzo

-venir a clase a tiempo, preparado, con el cuaderno, la tarea, el bolígrafo o el lápiz

-recordar que tu celular DEBE estar apagado cuando estás en la clase

-tratar de seguir las instrucciones, la primera vez (# 1)

-tratar a todos en la clase, los estudiantes y la profesora, con respeto

-comprender y apreciar nuestras diferencias

-tomar la responsabilidad para lo que aprendes. ¡Si tienes preguntas, problemas, dudas…favor de hablar con la profesora!

-estudiar el vocabulario nuevo 10-15 minutos cada noche cuando no hay otra tarea

La tarea, los exámenes, las notas y más:

- There will be frequent small quizzes and unit tests throughout the year. If you are absent on the day of an exam, it is your responsibility to see me to arrange for a make-up. If you are not pleased with your grade, quizzes on grammar concepts are retake-able within 2 weeks, as long as you have demonstrated effort to improve your understanding.

- The homework and notice of upcoming exams will be written on the board at the side of the room by the word “TAREA”. I update my website on the Marlboro High School page to include the new homework each day. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get the handouts and notes you missed. Extra photocopies are in the bin marked for Level 2 at the front of the room.

- You will be graded throughout the year on your speaking ability. You will be working on short conversations, presentations or dialogues, alone and with partners.

- I am available for extra help during periods 2 (in cafeteria for study hall), 4 and 7.

- I will post information on the website and on the chalkboard in the front of the classroom each Monday, to let you know the day(s) for after school help that week. I am usually here until at least 3:00 each day. Please seek extra help if ever you have a question!

Grading Procedures: Grades are based on a total point system. Homework will be checked or collected and graded. Homework assignments are typically worth from 5 to 15 points.

Quizzes are usually worth from 30 – 60 points while unit tests and projects are typically worth more. Updated averages will be posted frequently on the wall at the front of the classroom, arranged in random order by student ID# so that you may monitor your progress.

From Mrs. Russo:

I ask only that you try your best! ¡Bienvenidos! I am looking forward to a wonderful year!

Words of Wisdom from last year’s Level 2 students: “Stay organized.”

“Do HW, listen and have fun and you will be fine. It’s not that difficult, it’s what you put into it.”

“Stay on top of your game and study the vocab. with QUIZLET.” “Re-take tests when you can!!”

“You need to study from day 1 or you may find yourself behind. If you start day 1, it only gets easier.”

“NEVER wait ‘til the last minute to study! The stress will make you forget everything!”

“DON’T use Google Translate!” “You will be surprised how much HW helps you!”

SPAIN

“Pay attention and go to Mrs. Russo for extra help if you don’t understand something.”

The New York Times finds that bilinguals show greater mental flexibility! It will help your students perform better in ALL areas! http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/18/opinion/sunday/the-benefits-of-bilingualism.html?_r=0

USA Today research has shown that being bilingual can delay dementia. Begin training your student’s brain now to protect it in the future!

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2013/11/06/language-bilingual-dementia/3452549/

For a great video about being bilingual:

http://fusion.net/american_dream/story/benefits-bilingual-11208

According to the Chicago Tribune, careers for bilinguals are on the rise. Our students are entering a competitive job market, what can we do to help them stand out in the crowd?? Encourage them to be bilingual!

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-11-26/classified/chi-bilingual-jobs-20121126_1_foreign-language-foreign-language-fastest-growing-language