Spanish 5-6: Syllabus 2021-2022
Teacher Name: Erin Gilbert aka Señora Gilbert, Profe
Email: [email protected]
Teacher Phone Number: (415) 651-5325 ex. 3594
Class/Teacher website: https://espanol-ole.weebly.com/
Tutoring & Contact: My office hours are during Tutorial in room 201 on W/F from 2:10-3:10 or I am available by appointment to meet during lunch or after school.
COMMUNICATION
COURSE OBJECTIVES & PURPOSE
Purpose: Gain exposure to Spanish and the many cultures it embodies, continue to feel comfortable listening to, understanding and speaking Spanish at an intermediate level.
Objectives: By the end of this course, in SPANISH you should be able to feel comfortable in many of the following INTERMEDIATE areas based on the National ACTFL Standards
LETTER TO TAM FAMILIES
First and foremost, I want to start with gratitude. I am grateful to be working in TUHSD, a district that has all of our health, safety, and wellbeing at the forefront. This year I hope that we can keep that in mind as we continue to navigate together the trials and tribulations we experience throughout C19. We must continue to come from a place of love and compassion, with good intentions so that we can prosper together. Therefore, this school year we will prioritize the following:
Online learning last year was a rollercoaster, much less than ideal but some was inspirational! Therefore, I will lean on technology for many activities and assignments while we learn together in person.
We will value intellectual nourishment and social connection. Synchronous lessons will allow us to learn together, collaborate with our peers while asynchronous (not at the same time) content, such as homework or Flipped Learning will provide flexibility to accommodate diverse levels of curriculum access, time commitments and individual contexts.
We will remain flexible and adjust to our situation, whatever happens. Covid-19 is still here, but we will adapt, and together we will get through this. Everyone (including me!) needs support and compassion during this unprecedented time.
Let’s lead with love.
Gracias,
Señora Gilbert
COURSE OVERVIEW & ORIENTATION
¡Bienvenidos a Español 5-6! In this course, you will expand on what you learned in Spanish 1-2 and 3-4 and continue to build a strong foundation in the Spanish language, culture and history of the Spanish-speaking world. We will focus on all aspects of language: reading, writing, listening, and speaking, while using the target language as much as possible. You are expected to participate daily using your Spanish speaking skills. The National Standards for Foreign Language include: Communicate in a language other than English, Gain cultural knowledge and understanding, Connect with other disciplines and acquire information, Compare your language and culture with Spanish language and culture, and participate in a multilingual community at home and abroad. The skills learned this year will be part of your preparation for college and career readiness.I look forward to sharing with you one of my favorite languages and to a joyful and productive year!
COURSE CONTENT - *Instructor reserves the right to change content and sequencing at any time
Fall Semester:
>> Examples of grammar you will learn:
Review of present tense, likes and dislikes, describing oneself
Further instruction on preterite and imperfect tenses
If-clauses and contrary-to-fact clauses
Spring Semester:
Libro: Robo en la noche by Kristy Placido (published by Fluency Matters) >> We will be reading Robo en la noche on a weekly basis which will be supplemented with extension activities and grammar/vocabulary exercises. We will be using an in-class copy and so you are not required to buy your own, unless you and your family decide to do so. If you miss class it is your responsibility to catch up on the reading/activities on your own. The final semester exam will be based both on the content of the book as well as grammar and vocabulary covered.
CLASS STRUCTURE & EXPECTATIONS (Expectations)
The classes are structured to actively involve every student in the process of learning Spanish, most notably by speaking in the target language. Each lesson will have content specific objects as well as language objectives. Content objectives describe what the students will learn during the lesson and language objectives describe how the students will learn the content of the lesson. In focusing on course objectives students will have a clear idea of what academic goals are expected of them and should be mastered. The culture of this class will be determined at the outset via community builders, ice breakers and discussion of classroom norms. These norms shall be followed in order to maintain a safe, academic learning environment. Overall behavior should reflect a mature attitude that includes respect for yourself, others and the environment.
