*Basic structure borrowed from Ginger Metevier’s Spanish 2 syllabus*

*Language for Classroom Procedures influenced by Ginger Metevier’s Spanish 2 syllabus*

Name of Course: Spanish

Teacher Name: Profesora Mazzio
Grand Ledge High School: Office (517) 925-5815
Teacher’s Direct Phone Number: (517) 925-5825 Ext: 189
Email (Preferred Method of Contact): mazzioam@glps.k12.mi

Purpose
In this course, students will develop the ability to communicate in
Spanish, both in oral and written form in culturally appropriate ways. Along with language goals, an
important purpose of this course is for students to develop a cultural awareness of Spanish-
speaking communities. They will gain language learning skills and important study skills and habits
that will help them in all future classes. Students will build listening, speaking, reading and writing
skills through daily practice and monitor their progress with bi-weekly journal entries.

Topics, Key Concepts, and Units of Study

Spanish 1A Spanish 1B

Themes Themes
-The World Around Me -Food
-School Life -Daily Life
-Time and Weather -Travel
-Descriptions and Expression -Storytelling

Structure Structure
-Showing respect in Spanish -Giving commands
-Parts of Speech/Word Order -Using “it” in Spanish
-Making parts of speech match -Talking about actions done to oneself
-Talking about the present -Providing more information with “for”, “in”,
“on”...
-Talking about the past

Culture Culture
-Geography -Food and dining in Latin America and Spain
-Family structure -Teenage life in Mexico
-Polite speech -Modes of transportation and travel
-Schools in Ecuador and Spain destinations in Spain and Argentina
-Ecuadorian legends

*Additional topics will be included based on students’ interests

Textbooks Used
This class will use the ¡Buen Viaje! Level 1 (Glencoe) textbook. Unfortunately due to budget cuts,
there is only one class set. Students will not be able to bring textbooks home, except under special
circumstances. The textbook is available online at:
http://www.glencoe.com/sec/worldlanguages/spanish/buenviajelevel1/#
Required Materials
-A Spanish-English dictionary
-A notebook
-A binder or folder to keep all notes, assignments, and handouts. This collection will be used to
demonstrate the student’s progress.
-Pencils or pens

Suggested Supplies
-The Big Red Book of Spanish Verbs: 555 Fully Conjugated Verbs by Ronnie Gordon and David
Stillman

Course Description:
This class will be taught through a variety of methods in order to meet different learning styles and
preferences. Common instruction methods will include group and partner work, class discussion,
lecture, inductive learning activities, and listening exercises, among many other things. Great
attempts will be made to use multimedia to enhance lessons.

Throughout each unit, students will work on a project that will serve as the unit’s test. For example,
possible project ideas for the Food unit may be doing a restaurant skit, creating a restaurant’s
advertisements and menu, or filming an episode of a cooking show. Oral and written quizzes will be
given along the way to assess students’ progress. Students will also be required to keep a Spanish
journal, in which they will complete warm ups, do self-assessments, create personal dictionaries,
maintain a reading log, and complete certain assignments. Homework will be assigned frequently,
but should only take 15-30 minutes to complete. Homework assignments will be graded based on
completion, as they will be corrected and used as a learning tool.

Grade Calculations
Students’ marking period and semester grades will be based on the following categories and
weights:

Spanish Journal (25%)

Unit Projects (25%)
Written Quizzes (15%)
Oral Quizzes (15%)
Homework (10%)
Participation (10%): Participation means paying attention, attending class, being prepared, asking
for help, staying on task, and behaving appropriately during individual or group work. This category
has been provided as an opportunity to be rewarded for making an effort in class.

Assignment Expectations
Assignments must be completed before class begins and handed in on time in order to receive full
credit. Even though homework is based on completion, students should dedicate their time to
completing the assignments to the best of their abilities. They will be hurting themselves if they do
not put in the effort. It is expected that students take advantage of resources if they have
questions. If a student knows s/he will be absent, s/he should inform me ahead of time to work out
an alternate due date. Late work will follow school policy: a reduction of 10% will be applied to the
assignment’s grade each day it is late.

Classroom Procedures
Please see the student handbook for a detailed description of school-wide student responsibilities
and expectations and more information about tardies, reporting procedures and excused,
unexcused and school related absences.

Classroom Expectations for This Class

-Be prepared for every class: Bring required materials and completed homework
-Spend time practicing Spanish outside of class: Watch Spanish movies, teach others what you’ve
learned
-Be respectful: Listen when others talk, be polite, keep hands to oneself
-Pay attention and participate: Keep cell phones on silent and in backpacks or lockers. See Grade
Calculations
-Make an effort: Ask questions, make mistakes, practice, and don’t give up!

Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior

In accordance with school policy, consequences for inappropriate behavior may include
student/teacher or guardian/ teacher conferences, guardian contact, meetings with administrators,
or suspension. Every attempt will be made by me to work with the student and guardians to
address any misconduct.

Cheating
Cheating includes, but is not limited to, offering or obtaining answers on assignments or
assessments in a fraudulent or deceitful manner. For the purpose of a language class, the use of
electronic translation devices for assignments or assessments is considered cheating. If students
are found to have cheated on their work, they will receive a zero. Please refer to the Consequences
for Inappropriate Behavior for information on possible disciplinary actions.

Attendance
“Grand Ledge High School’s attendance policy is based on two facts. First of all, it is the school’s
task to teach promptness and responsibility. Good attendance habits in school will help make
students reliable adults. Moreover, their attendance record becomes part of their permanent
record. Many employers [and higher education institutions] consider attendance to be equally
important as a student’s grade point average”

Additional Information
- Learning a language is similar to learning math; it is important that students master one skill
before learning another. So, it is extremely important that students be proactive and seek out help
when they need it. I make great efforts to be available to students before and after class.
-I am happy to hear from guardians! I hope to hear from you about any questions or concerns you
may have about your student’s education.
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Please sign and return

I have received and read the Spanish 1 syllabus

______________________________________ ___________________________________
Guardian’s name Student’s name
______________________________________ ___________________________________
Guardian’s signature Student’s signature

Does your student have any special needs (medical alerts, preferential seating etc.) that I
should be aware of?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________