Sra. Lazo

It is with great excitement that I welcome your child to Spanish class this year. I am a certified Spanish, English as Second Language, and Elementary teacher.  I have taught Spanish, ESL and Elementary Education for 14 years.  

There are many benefits for students that learn a second language.  According to the College Board, students who had at least four years of a foreign language tend to score higher on both the math and verbal portions of the SAT.

Other benefits include:

• Developing the lifelong ability to communicate with more people.

• Gaining insight and sensitivity to variety of cultures.

• Students gain global awareness and cultural adaptability to take with them to adulthood, the job market and beyond.

• The sooner a student is exposed to a second language, the easier it is to learn. 

In class, I use a natural approach to teaching Spanish by providing many opportunities for students to hear the language, then understand it and finally speak it. I implement my classes through a variety of teaching methods.  We use props, books, cognates, direct instruction, vocabulary, authentic literature, rich songs, visual aids, music and movement, guessing games, videos, routine, repetitive language, structured games, real life situations to promote communications and sentence building exercises. The students are also exposed to many authentic cultural experiences. 

In sixth grade, your child will be learning a variety of different topics in Spanish, including units on:

• Greetings

• Classroom objects

• Classroom commands

• Numbers

• Days of the week and months of the year

• Weather and seasons

• Family

• The house

• fruits and vegetables

• Body parts

• Clothing

In seventh grade, your child will be learning a variety of different topics in Spanish, including units on:

• ¡Mucho gusto! (It’s a pleasure!)

• ¡Al colegio! (Going to school!)

• ¡En la ciudad! (In the city!)

• La familia y los amigos (Family and Friends)

6th grade supply list:  a set of Crayola fine markers (10 count, classic colors).

7th grade supply list:  a set of Crayola fine markers  (10 count, classic colors) and a composition notebook. 

Markers will be kept in the classroom and used throughout the year.

I strongly believe that an open door policy of communication establish the platform for student achievement and progress.  Please contact me with any questions and concerns.

Classroom Procedures/Policies

1. Respect others.

2. Take care of classroom materials and equipment.

3. Be prepared for class.

4. Sit on your assigned seat.

5. Be responsible for your own behavior.

6. Raise your hand to contribute in class. Do not shout out answers.

7. Ask questions when you are unsure of something.

8. Listen carefully to the teacher’s instructions.

9. If you have any questions or comments, raise your hand.

10. Listen while others are speaking.

11. Work quietly and don’t disturb others.

12. Always keep the classroom clean. Place garbage in the the appropriate bin.

13. Cell phones are not allowed to be used in the classroom unless instructed by the teacher.

Parents: Please remind your children of how important it is for them to pay extra attention in Spanish class. My philosophy is to teach and speak 100% in the target language. It is extremely important for students to understand that to be successful in the Spanish class they need to keep in mind the following strategies:

1. Pay attention to Señora Lazo’s body language/gestures/expressions.

2. Focus on Señora Lazo at all times.

3. Pay attention to daily cognates.

4. Listen attentively to Señora Lazo’s repetitive language.

5. Become familiar with the classroom’s daily schedule and routines.

6. Pay attention to the visual clues and pictures.

7. Pay extra attention when the teacher models and acts out. 

8. Listen to the clues and try to guess the words or meaning.

9. Listen to your classmates questions most likely, you will have the same questions.

10. Listen to your classmates answer as they may answer your questions 

Students: the goal of the class is to speak/communicate 100% in the target language. I know this approach in the beginning may be a bit challenging but once you learn the routines it becomes easier to understand and assimilate the language.  You just need to be patient. The benefit of this type of approach is very rewarding and leads to a higher proficiency level in Spanish.

Grading Policy

Students and parents are encouraged to view student progress on PowerSchool.

Grades will be determined based on the following categories and percentages listed below:

Test and projects   60% (Major project will count as one test grade)

Classwork                20%

Participation           20%  

Please sign in the appropriate blank indicating that you have reviewed and understood the terms of the classroom policies and procedures.

Any changes to policies, procedures and grading will be communicated to students.

Parents may contact Señora Lazo by email at daisy.lazo@htboe.org