Lucy Craft Laney High School                                                                               

Instructor:  Ms. Tesa Gunby

Room# 206

Phone number: (706) 823-6900

Course Description:

            This course is designed to enhance student knowledge and application of the Spanish language and culture. Spanish is designed to meet the Georgia Performance Standards set forth by the Georgia Department of Education.

            The students will learn the target language by visualizing an image and a physical response to go along with the word said. We will explore the different cultures that make up the world of Spanish speaking countries to include their customs, foods, lifestyles, and more. The students will be introduced to written works by different writers, and they will be introduced to different painters and their art. In addition to the written work and art, the students will be exposed to listening to the target language by storytelling, poems, instructional Spanish DVDs, audio clips, music and more.

Major course goals:

·         Diversity

·         Uniqueness

·         Open to communication

·         Curiosity

·         Use of the target language

·         Gain an understanding of the culture and customs of the countries studied

·         Respect for other cultures

Course Assessment Plan:

            All classwork, participation, homework, quizzes, projects, and tests will count towards your grade. The breakdown of grades is as follows:

·         Classwork/homework=25%

·         Quizzes=35%

·         Tests/projects: 40%

Students will be given many opportunities for assessment and achievements until the standard is mastered. Participation in class is vital because the target language is best learned by listening, observing, then speaking. I strongly suggest that students come to class with a positive attitude to learn and be ready with all the materials requested. 

The materials needed for class include a 3 ring binder, loose leaf paper, pencil, pen, and Spanish to English dictionary.

Topics that will be taught: **Throughout the school year topics may be added or omitted**

·         Prior knowledge (greetings, farewells, commands, alphabet, numbers, days of the week, months of the year, and expressions of courtesy)

·         Latin and Romance languages

·         Why we should study Spanish?

·         Presence of Spanish in the U.S. and the world

·         Weather

·         Winter/Summer sports

·         Famous Spanish speaking figures

·         Food/Drink

·         Health (body parts and how to express how we are feeling)

·         Shopping, clothing, and bargaining

·         North America, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa

·         The ancient civilization of the Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas

·         Art/Dance/Poetry

·         Lots of Spanish Grammar!!

The Successful Spanish Student

To be successful in Spanish, follow these simple guidelines:

Classroom Expectations:

1.      Master the foreign language standards for your grade level.

2.      Master the common phrases used in everyday living.

3.      Ask me simple requests in Spanish.

4.      Use basic greetings, farewells, and expressions of courtesy.

5.      Express like/dislike, emotions, and agreement/disagreement.

6.      Make simple requests.

7.      Ask for clarification.

8.      Give me simple descriptions.

9.      Comprehend basic directions.

10. Describe cultural customs and traditions as well as demonstrate basic geographical knowledge.

Classroom Rules

1.      Be respectful

2.      Come to class prepared with textbook, notebook, pens, pencils, and completed assignments. (It is imperative for you to bring the aforementioned items because each day notes will be given and assignments to be completed.)

3.      No mobile (cell) phones nor any other electric device in which the student may text, take photos, chat, etc. (Cell phones and such devices are prohibited in the classroom. Cell phones are to be put away. If cell phones are on the desk or seen in the classroom or in use by student, student will give cell phone to the instructor upon request and the device will be given to the Principal/Assistant Principal to be kept for the 1st offense of 30 days, 2^nd offense 60 days, 3^rd offense 90 days.)

4.      No profanity

5.      No eating or drinking in the classroom

6.      No getting out of seat and walking around in the classroom

7.      No talking out of turn (In group work, conversations are not to be loud.)

8.      Follow instructions and classroom procedures.

9.      For missed work, student has 5 days to make up work after coming back to class. (If the assignment is not completed within this time frame, student will receive a grade of 0 for not doing the assignment.)

Classroom Procedures:

1.      Be in your seat and ready to work when the class bell rings.

2.      Pay attention, participate, and ask questions pertaining to subject matter.

3.      Raise your hand and ask to get out of your seat for any reason; including sharpening your pencil, throwing away trash, etc.

4.      Go to the restroom before class.

If you choose to not follow the above rules and procedures:

1^st- Verbal warning and phone call home****

2nd- Phone call home and parent/teacher conference

3^rd- Office referral

****If the offense is extreme, student will be given an office referral.