Here’s Jim’s level 2 syllabus, nice and uncomplicated:
Course Syllabus – Spanish II
Spring Grove High School
Jim Tripp
2012-13
IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ
In Spanish Two students will be immersed in comprehensible language so that the brain has the opportunity to unconsciously acquire, or “pick up”, what it can when it is ready. Students will acquire frequently used words and structures of the language by interacting daily with a competent Spanish speaker (the teacher), and by reading often.
“Language is acoustical, not intellectual” -Berty Segal
LISTENING: Perhaps the most important and rewarding aspect of using another language is being able to understand what the other person is saying to you. In order for that to happen, one must hear lots and lots of comprehensible and interesting spoken language. I ask that students do their part to make stories and discussion lively and interesting by actively participating. I call this doing your 50%.
“Reading is the most powerful tool we have in language education”-Steven Krashen
READING: We will read often in class from several sources. My goal is to provide students with a variety of comprehensible and interesting reading material. This will consist of jokes, song lyrics, text of stories we create in class, children’s books, newspapers, magazines, etc. We will read individually, as a class, and in pairs. All students will read at least two of the following novels:
*Piratas del Caribe *El Viaje de Su Vida
*Patricia va a California *Los Baker Van a Perú
WRITING: There will be various other written assignments completed individually and in groups, such as Timed Writes to track improvement in writing fluency and Re-Writes of stories. Students may also write a children’s book.
SPEAKING: Students will be encouraged in this course to speak Spanish when they feel comfortable and ready to do so. Speaking English is strongly discouraged during class. There are a few exceptions to this rule however: asking for clarification, translating something from Spanish, or answering a question asked in English. Offenses to this rule will not be tolerated. It is very disruptive to the flow of our class.
CULTURE: We will explore some cultural habits, traditions, and experiences of Spanish-speaking people in order to better understand their worldview and in turn communicate more effectively. Certain aspects of culture that come up in class include:
-geography -pop culture -politics -migration
-current events -history -food/cuisine
Classroom Rules
- 1. Listen with the intent to understand
- 2. One person speaks and the others listen
- 3. Avoid English
- 4. Clarify if you don’t understand. Students and teacher support all clarification requests
- 5. Sit up…Squared shoulders…Clear eyes
- 6. Do you 50%
- 7. Actors – Synchronize your actions with my words
- 8. Nothing on desks unless told otherwise
Grading Criteria (*The standard SGPS grading scale will be used in this class)
Participation/Assignments – 40%
Quizzes – 50%
**Students should expect very frequent assessments in class. Most of these will come in the form of short quizzes at the end of class over what we discussed that day. Most quizzes will be unannounced.
Finals (End of term cumulative) – 10%
We acquire language by actively trying to decode messages in the foreign language, repeatedly and consistently. When we read, we are acquiring language. When we listen to stories and conversation, we acquire language. By engaging in these activities day in and day out for the next 4 months, we will reach our goal of developing long-term acquisition of Spanish.
f anyone would like more information about what we are doing in class, I will do my best to provide it in a timely manner. I am more than happy to help answer any questions or concerns that may come up during the year. Also, parents are welcome to visit the classroom and experience firsthand what we are doing. I am easy to reach by email or phone, so please do not hesitate to contact.
Email: jim.tripp@springgrove.k12.mn.us
Phone: (507) 498-3221 Ext. 128
(Please cut here and keep the top portion for your records)
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I have read and I understand the information in the Spanish course syllabus.
Student Signature_____________________Date______________
Parent/Guardian Signature____________________Date________