Here are the top FIVE rules:
1.) Be in assigned seat with required materials and ready to work when the bell rings (on time). Rationale: Students need to start practicing punctuality and preparedness. Arriving prepared and on time is respectful and shows the teacher, students, or even future employer that they are serious about their education/job, and in turn they will be taken seriously and treated with respect.
2.) Use kind words at all times. Rationale: It is important for students to use school-appropriate language and know how to be supportive with one another, especially in a language learning class. Using kind words I hope would encourage and teach students to be mindful of how they treat one another and represent themselves in the world.
3.) Respect the people, equipment, and furnishings. Keep the class clean and tidy. Rationale: We all want to feel safe and welcomed in class so that we can learn at ease. Furthermore, we should be proud of our space looking tidy, decorated and cared for. In reality, it’ll be your “home” away from home.
4.) Follow directions the first time they are given. Rationale: Class time is a place to learn and make a contribution. In order to do so, efficiency is key. Following directions the first time given will make the former possible.
5.) No cell phone use. Rationale: Class is a time to be present, engaged and make contributions. Cell phones, games, and social media are a distraction. Therefore, students are to silence phones and submit them to the wall caddy (or me) upon arrival. IMPORTANT: This will also be how I take attendance. If the phone is missing, you will be marked tardy/absent. This is my classroom routine and protocol that must be followed. *Emergencies are an exception for phone use, with my permission.
CONTINUED...
Classwork consists of two parts: ungraded and graded practice. Ungraded work could be warm ups, notes, listening or reading practices, while graded work could be an activity that requires you to watch a video or do research online. The grade will be based on the quality and completion of the task. Classwork generally will be due by the end of the period, or day, however stay tuned to the published due date on Canvas/Synergy. Canvas is where most work will be collected. I will accept late work (including projects) within a 4-week window from the assigned date. Please remember that a guiding principle of this course is self-advocacy and communication, so if you need an extension on any work you must communicate that with me ahead of time, I will not accept work that is month overdue at the end of the grading period.
GRADING
Grading Policy: First and foremost, grades are earned, I do not give them. Assignments will be posted regularly on CANVAS (Learning Management System) and final grades will be posted to SYNERGY. Due to the nature of an online grade book however, it is crucial to be patient with the constant change of information. A grade may change from one moment to the next depending on when I update the grade book and when you look at grades. Should there be any questions or concerns, I appreciate an friendly email or meeting regarding the matter. Progress reports are not your final grade, rather a snapshot of how you are doing at the moment. That said, do not come to me at the end of the grading period or semester asking what you can do to improve your final grade. It is your responsibility to be proactive and seek help before the deadline. The final grade of the course is cumulative and will be based on the following weighted categories:
1) Classwork (30%)
It is very important that you attend class in order to practice Spanish on a daily basis. Classwork includes in-class (and sometimes out of class) individual/partner/group assignments. Classwork will be delivered in class and on CANVAS, and will be collected there as well. Due dates of assignments will always be published. When observed, students will be rewarded with stamps in their "pasaporte" for the following: above and beyond participation using their Spanish, winning during teacher specified games and activities, and for coming to meet with me during tutorial to address topics that either a) impact their grade or b) issues involving class behavior. At the end of each semester submit the “pasaporte" and earn an A with 10 stamps. No one will earn below a C.
2) Homework (5%)
Homework is an opportunity for independent practice which is why the weight is so low. It is up to you whether or not you want to complete your homework, for every student has a unique homelife. If your homelife circumstances prevent you from completing your homework, it is your responsibility to notify me BEFOREHAND. Your situation will be considered if you’ve advocated in a timely manner. Homework will be graded on completion and not on correctness. If I see you have copied or shared your work you will receive zero points. Refer to Academic Integrity below.
3) Projects (15%)
Projects are an opportunity to expand upon your learning in a self-guided and unique way. Expect varied kinds of projects, some individual and some paired/grouped. There will be ~1 project per unit. Projects will be graded on a rubric which will be provided at the outset.
