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Spanish Class with Señora Guasch

Course Description - Spanish I is an introduction to the Spanish language and the Spanish-speaking world. The course deals with everyday life situations through the teaching of key phrases and expressions, which the students must learn to be able to communicate basic expressions in Spanish. The four basic language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing are covered, with an emphasis upon speaking skills. Provision is made for developing an appreciation of the history, culture, and customs of the twenty-one Hispanic countries in which the language is spoken.

Course Goals - Students will learn to use Spanish to:

• Communicate both in and out of the classroom.

• Develop an understanding of the customs, arts, brief history and geography associated with Spanish-speaking people; make connections and reinforce knowledge and skills across academic, vocational, and technical disciplines.

World Language Standards for Spanish 1 are based on:

NL.ILC Strand: Interdisciplinary & Literacy Connections (ILC)

NL.ICC Strand: Intercultural & Communities Connections (ICC)

1. Interpretive Mode: Understand, interpret, and analyze what is heard, read, or viewed. 

NL.ILC.1.1 Identify memorized or familiar words and/or phrases when supported by

gestures or visuals in informational texts.

NL.ILC.1.2 Identify memorized or familiar words and/or phrases when supported by

gestures or visuals in fictional texts.

NL.ICC.1.1 Identify a few memorized or familiar words and/or phrases in historical and/or modern resources from the target cultures, when supported by gestures or visuals.

NL.ICC.1.2 Identify a few products and practices of the target cultures

2. Interpersonal Mode: Interact and negotiate meaning in signed, spoken, or written conversations.

NL.ILC.2.1 Express basic needs, using practiced or memorized words and/or phrases with the help of gestures or visuals. NL.ILC.2.2 Express basic preferences or feelings, using practiced or memorized words and/or phrases, with the help of gestures or visuals. 

NL.ILC.2.3 Provide information by answering a few simple questions on very familiar topics, using practiced or memorized words and/or phrases, with the help of gestures or visuals. 

NL.ICC.2.1 Use culturally appropriate greetings and/or expressions of courtesy in interactions with peers from the target cultures and/or communities of learners. 

NL.ICC.2.2 Engage with peers from the target cultures and/or communities of learners by using practiced and memorized words and/or phrases in familiar contexts. 

3. Presentational Mode: Present information, concepts, and ideas to listeners, readers, or viewers.

NL.ILC.3.1 Introduce themselves using practiced or memorized words and/or phrases, with the help of gestures or visuals. 

NL.ILC.3.2 Express likes and dislikes using practiced or memorized words and/or phrases, with the help of gestures or visuals. 

NL.ILC.3.3 Label very familiar people, places, and objects using practiced or memorized words and/or phrases, with the help of gestures or visuals.

NL.ICC.3.1 Label typical products or practices from the target cultures and/or communities of language learners, using practiced or memorized words and/or phrases, with the help of gestures or visuals. 

NL.ICC.3.2 Copy and/or recite very simple poetry, songs, and/or quotes from the target cultures and/or communities of language learners, using practiced or memorized words and/or phrases, with the help of gestures or visuals.

Exams and Quizzes – Test and quizzes will be given over key vocabulary terms and grammar rules covered in class. Items may be multiple choice, fill in the blank, audio, short answer and essay question. Test items will cover the material in lectures, videos, reading assignments, classwork, homework, and computer program assignments.

Projects—Students will be assigned four projects during the course. Time will be allowed during class to work and finish each project; however, it is the student’s responsibility to finish the assignment during the time provided or on the due date. Students can complete the projects at home if extra time is needed.

Class exercises – Exercises from various resources will be assigned and must be completed during the class time allotted. Also, participation in activities and speaking Spanish is required during class sessions. Classwork is graded daily. Students must complete class activities every day for a full grade. If classwork is not completed during the class, then it becomes homework.

Class participation – Students are called on individually by name or by rotation to respond to any particular prompts during presentation of content and Spanish activities to allow instructor to assess student’s comprehension. Students must speak in Spanish in order to receive credit for classroom participation.

Student Responsibilities and Expectations

Students must complete classwork during class. We complete all classwork in class and discuss the content in class. I do not give homework. If classwork does not get completed on time, for whichever reason, then it becomes homework. A missing flag and “0” will be entered as grade if classwork was not submitted on that day. Students have three days to submit any missing classwork.

Make-up policy. In case of absences, students should go on Canvas and verify what topics and content are being presented during that day. Students should review it at home on that day or within that same week. You are allowed to make-up missed test/quizzes or daily work within three school days after the last absence. However, it is your responsibility to contact the teacher immediately after returning to class to make sure you receive a paper copy of any classwork that was provided. The classwork will also be posted on Canvas and will show on Infinite Campus if there is a grade associated for it.

Grading Scale:

The semester is divided into two quarters ( Q1 and Q2 ). Each quarter has nine weeks. The first quarter in the first semester is Q1. The second quarter is Q2. The final exam (E2) weights 20% of the final grade of the semester (S1). The final grade (S1) is a combination of the grade in first quarter, the grade in second guarter and the final exam. The calculation for S1 is Q1 + Q2 + E2.

Teacher Availability:

I am available for phone calls during second period. I would be happy to meet with parents during this second period or after-school (4:00pm ) to discuss any concerns. Parents can also leave a voicemail by calling (910)-350-2072 extension 72298. Please reach out to me electronically by sending a message to my email address: ester.guaschdiaz@nhcs.net

Topics included in the Spanish 1 curriculum:

Concepts of Latino and Hispanic culture. Spanish language in Hispanic and Latino countries.

Spanish Speaking Countries – Geography – Capitals and famous cities, touristic landmarks.

Greetings, Farewells. Introducing yourself and others. Asking and responding to “how are you”.

Numbers. “Los Numeros” and Colors “ los colores”.

The weather and seasons. The verb “hacer” and “estar” to describe weather conditions.

The calendar, days of week, months and years to mention specific dates.

The clock. The hours and minutes used to describe a particular time.

Pronouns. Subject pronouns. Direct and indirect pronouns. Prepositional object

Articles. Difference between definite and indefinite articles, singular and plural.

Nouns. Difference between singular, plural, gender of nouns, masculine, feminine.

Verbs. Main verb in Spanish “to be”.  Verbs “ser” and “estar”

Verb “to like” which is “gustar”. Singular and plural form.

Direct Object Pronouns and Indirect Object pronouns.

Food items in our culture. Variety of traditional foods in Hispanic countries.

Irregular Verb “to have” which is “tener”. Irregular Verb “to go” which is “ir”

Verbs ending in “AR”, “ER”, “IR”. Conjugation rules for these ar/er/ir verbs.

The clothing. Shopping and wearing clothing. Vocabulary concepts for “la ropa”.

The family. Vocabulary concepts for “la familia”.

The body parts. Vocabulary concepts for “el cuerpo” and when it hurts, the verb “doler”.