ESL at FMS
PLEASE DIRECT YOUR QUESTIONS
OR COMMENTS TO:
martinez.am@mail.wsd.wednet.edu
Sr. Martínez
Foothills Middle School, Room 209
School Phone: 664-8961 (ext. 2209)
Prep. Period: 6th (1:00-1:45)
The ESL program at FMS will provide an opportunity for students to be exposed to English through the use of diverse teaching methods. While the main goal is the acquisition of English, it should be understood that culture and language go hand-in-hand.
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Principles
and Assumptions
The ESL 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 English does not include every vocabulary
item and every
grammar structure available in the English 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 a means of transmitting a spoken or written message as accurately as possible. Grammar is the means for effective communication.
This will be another exciting year of continuing to learn English. It is expected that you will spend time studying at home on a daily basis. Forty-five minutes of class time isn't a sufficient amount of time to learn a new language.
Materials Needed Daily
Pencils, Red Pen, Book to read, Point Sheet and Planner
Classroom Approach
Classes will include TPR (Total Physical Response), vocabulary introduction and enhancement, basic grammar to advanced grammar, reading and writing skills. We will do some group activities such as skits, games, etc. Students are expected to participate in activities and classroom discussions. Assignments should be completed in class and are usually due the next day.. Students are encouraged to ask questions at any time.
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Class Rules
Be on time
Bring the required materials
Be prepared
Be respectful of others and school materials
Make Your Day citizenship program will be followed
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 (75%), tests (25%) and participation/effort (keeping the notebook current). Progress reports are given out at midterm, but parents may request progress reports at any time.
|
A |
93-100% |
|
A- |
90-92.9% |
|
B+ |
87-89.9% |
|
B |
83-86.9% |
|
B- |
80-82.9% |
|
C+ |
77-79.9% |
|
C |
73-76.9% |
|
C- |
70-72.9% |
|
D+ |
67-69.9% |
|
D |
60-66.9% |
|
F |
59.9% & below |
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.