4) Assessments (50%)
Students will perform well on tests and quizzes if they engage in their classwork and participation, especially well if they address concerns when they arise and not at the last minute! There will be a review or guide prior to each test, no surprises! Examples of assessments include:
Synergy grade book comment codes: AB = absent, MI = missing, IN = incomplete, and LA = late (zero until assignment is completed and turned in; if not turned in by the end of the Reporting Period I will change the scores to a 50%) E = excused (no affect on grade)
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Learning a language from home is not the same as learning in a traditional classroom with quick access to peer and teacher support. I realize that there may be a temptation to use translation services while learning Spanish, however you must realize that this will not serve you in long term retention. While I cannot control how much you rely on such services to help you understand or produce language, I will know what is copied and what you authentically produced on your own. Please keep this in mind throughout the year and your language learning process. On my website , I have a tab dedicated to dictionaries that I do encourage you to use.
Academic Honesty Policy The Tamalpais Union High School District is committed to encouraging students to experience the joy of accomplishment in school and in their personal lives, to discover their full potential, to value an atmosphere of trust and respect, to assume responsibility for their own ethical behavior, and to foster ethical behavior in others. In pursuit of this ideal, we acknowledge that:
REQUIRED MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY SKILLS
Please have accessible:
These are the technical skills you need to be able to do in order to be successful in this class:
HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL
How to be successful:
As a learner, how can I be successful in this class?
SYLLABUS STUDENT & FAMILY SIGN-OFF
→ Please go here to complete the syllabus sign-off of understanding.
Teacher Name: Erin Gilbert aka Señora Gilbert, Profe
Email: [email protected]
Teacher Phone Number: (415) 651-5325 ex. 3594
Class/Teacher website: https://espanol-ole.weebly.com/
Tutoring & Contact: My office hours are during Tutorial in room 201 on W/F from 2:10-3:10 or I am available by appointment to meet during lunch or after school.
COMMUNICATION
- Primary means of communication please email me at [email protected]. It takes too much time to track and locate questions on the LMS.
- Students - Responding to email - I will respond to email M-F during school hours, extending up to 5PM. Please allow up to 48 hours for a response. I appreciate your patience!
- In order for me to respond promptly to your email, the subject of your email should include your Class period or name. The body should begin with Dear Sra. (señora) Gilbert, then explain what you need or ask your question, feel free to include a screenshot. End with Gracias, your name. Please use proper grammar and spelling in your email.
- Teacher website
- This is another way to stay informed and have access to a plethora of resources. You may also contact me on my site.
COURSE OBJECTIVES & PURPOSE
Purpose: Gain exposure to Spanish and the many cultures it embodies, continue to feel comfortable listening to, understanding and speaking Spanish at an intermediate level.
Objectives: By the end of this course, in SPANISH you should be able to feel comfortable in many of the following INTERMEDIATE areas based on the National ACTFL Standards
LETTER TO TAM FAMILIES
First and foremost, I want to start with gratitude. I am grateful to be working in TUHSD, a district that has all of our health, safety, and wellbeing at the forefront. This year I hope that we can keep that in mind as we continue to navigate together the trials and tribulations we experience throughout C19. We must continue to come from a place of love and compassion, with good intentions so that we can prosper together. Therefore, this school year we will prioritize the following:
- supporting each other,
- finding simple solutions over complicated ones,
- communicating clearly,
- practicing self-advocacy and
- treating each other with respect. (SAFETY!)
Online learning last year was a rollercoaster, much less than ideal but some was inspirational! Therefore, I will lean on technology for many activities and assignments while we learn together in person.
We will value intellectual nourishment and social connection. Synchronous lessons will allow us to learn together, collaborate with our peers while asynchronous (not at the same time) content, such as homework or Flipped Learning will provide flexibility to accommodate diverse levels of curriculum access, time commitments and individual contexts.
We will remain flexible and adjust to our situation, whatever happens. Covid-19 is still here, but we will adapt, and together we will get through this. Everyone (including me!) needs support and compassion during this unprecedented time.
Let’s lead with love.
