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Sr. Martínez

Foothills Middle School, Room 209

School Phone: 664-8961 (ext. 2209)

Prep. Period: 7th (1:29-2:14)

Goal

The Spanish program at FMS will provide an opportunity for students to be exposed to Spanish through the use of diverse teaching methods. While the main goal is the acquisition of Spanish, it should be understood that culture and language go hand-in-hand.

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Principles and Assumptions

The Spanish program at FMS is an integrated learning system based on a number of principles and assumptions:

* It is possible for students to use the language creatively from the outset and, therefore, free expression can and should be encouraged.

* Student-student and student-teacher interaction should be based on tasks that
simulate real-world situations.

* Trial and error are a necessary part of the language-acquisition process.

* Contexts should be selected according to the frequency with which they occur
in real life so that students can readily relate to them.

* Everyday spoken Spanish does not include every vocabulary item and every
grammar structure available in the Spanish language. Materials should therefore include the elements most frequently used by native speakers in daily life.

* Grammar should not be presented for its own sake but as ameans of transmitting a spoken or written message as accurately as possible. Grammar is the means for effective communication.

* Learning the different cultures of Spanish-speaking countries is an important part of learning the language.

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This will be a fun filled year of learning a new language and becoming more aware of a new culture. I hope that each of you will take the time to read this carefully and keep it throughout the year for reference. I would like you to know my rules, procedures, grading system and some other “stuff” before the year gets into gear. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please let me know as soon as possible. My door is always open (“Mi casa es su casa.”) or you can call me or e-mail me here at the school

Materials Needed Daily

pencils (for daily assignments)	¡En Español! (text book)
3 ring binder (11/2 inch) with 3 dividers	Spanish Workbook
red pen (for correcting )	Student Planner
*Spanish/English Dictionary	*recommended, but not required.

Classroom Approach

Classes will include TPR (Total Physical Response), vocabulary introduction and enhancement, basic grammar, reading and writing skills. We will do many group activities such as skits, "fiestas", games, etc. Students are expected to participate in activities and classroom discussions. You are encouraged to take the text book home daily and use it for practicing or to complete daily assignments. Please be very responsible with the books. You will also be expected to keep a notebook in which you take notes DAILY. The notebook is worth up to 50 points quarterly. Students are encouraged to ask questions at any time.

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Class Rules

Be on time

Be prepared

Be respectful of others and school materials

Make Your Day citizenship program will be followed

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Homework:

All homework is due the next day unless teacher has indicated otherwise. Late work is not accepted and is scored a zero. If the late work is due to an excused absence, the student will have the same amount of days he/she was absent, plus three days to turn in the required work.

Grading:

Grading will be based on grades acquired on daily assignments (55%), tests (35%) and participation/effort (10%) (including keeping the notebook current). Progress reports are given out at midterm, but parents may request progress reports at any time.

How You Can Help:

Learning a new language is both fun and rewarding, but it requires lots of practice. The 45 minutes we spend in class is not enough time. Every student should spend at least 15-30 minutes each night reviewing that day's lesson or the previous lessons (this is above and beyond the time required to complete homework). Family members can quiz the student with flash cards or by "testing" them on vocabulary words or phrases. It's also beneficial to listen to Spanish TV programs (under parental supervision). The channels we receive locally are Univsión, Telemundo and Galavisión. You may also read the local Spanish newspaper. "El Mundo" can be picked up at any supermarket for free. Our area also has a few radio channels devoted to Spanish music (1340 am for example). The internet is another good source (with parental supervision of course). Try "Sr. Martínez's Spanish I Home Page" below. Try reading some nursery rhymes or fairy tales that have been translated to Spanish. You already know what they are about. Hanging around your Spanish speaking peers is also very helpful. You will really experience the language first-hand and most often, they are willing to help you with your questions.

Sr. Martínez's Spanish I Home Page

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