HONORS TWO SPANISH
(Please note: In addition to classes, personal one-on-one tutoring -always at a convenient time to the learner- is available. For more info please contact rayleven27@gmail.com )
General class policies and procedures
This course is ideal for high-school age students who are interested in learning Spanish and have had one or two years of course work in Spanish.
SCHEDULE & COMPUTER NEEDS
Each class will take place at a time agreed upon by consensus of the students. We will meet weekly for about one hour except during the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. To be in the class, you will need to download ZOOM, which will allow you to see as well as speak to the other members of the class, including me.
GENERAL SESSION FORMAT
In a regular class session, we will speak, review homework difficulties, learn new vocabulary, expressions and grammar, drill patterned questions and responses, read and ask and answer questions; but most of all we will speak Spanish to each other, and in our speaking we will integrate the new words and structures with previously learned vocabulary and grammar. In addition to the drills and exercises in the textbook, students will also experience my own drills and oral practices.
CLASS EXPECTATIONS
During the week, it is expected that students diligently do their homework -which can consist of speaking or listening as well as reading and writing. And of course practice! Practice out loud and with understanding. Practice daily for five or ten minutes. Practice your pronunciation and intonation. Practice doesn’t always make perfect but it takes you closer each time you do.
Our textbook, DESCUBRE 2 offers wonderful drills and exercises on line. There are plenty of activities which require rote repeating of vocabulary words as well as reading selections. Most weeks, students will have to submit their answers to the computer exercises as well as email me practice sheets in order to get "homework credit" in my grade book.
Each student is required to compile his/her own dictionary by listing both in English and Spanish every new vocabulary word s/he encounters. This running list is essential for review. I also encourage students to make flashcards of difficult words and expressions, and to write out conjugations of verbs (especially irregular ones), as this is a great study aide. A useful hint in learning vocabulary words is practicing by saying them while writing them in Spanish.
GRADES & ATTENDANCE
And speaking of grades, your grade is based on the quality of your homework, participation, assessments and the exercises on line which are coordinated with what we learn in class. (Homework will always be posted at https://sites.google.com/site/honorstwospanish/ . Factors such as individual improvement and motivation are also considered. I notify parents when student work or participation is below the expectations of this class.
In addition, repeated “lateness to class” or excessive absences will have a negative effect on your grade, as will failure to complete and/or turn in assignments when they are due. Repeatedly late-submitted homework will also be penalized.
Barring unexpected events, all students must be on time and attend each session. If a vacation or another circumstance results in an absence, the student is expected to do all the work with the same attention to detail by consulting my homework page. Students may email me if there is a question.
STUDENT COMMUNICATION
Students are encouraged to contact me via my personal email (rayleven27@gmail.com ) or post a question to the class on the homework site if there is difficulty in understanding and/or completing an assignment. Comments, as well as questions, are valued and welcomed!
INTEGRITY
It is expected that students do all the work assigned to them by themselves and not rely on anyone outside the classroom, or on devices such as translators. Your work is your work and should reflect your best efforts. A teacher can ask no more…….