Gracias,
Señora Gilbert
COURSE OVERVIEW & ORIENTATION
¡Bienvenidos a Español 5-6! In this course, you will expand on what you learned in Spanish 1-2 and 3-4 and continue to build a strong foundation in the Spanish language, culture and history of the Spanish-speaking world. We will focus on all aspects of language: reading, writing, listening, and speaking, while using the target language as much as possible. You are expected to participate daily using your Spanish speaking skills. The National Standards for Foreign Language include: Communicate in a language other than English, Gain cultural knowledge and understanding, Connect with other disciplines and acquire information, Compare your language and culture with Spanish language and culture, and participate in a multilingual community at home and abroad. The skills learned this year will be part of your preparation for college and career readiness.I look forward to sharing with you one of my favorite languages and to a joyful and productive year!
COURSE CONTENT - *Instructor reserves the right to change content and sequencing at any time
Fall Semester:
- Introduction to one another: ¿Quién eres y qué hiciste durante el verano? // Who Are You and What Did You Do Last Summer?
- GOALS: To describe self and others, to describe likes/dislikes and interests, & to talk about what you did over the summer
- Chapter Project: Make a visual presentation describing yourself (and/or family/friends), your likes/interests, and what you did over the summer (review of present tense and some preterite tense at a novice level)
>> Examples of grammar you will learn:
Review of present tense, likes and dislikes, describing oneself
Further instruction on preterite and imperfect tenses
If-clauses and contrary-to-fact clauses
Spring Semester:
Libro: Robo en la noche by Kristy Placido (published by Fluency Matters) >> We will be reading Robo en la noche on a weekly basis which will be supplemented with extension activities and grammar/vocabulary exercises. We will be using an in-class copy and so you are not required to buy your own, unless you and your family decide to do so. If you miss class it is your responsibility to catch up on the reading/activities on your own. The final semester exam will be based both on the content of the book as well as grammar and vocabulary covered.
CLASS STRUCTURE & EXPECTATIONS (Expectations)
The classes are structured to actively involve every student in the process of learning Spanish, most notably by speaking in the target language. Each lesson will have content specific objects as well as language objectives. Content objectives describe what the students will learn during the lesson and language objectives describe how the students will learn the content of the lesson. In focusing on course objectives students will have a clear idea of what academic goals are expected of them and should be mastered. The culture of this class will be determined at the outset via community builders, ice breakers and discussion of classroom norms. These norms shall be followed in order to maintain a safe, academic learning environment. Overall behavior should reflect a mature attitude that includes respect for yourself, others and the environment.
Here are the top FIVE rules:
1.) Be in assigned seat with required materials and ready to work when the bell rings (on time). Rationale: Students need to start practicing punctuality and preparedness. Arriving prepared and on time is respectful and shows the teacher, students, or even future employer that they are serious about their education/job, and in turn they will be taken seriously and treated with respect.
2.) Use kind words at all times. Rationale: It is important for students to use school-appropriate language and know how to be supportive with one another, especially in a language learning class. Using kind words I hope would encourage and teach students to be mindful of how they treat one another and represent themselves in the world.
3.) Respect the people, equipment, and furnishings. Keep the class clean and tidy. Rationale: We all want to feel safe and welcomed in class so that we can learn at ease. Furthermore, we should be proud of our space looking tidy, decorated and cared for. In reality, it’ll be your “home” away from home.
4.) Follow directions the first time they are given. Rationale: Class time is a place to learn and make a contribution. In order to do so, efficiency is key. Following directions the first time given will make the former possible.
5.) No cell phone use. Rationale: Class is a time to be present, engaged and make contributions. Cell phones, games, and social media are a distraction. Therefore, students are to silence phones and submit them to the wall caddy (or me) upon arrival. IMPORTANT: This will also be how I take attendance. If the phone is missing, you will be marked tardy/absent. This is my classroom routine and protocol that must be followed. *Emergencies are an exception for phone use, with my permission.
CONTINUED...
