OVERALL COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES
The first year of Japanese is designed for first time learners to gain a basic knowledge of the Japanese language. Students will learn hiragana characters and simple sentence structures in order to engage in basic communications. Japanese 1 aims to create a strong foundation of the Japanese language through the development of the four language skills - speaking, listening, reading, and writing. With a variety of activity based lessons students will learn to communicate with confidence in real life situations.
Through the study of the language, students will deepen their understanding of Japanese history and culture and be able to explain cultural differences. They will reflect on and rediscover their own language and culture with the goals of becoming globally aware, responsible world citizens.
CLASS EXPECTATIONS:
Students are expected to BE PRESENT and COME PREPARED. Their behavior should reflect a commitment to the learner habits set forth in the IB Learner Profile. These expectations for behavior are summarized below.
Act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect
Assume responsibility for your own work; take responsibility for your own actions
Show compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others
Be open to perspectives, values, and traditions of other individuals and communities
Work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others; promote a positive atmosphere in the class
Approach unfamiliar situations with courage, explore new roles, ideas, and strategies
IMPORTANT: SNOWDEN SCHOOL AND CLASSROOM RULES REGULATIONS:
Cell Phone Policy
Unless approved by the teacher for learning purposes, frequent cell phones or electronics of any kind showing in your hands, on your lap, on the desk, etc. during class time will be addressed by the teacher and/ or administrator. The consequences of the misuse of cell phones during class time are as follows:
A warning from teacher
Teacher conferences with students.
Teacher contacts the parent/ guardian and/ or conference with the administrator in charge.
ABSENTEEISM/ MAKE UP WORK POLICY:
Your physical attendance to class is required to be successful in Japanese class. If you are late multiple times, it is considered an “absence” from class and parents will be notified. Within each term, grade points will be deducted for poor attendance, poor participation/ effort on assignments, and missing assignments. Late assignments are accepted. Late assignments beyond a considerable number cannot be considered for full credit - unless under special circumstances.
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
A notebook (this will serve as a collection of notes and your writing practice)
Your school issued laptop with daily internet access
A positive attitude and :)
IMPORTANT Things to Remember:
Learning a new language is not difficult but it is time consuming! Practicing outside of the classroom is essential to learning any language. All at home language practice assignments (especially those posted to our Google Classroom page) will be consistent with what you learn in class each day. It will be assigned frequently and checked for completion. Class attendance and participation is mandatory to be successful. Points will be deducted for poor attendance, poor participation, and missing or incomplete work.
Assessment Methods for Each of the 4 Terms and What They Measure
80% Everyday Language Application and Practice Assignment:
Grades in this category reflect the preparation work that you will do to be ready to use the language in “real world” ways.
Attend class regularly and on time, take daily notes, demonstrate an effort to learn, participate in individual and group activities.
20% Assessments such as Projects/ Quizzes/ Tests that include speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Within a marking term, summative assessments (such as quizzes/ tests) are given every 7-10 days. Any assessments that have less than a passing grade are encouraged to be retaken and resubmitted.
COMMUNICATION and AVAILABILITY FOR CONTACT:
Assignment feedback and grades will be entered regularly on Google Classroom and weekly on Aspen. Any questions can be sent to my email: swilson@bostonpublicschools.org.
I will be in touch with parents regularly throughout the school year and I encourage families to do the same.
To my students: If you have a hard time learning something, don’t worry, just let me know – we will work together to find a way for you to learn it. Practice makes permanent.
ありがとう Arigatou
Thank you