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¡Bienvenidos a Cuarto Grado!
Dear Parents and Students,
Here you will find the answers to all of your questions about 4th Grade Spanish. If there is something more you would like to know or need further explanation, please send me an email. I will be happy to hear from you!
Here you will find the answers to all of your questions about 4th Grade Spanish. If there is something more you would like to know or need further explanation, please send me an email. I will be happy to hear from you!
1. Program Description: Elementary Spanish classes at HFS are like a FLEX program, “Foreign Language Experience or Exploration”. These programs are designed to provide an introduction to one or more languages, with limited development of language skills. Through the use of manipulatives, visuals, stories, songs, movements, dialogues, presentations, question/answer activities, and games, students are given the opportunity to learn basic conversational Spanish and to develop a positive attitude toward different cultures and language learning.
2. Textbooks and Curriculum Resources:
Discovering Languages, 1995
Cuentame, Teaching Profciency with Stories and Reading, V. Marsh and C. Anderson
Discovering Languages, 1995
Cuentame, Teaching Profciency with Stories and Reading, V. Marsh and C. Anderson
3. Materials Needed: Students will need to bring a pocket folder, pen and/or pencil, text book, and workbook to every class session. If materials are left in homerooms, students will not be allowed to leave the Spanish classroom. I have 'extras' for students to borrow.
4. Assessments: This is the first year students earn a formal report card grade. As in all grades, assessment stresses progress of understanding and communication in Spanish, NOT perfection! At this level of our FLEX Spanish Program (Foreign Language Exploratory), progress in LANGUAGE SKILLS, WORK HABITS, and BEHAVIOR are equally important. If you have questions about expectations for work habits or behavior, please see the handout “What is Outstanding in Spanish Class?”
Students must SAVE ALL handouts, projects, and printed progress reports in the pocket folder. This will be sent home during the trimester for your review, initials, and comments. A K-8 portfolio collection will continue to be an important part of evaluations and provides evidence of progress and improvement at each level.
5. Grading: The QUALITY of work will also influence evaluations. Student grades are based on a percent system using the HFS grading scale. Marking codes used: O – G – S – NI – U
6. Homework: It is necessary to practice Spanish daily in order to build a solid foundation for future proficiency. In order to accomplish this objective, students are expected to practice every night for 15-20 minutes. There are links to Internet practice sites on our web page. Students may also read, write, sing, or listen to Spanish in a variety of ways
5. Grading: The QUALITY of work will also influence evaluations. Student grades are based on a percent system using the HFS grading scale. Marking codes used: O – G – S – NI – U
If there is a specific handout, it will be posted on the homework board in the 4th Grade homeroom. Extra handouts will also be available. If you or your children need clarification or have questions, please contact me. I will be happy to help.
6. Homework: It is necessary to practice Spanish daily in order to build a solid foundation for future proficiency. In order to accomplish this objective, students are expected to practice every night for 15-20 minutes. There are links to Internet practice sites on our web page. Students may also read, write, sing, or listen to Spanish in a variety of ways
WORK HABITS:
¨ materials ready in class
¨ attention to task details
¨ oral participation pts.
¨ practice sheets are complete with quality/ thought
¨ make up missed class work/homework ASAP
BEHAVIOR:
¨ positive attitude for learning
¨ follows directions, both written and oral respectful to the learning process
¨ responsible, courteous, and cooperative
7. Absence and Make up: When students are absent for any reason, it is the student’s responsibility to make up work. Handouts for make up work will be located in the “¿Que Perdí?” Folder (What did I miss?) in the Spanish classroom. Students must put AB at the top of make up work due to absence for full credit. Missing assignments will be recorded as “NC” (no credit) and will lower grade average until make up credit is applied. This must be done within a ‘reasonable’ amount of time after returning to school.
8. Class Participation: Class participation in Spanish is the key component in practicing communicative skills, which are essential in language proficiency. Participation involves more than just raising your hand to earn points for credit. Students have to be attentive, participate in partner activities, speak Spanish formally and informally, and come to class prepared.
9. Behavior and Discipline Plan: I believe every student has the ability to:
* Be prepared * Be on task * Be organized * Be respectful * Follow directions
* Be prepared * Be on task * Be organized * Be respectful * Follow directions
Behavior documentation is kept on a monthly class seating chart. I will remind students about their responsibilities and if needed conference with them at recess or lunch.
If I need help, I will ask for a parent or principal conference to discuss strategies to change behavior and provide opportunities for success. I have found the best strategy for any problem behavior is for parent, student, and teacher to work TOGETHER.
If I need help, I will ask for a parent or principal conference to discuss strategies to change behavior and provide opportunities for success. I have found the best strategy for any problem behavior is for parent, student, and teacher to work TOGETHER.
10. Textbooks: Chapters are organized by themes such as school, food and health, family and celebrations, etc. You may find grammar explanations and vocabulary lists, readings with oral or written tasks, dialogues, and cultural notes to learn more about the perspectives of Spanish speakers.
Parents may help with assignments when directions are in English, and are followed by a model. (if you are not bilingual in Spanish) I encourage students to “follow the model” because this is the pattern for correct use of the language. The more they hear and practice the patterns, the sooner these will become part of their own Spanish language. Some of our texts end with a chapter review and summary which include lists and practice activities similar to what is in “real life”.
11. Extra help: I am available after school to help on Tuesdays in the Spanish classroom. If this is not a good time, please schedule a time with me that works for you.
To confirm you have received this information, please print, complete the form below, cut, and return with your child any time BEFORE the first progress report is due in October. ¡Gracias!
Please Print Student Names (first and last):
Grade 4 _________________________________________________________
___ I (we) have a few questions and will contact you soon.
___I am willing to provide classroom treats for ‘CELEBRATION” days if I am contacted early.
My email is: ________________________________________________________
Grade 4 _________________________________________________________
Parent Initials: _________________
___ I have reviewed and discussed the Spanish class information with my child.___ I (we) have a few questions and will contact you soon.
___I am willing to provide classroom treats for ‘CELEBRATION” days if I am contacted early.
My email is: ________________________________________________________