- Students are expected to silence and submit cell phones to the class phone caddy each class period
- Students are expected to use their school provided Chromebooks only when instructed
- Students are expected to engage during class by speaking Spanish, asking/answering questions, and collaborating with your peers
- Students are expected to adhere to the norms and expectations provided by your teacher and the district
- Students are expected to complete and submit assignments via CANVAS
- Students are expected to self-advocate and communicate with your teacher, and respond to emails when requested
Classwork consists of two parts: ungraded and graded practice. Ungraded work could be warm ups, notes, listening or reading practices, while graded work could be an activity that requires you to watch a video or do research online. The grade will be based on the quality and completion of the task. Classwork generally will be due by the end of the period, or day, however stay tuned to the published due date on Canvas/Synergy. Canvas is where most work will be collected. I will accept late work (including projects) within a 4-week window from the assigned date. Please remember that a guiding principle of this course is self-advocacy and communication, so if you need an extension on any work you must communicate that with me ahead of time, I will not accept work that is month overdue at the end of the grading period.
GRADING
Grading Policy: First and foremost, grades are earned, I do not give them. Assignments will be posted regularly on CANVAS (Learning Management System) and final grades will be posted to SYNERGY. Due to the nature of an online grade book however, it is crucial to be patient with the constant change of information. A grade may change from one moment to the next depending on when I update the grade book and when you look at grades. Should there be any questions or concerns, I appreciate an friendly email or meeting regarding the matter. Progress reports are not your final grade, rather a snapshot of how you are doing at the moment. That said, do not come to me at the end of the grading period or semester asking what you can do to improve your final grade. It is your responsibility to be proactive and seek help before the deadline. The final grade of the course is cumulative and will be based on the following weighted categories:
- Assignment (classwork)
- Homework
- Projects
- Quiz
- Test
1) Classwork (30%)
It is very important that you attend class in order to practice Spanish on a daily basis. Classwork includes in-class (and sometimes out of class) individual/partner/group assignments. Classwork will be delivered in class and on CANVAS, and will be collected there as well. Due dates of assignments will always be published. When observed, students will be rewarded with stamps in their "pasaporte" for the following: above and beyond participation using their Spanish, winning during teacher specified games and activities, and for coming to meet with me during tutorial to address topics that either a) impact their grade or b) issues involving class behavior. At the end of each semester submit the “pasaporte" and earn an A with 10 stamps. No one will earn below a C.
2) Homework (5%)
Homework is an opportunity for independent practice which is why the weight is so low. It is up to you whether or not you want to complete your homework, for every student has a unique homelife. If your homelife circumstances prevent you from completing your homework, it is your responsibility to notify me BEFOREHAND. Your situation will be considered if you’ve advocated in a timely manner. Homework will be graded on completion and not on correctness. If I see you have copied or shared your work you will receive zero points. Refer to Academic Integrity below.
3) Projects (15%)
Projects are an opportunity to expand upon your learning in a self-guided and unique way. Expect varied kinds of projects, some individual and some paired/grouped. There will be ~1 project per unit. Projects will be graded on a rubric which will be provided at the outset.
4) Assessments (50%)
Students will perform well on tests and quizzes if they engage in their classwork and participation, especially well if they address concerns when they arise and not at the last minute! There will be a review or guide prior to each test, no surprises! Examples of assessments include:
- Speaking tasks
- Interpretive listening tasks
- Written tasks
- Formative tasks (quizzes)
- Summative tasks (final exams)
Synergy grade book comment codes: AB = absent, MI = missing, IN = incomplete, and LA = late (zero until assignment is completed and turned in; if not turned in by the end of the Reporting Period I will change the scores to a 50%) E = excused (no affect on grade)
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Learning a language from home is not the same as learning in a traditional classroom with quick access to peer and teacher support. I realize that there may be a temptation to use translation services while learning Spanish, however you must realize that this will not serve you in long term retention. While I cannot control how much you rely on such services to help you understand or produce language, I will know what is copied and what you authentically produced on your own. Please keep this in mind throughout the year and your language learning process. On my website , I have a tab dedicated to dictionaries that I do encourage you to use.
Academic Honesty Policy The Tamalpais Union High School District is committed to encouraging students to experience the joy of accomplishment in school and in their personal lives, to discover their full potential, to value an atmosphere of trust and respect, to assume responsibility for their own ethical behavior, and to foster ethical behavior in others. In pursuit of this ideal, we acknowledge that:
- Academic honesty is a shared responsibility among students, parents and school staff.
