Senora Burmaster  
Espanol 6                             

Bienvenidos a la clase de espanol!  This is probably your first year of studying Spanish and I hope that you are very excited about learning the language.  This year we will focus on all aspects of foreign language learning: listening, speaking, reading and writing.  In addition, in 6^th grade, you will be able to learn about Hispanic culture and have an appreciation for the importance of learning a foreign language.

Although the four areas of language learning are taught via different teaching strategies, this year the emphasis will be on the oral facility to develop your communicative skills.  The key to speaking Spanish is memorizing the vocabulary, practicing and mastering the grammatical concepts that are introduced.

Here are some helpful ways to help you memorize the vocabulary words, phrases and some grammatical terms at home:

1)      Make flashcards. Write the Spanish word or phrase on one side of the card and the English equivalent on the other.  You should look at the English side of the card and see if you can say the Spanish equivalent aloud and write the Spanish equivalent down so that you can practice the spelling of the words.  Parents can also help by saying the term in English and having the student tell them the Spanish equivalent.  In addition, you can also say and spell the Spanish equivalent to the parent.

2)      Play games, such as Concentration, with your words and phrases.  Put the words on separate cards in English and all the words on separate cards in Spanish.  Mix them up and line them up in rows.  See if you can match the English to the correct Spanish translation.

3)      Pneumonic Devices.  Think of sayings or associations that can help you remember the vocabulary.

4)      Repetition, repetition, repetition.  Say the words out loud a few times in English and Spanish or try writing the Spanish words out five times each with the English equivalents next to them.

5)      Pretend you are the teacher.  See if you can clearly explain the material to someone else.  You can even design a short vocabulary quiz by writing the words down in English and correctly translating them into Spanish.

6)      It is important to study vocabulary each night.  Waiting until the last minute can be very stressful and frustrating.  If you memorize a few vocabulary words a night I know that you will have great results!

Course Description:  This class serves as an introduction to the Spanish language via listening, speaking, reading and writing. You will also appreciate the value of language learning and develop an awareness of Hispanic cultures and customs.  Basic grammatical concepts will be introduced as well.  The first four chapters of the textbook will be covered this year.

Classroom Expectations:  You are expected to arrive on time with the necessary materials and take your seat.  You need to participate actively in class and be respectful, kind, and courteous to everyone.  When I say, “La mano esta arriba” it is important that you quiet down, stop all activity and give me your full attention.

Textbook/Supplementary Materials:  The 6^th grade Spanish textbook is called Ven Conmigo.  This text series also comes with a workbook that needs to come to class on a daily basis.  In addition, there will be supplementary activity sheets that need to be completed and brought to class.

Senora Burmaster’s Supply List:

·        A (yellow, if possible) 5 subject notebook or 3 ring binder filled with paper

·        A (yellow, if possible) pocket folder

·        Three packages of medium index cards (4”x6”)

·        A Spanish/English dictionary (if possible)

·        A highlighter

·        An agenda book or homework assignment pad

·        Colored pencils, crayons, or markers

·        A ruler

·        A blue or a black pen or pencil

·        Scissors and glue

·        One box of tissues

Grading policy:

·        Class participation:  You are expected to volunteer and speak to me and your classmates in the target language.

·        Homework: Homework is assigned on a daily basis and should be completed at home.  Completed homework is due the day after it is assigned unless otherwise noted.  If you need help with homework at home ask another person that might know Spanish or call your homework buddy.  If you are absent it is important that you see me as soon as you return to school to get the work that was missed.  If we get all of our objectives accomplished for the week then there is no homework on Fridays.

·        Quizzes: There will be a few quizzes per week.  Frequent quizzes help you memorize material in chunks and helps you to prepare for the chapter test.

·        Tests: There will be one chapter test per chapter.

·        Other: In addition to the above, you will also be graded on classwork, effort, oral presentations, dialogues, group work, projects, compositions and being prepared on a daily basis.

Authentic Assessment:  Rubrics will be used to evaluate your speaking and writing.

Progress Reports:  Progress reports will be mailed home on the following dates: 10/16, 12/17, 3/10 and 5/19  Also, please note that progress reports will be sent home whenever necessary.

Extra help:  You are encouraged to come see me for extra help during recess or activity period.  Please remember to tell me ahead of time if you are coming for help.  If I see that you are falling behind I may request that you meet with me. Also, please remember that I am here to help you learn Spanish.  I want all of my students to have a positive experience.

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(Parent’s or guardian’s signature)                                   (Student’s signature)

Buena Suerte