Exploratory Foreign Language Señorita Franks & Madame Hoffmeyer Tentative syllabus for the 2004-2005 school year

Availability: 

If you need extra help or would like to talk with your teacher, please do so as soon as possible.  Waiting may cause you to fall behind.

Señorita Franks: available before and after school, as well as during homebase.

Madame Hoffmeyer: Available after school and during homebase.

Goals:

1.) To introduce students to and help them develop an appreciation for the Spanish and French languages and cultures.

2.)  To motivate students to continue studying and learning other cultures and languages, and to give them the confidence they need to succeed in such areas of study.  Thus, this language program will lay the foundation for further language study at the high school level, by instilling students with the skills they need to make an appropriate decision when selecting a high school language program. 

Overview:

Our twelve-week Exploratory Foreign Language program is divided into two six-week segments, which will be dedicated to the study of the Spanish and French languages and cultures, respectively.  Students who successfully complete this program will be able to comprehend and use basic, introductory Spanish and French vocabulary and grammatical concepts in verbal and written forms.  In addition to this, they will be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of common Spanish and French cultural concepts.  These aims will be achieved through the use of creative, engaging lessons; small group and pairs activities; games; projects; pertinent literature; music; computer software and the Internet; videos; pictures; genuine cultural artifacts; etc.  Both segments of the class will be conducted in English, but students will be expected to use Spanish and/or French as much as is feasibly possible.

Course Materials:

You will need to bring the following materials to class everyday.  Failure to do so will result in loss of daily participation points.

 w        Pen or Pencil to write with

w        Spiral notebook

w        2 pocket folder

w        Exploratory Foreign Language Packet

w        Loose leaf paper

Grading Scale:

90 – 100 = A

80 – 89 = B

70 – 79 = C

60 – 69 = D

Below 60 = F

Homework:

Homework will serve to reinforce and enhance in-class work and study.  Frequently, it will extend into the lessons of the next class period.  Homework is to be turned in at the beginning of the class period on the day that it is due.  If it is turned in any time after this, it will be considered late.  All late work will be graded, but will receive half credit.  Habitual late or missing assignments will result in a phone call home.  

Make-up work: 

When students are absent, they have two days, for everyday that they miss, to complete their make up work.  For example, if a student misses two days of school he/she will have four days to complete missed work.  If it is not turned in within this time frame, it is late and will be graded for half credit.  It is the responsibility of absent students to talk with me, or a classmate, about what they missed.  We do many things in class that are difficult or even impossible to “rerun.”  If possible, when you are absent, call your “buddy” that evening to find out what we did in class, so that you will be prepared when you return.  I will be available for you to discuss make-up work during the hours listed above under availability.  It is CRUCIAL that you talk with me, as soon as possible, if you have ANY questions about make up work.     

Band, Choir, Seminars, Other Extra Curricular Absences:

If a student is going to miss class to due extra curricular activities, he/she MUST report to class before going to the activity.  This will ensure that students have the opportunity to turn in homework and get the next day’s assignments.  Involvement in extra curricular activities DOES NOT excuse students from turning in homework on the day that it is due or from getting future assignments.

Tests/Quizzes:

Tests will be administered at the end of each unit of study.

Special Projects:

Students will complete a Spanish or French cultural project.  This project will be worth approximately 100 points, and students will have the option of working individually or in groups.  Projects will be completed outside of class, but several class periods will be set aside as designated “work days”, to give students the opportunity to use the school library and computer lab research resources, as well as to consult with me about questions and concerns. As students are working, I will continuously monitor thier progress and provide them with ample direction, but students will have flexibility and many opportunities to express their own creativity, as well.  Specific directions will be discussed and distributed on a handout at a later time.   

Computer Lab:

Students will frequently meet in the computer lab to make use of Internet based activities that will supplement the information presented in class.

What you can do at Home:

w        Students are encouraged to share what they are learning in class with others at home: they should be discussing class activities and assignments with their families and friends; they may create flashcards and review them with their family members; and, if possible, they should try to teach what they are learning to others at home.  Students have truly grasped a concept if they are able to teach it to someone else.

w        Students are encouraged to be exposed to as much Spanish and French outside of class as possible: i.e. watching Spanish/French T.V., listening to Spanish/French radio, visiting Spanish/French educational web sites, dinning at Spanish/Mexican/French restaurants, experiencing other cultural events that might present themselves, etc.

Foreign Language and Culture Club:

Herrick Middle School foreign language teachers, Miss Franks and Mrs. Hoffmeyer, sponsor Foreign Language and Culture Club.  Meetings are held every Monday from 3:15 until 4:00, in room 210.  It is an excellent supplement to our foreign language classes and also gives students an extra opportunity to learn about cultures other than Spanish and French, including German and many of their own.  All students are welcome to attend, but it is NOT a requirement of the Exploratory Foreign Language class. 

Rules and Expectations:

* Respect each other, myself, our school, and yourselves.

* Speak one at a time, raising your hands and waiting for permission to speak.  When speaking, use an appropriate voice and language.

* Follow directions the first time they are given.

* Be honest and take responsibility for yourselves and your actions.

* Pay attention in class.

* Make an honest effort to achieve, to the best of your ability, by coming to class on time every day with necessary materials for daily tasks, and by participating in all class activities.

* Follow all other Herrick Middle school rules.

Consequences:

1: Verbal warning

2:  Note home to parents (guardians)

3:  Before/after school detention

4:  Referral to the office

Note:  Certain inappropriate behaviors: insubordination, swearing, racial slurs, back talking, etc. warrant immediate removal from class to the office.