- The many students who do not cheat are adversely affected by those who do.
- High school students are under more pressure than ever to achieve high grades.
- Teachers must create conditions which encourage ethical behavior.
- Students need to experience rewards for good ethics and consequences for poor decisions.
- Claiming credit for work not one’s own (copying homework, test answers, etc)
- Allowing others to claim credit for your work (allowing others to view your homework or assignments)
- Using notes or other unauthorized material
- Being involved in unauthorized communication during a test or other assessment
- Plagiarism – copying published works on the ideas of others without proper source attribution, including downloading of computer files, either directly or with only minor editing.
- Unauthorized submission of work for one class that has already been accepted for credit in another class or school
- Accessing or providing unauthorized material prior to assessment, including revealing test information
- Submitting work substantially done by someone else (parent, tutor, sibling, etc.)
- Unauthorized use of translation program in World Languages Forgery
REQUIRED MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY SKILLS
Please have accessible:
- Chromebook
- Headphones
- Spiral notebook/binder with paper/folder for handouts and notes
- Whiteboard marker & eraser
These are the technical skills you need to be able to do in order to be successful in this class:
- We will be using several tools in the class, many which are intuitive to use and require little training. They include [Nearpod, Pear Deck, Flipgrid, EdPuzzle, Quizlet, Remind 101, Kahoot, Padlet... ]. Always login with your school email address (Google Account) when using said tools.
- Take a screenshot - How to take a screenshot on a Chromebook
- Send an email with a subject and address me formally
- Send an email with an attachment
- Copy and paste
- Create, save and share files in Google Drive
- Create Google Slides that include: animations, GIFs, videos, images, backgrounds and different fonts
- Make video recordings either on your phone or computer (Flipgrid, iMovie, Adobe Spark)
- Use Google to perform simple searches and cite your sources
- Work in multiple tabs in your browser at the same time (for example, your work on one tab and a resource on another tab) and CLOSING OUT ALL THOSE YOU DON’T NEED
- Need help? See the TECH TAB on my website
- If you experience technical issues with your district issued Chromebook, submit a help ticket from the Tam Portal.
HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL
How to be successful:
As a learner, how can I be successful in this class?
- Study in a quiet, tidy, well-lit place - distraction free! (not on your bed, reserve a desk or table if possible)
- Stay organized - create folders for each of your classes on your Google Drive, create folders for each unit of study and title all documents.
- All documents should be TITLED, DATED and with your name.
- Work should be completed neatly and on time, no fonts that are too small or difficult to read (for example).
- Utilize the class and school websites (teacher, Tam, eSchool, and LMS).
- Persevering through challenging situations, working together, contacting peers and teachers when needed!
- Self-advocate! Ask questions in a timely manner.
- Take risks and make mistakes, this is the best way to learn.
- Learn from others and work as a team.
- Use resources to study before tests and not just the night before.
- Be prepared, which means attending class on time, ready to think, learn, and have fun!
- Remember to get rest, eat well, take stretch breaks, go outside for walks, get exercise, and talk to your friends :)
- Ask questions. Ask your student what they learned in class that day. Ask them to explain or teach you new concepts, vocabulary, grammar.
- Check your student’s planner, LMS (Google Classroom), class websites.
- Help your student stay organized - show them basic computer skills and how to use Google Drive and Google APPS, it’s so easy!
- Providing a quiet, tidy, well-lit place to study - distraction free
- All documents should be TITLED, DATED and with their name
- Refer to the class website and explore all the resources available
- Email me and/or call to follow-up on your student’s progress.
- Some good references for learning Spanish are:
- The most successful learners are those who take responsibility for progress with their learning. Help your learner build their self-motivation and develop good study habits, such as promptly doing work, studying for tests/quizzes, taking notes during class, and constantly reviewing the course material. Encourage your learner to ask for help if they are having difficulty - I am here and so are their peers. It takes a village!
SYLLABUS STUDENT & FAMILY SIGN-OFF
→ Please go here to complete the syllabus sign-off of understanding.