Spanish 1

 

Spanish 1 will take a task-based approach, with a different hands-on topic each week. Sample topics include pets, games, family, favorite books, etc. Focus will be on language that is used in everyday situations, as well as learning to make meaning out of what is read or heard. Our fun and engaging activities include authentic Spanish resources such as videos, songs, and stories.

Course Structure

During live class sessions, students will be expected to be on camera and actively participate in the class. Please note that some weeks’ tasks will require students to bring certain materials to class (simple cooking ingredients, for example). We will always provide advance notice regarding what they will need to bring. Outside of class, they will complete weekly projects and/or tasks related to the week’s topic. Students will also complete a weekly speaking assignment.

Each student is expected to spend time doing things in Spanish at least five days each week, and they report their efforts on a weekly timesheet. The weekly timesheet, weekly projects, and weekly speaking assignments will make up the bulk of their grade for the class.

Course objectives are based on the ACTFL World Readiness Standards for Learning Languages, and include the following:

• share information, reactions, feelings, and opinions in spoken and written conversations
• understand what is heard or read on a variety of topics
• present information and ideas in a variety of formats, to explain, persuade, and narrate a variety of topics
• use Spanish to investigate the practices, products, and perspectives of Spanish-speaking countries
• use Spanish to build, reinforce, and expand knowledge of other disciplines
• compare aspects of Spanish and its cultures to their own language and culture
• use the language within and beyond class
• develop lifelong habits of language learning

Who should enroll?

This course is intended for students in grades 8-12 who have little or no previous experience with Spanish. Parents of prospective students can contact the teacher with questions about class placement.

Technology Requirements

• High speed, broadband Internet
• Headset and microphone (for live sessions)
• Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures

Evaluation and Feedback

It is our belief that students learn best when they are comfortable and engaged in the work that they are doing. We also believe that languages are learned through large amounts of exposure to engaging, comprehensible input. Therefore, our focus is not on small details, but rather on the big picture. Students who complete their work in a timely manner and make a habit of participating in our weekly live class sessions can expect to do well in the class.

Students will periodically be asked to share their projects in class. They will be evaluated based on the accuracy of the information, their use of the language, how well they respond to questions from the teacher and classmates, etc. Feedback on specific assignments tends to be supportive feedback rather than corrective feedback, but we do comment on common or easily avoidable mistakes. Students who are looking for more corrective feedback (particularly concerning the mechanics of the language) should consider supplementing this course with our self-paced Spanish Grammar course.

Communication

Parents and students can always view the student’s scores through Canvas, and are welcome to contact the teacher with any questions or concerns. Barring unusual circumstances, we grade assignments within two business days of the due date, and we reply to messages within one business day. Parents are welcome to contact the Nances with questions regarding in which class to enroll their student.