I am excited to begin this journey of language learning with you. I am very excited to have you in my class this year. A few things about me:
What I expect from you:
Classroom Procedures
BIENVENIDOS A LA CLASE DE ESPAÑOL
In order to maintain a positive and organized learning environment, we need to work together to follow certain classroom procedures. Procedures are not necessarily rules. They are simply a way of going about everyday classroom activities. Each teacher has different procedures and expectations in his or her room. It is my hope that by understanding this list and keeping it with you, we will be better organized and able to maximize learning time!
Getting Started/Warm-up (Calentamiento): When the late bell rings, you should be in your seat and ready to begin. If there is a warm-up assignment on the board, you should begin working on it before class begins. If homework is due, it should be out on your desk.
¿Puedo ir al baño? All restroom needs are to be taken care of before or after class. However, if you need to use the restroom, ask between activities (in Spanish of course). You will receive 2 bathroom passes per semester. It is your responsibility to use them only for emergencies. To keep track of your passes, you should staple them into your agenda (month of June?). DO NOT LOSE YOUR BATHROOM PASSES. You will not receive additional passes, nor will you be able to use another student’s passes. Please do not interrupt me or a classmate to use the facilities.
Homework: You will have homework every day whether there is an actual assignment or not. Learning a foreign language is like learning math. You have to practice every day. When you go home, review your notes for that day plus any new vocabulary we are using for the week. This will only take about 15 to 30 minutes and by Friday you will have reviewed Monday’s notes 4 times. This cuts down on studying time before tests and quizzes and helps you store the information in your long-term memory. Language learning is a cumulative process. As we learn new vocabulary and grammar, you are expected to remember the previous information in order to continuously enhance your language skills and your ability to communicate more complex thoughts and ideas.
Where should I turn in my homework? The day homework is due, be prepared to hand your homework in your class bin after the bell rings. You will continue to work on the warm-up as I look over the work, grade it using the homework rubric, and mark your grade in my grade book. I do not accept late homework. Late work will be an automatic zero. We then go over the homework as a class and you must make any corrections needed to your homework answers.
Notebook Quizzes: You will have pop notebook quizzes throughout the year. It is imperative that you keep an organized notebook in my class. To help yourself stay organized, keep a 3 ring binder with 4 divided sections:
Apuntes, Tarea, Ojas de practica y papel de lineas. The day we have a notebook quiz, you will be given questions to answer based on information you have in your notebook as well as homework you’ve completed in your workbook. You will have a limited time to complete the quiz, so information should be organized, readily accessible and labeled and dated in your notebook. (Hint: a few questions on notebook quizzes will be from this sheet and from the syllabus, so don’t lose them!)
What do I do if I finish early? Sometimes you will finish a test, quiz or assignment early and have to wait until the rest of the class completes it. Every student is unique and needs a different amount of time to process the language and the new material. If we are doing work that you master quickly and you finish early, your options are to review vocabulary and grammar or silently read a book. If you finish a quiz or test early, do not use Spanish materials while the rest of the class is testing. Talking is never an option since it distracts others.
Group and Partner Work: You will work with a partner or in small groups throughout the year. While participating in these activities, you are expected to stay on task at all times and ask questions if you do not understand what to do.
I was absent: When you come back, the first thing you need to do is show me the homework assignment that was assigned the last day you were in class so I can check it. During the warm-up, go to the Absent Bin, find your slip and papers that were handed out. You will be responsible for copying any missed warm-up activities and notes that you missed.
Fire drill: During fire drills, exit the classroom quickly, go straight through the fence onto the field. If locked, go to the right, then at the end of the passage way, make a left. Follow the sign with my name on it and make a straight line because I will need to take attendance quickly. It is very important that you make sure you are accounted for. If you are not present, you will be reported as missing and your name will be turned in to the principal/safety staff.
Awww, yeah…we have a sub! I am not absent often, but every once in a while it happens. A sub’s job can be very difficult and you are expected to behave for a sub as you would if I were present. If there are any problems with the sub, you tell me when I get back. Do not disrespect the sub in any way.
Extra Help: Do not wait until the last minute! If you need help, come prepared with all notes and any specific questions. Extra help is available on Tuesdays in room 808 after school, or by appointment with me after school or at lunch.
Bell to bell: Class time is “sacred time.” Expect to remain in class working from bell to bell. Do not pack up early and never ever ever line up at my door waiting for the bell to ring. Remain in your seats until class is dismissed. As you leave, make sure the room reflects the pride we feel in RBVHS!
What?! We have a test today?! Although you will be reminded daily in class (and on the board) of upcoming assignments, I understand that you have a lot on your plate. Therefore, to help you remember important assignments, quizzes, and tests, sign up for “Remind”. Take advantage of this technology and use it to your benefit! Spanish 1 students should send a text with “@spanprofc” to 81010 to sign up. Both parents and students are encouraged to sign up. For more information, follow the instructions here.
***The teacher reserves the right to make changes to these procedures as necessary.***
- I love my family and my puppy Peanut
- I love doing all things food: eating, cooking, baking, sharing, etc.
- I thoroughly enjoy yoga, cycling, reading, watching my favorite TV shows, all things music, and just hanging out with friends
- I am from the east coast (Maryland) and moved here in the summer of 2011 to begin my teaching career
- Before teaching Spanish here at Rancho, I taught music (band, percussion, choir, violin, private lessons) and I absolutely love teaching both
- I LOVE corny dad jokes and memes. The more the better!
What I expect from you:
Classroom Procedures
BIENVENIDOS A LA CLASE DE ESPAÑOL
In order to maintain a positive and organized learning environment, we need to work together to follow certain classroom procedures. Procedures are not necessarily rules. They are simply a way of going about everyday classroom activities. Each teacher has different procedures and expectations in his or her room. It is my hope that by understanding this list and keeping it with you, we will be better organized and able to maximize learning time!
Getting Started/Warm-up (Calentamiento): When the late bell rings, you should be in your seat and ready to begin. If there is a warm-up assignment on the board, you should begin working on it before class begins. If homework is due, it should be out on your desk.
¿Puedo ir al baño? All restroom needs are to be taken care of before or after class. However, if you need to use the restroom, ask between activities (in Spanish of course). You will receive 2 bathroom passes per semester. It is your responsibility to use them only for emergencies. To keep track of your passes, you should staple them into your agenda (month of June?). DO NOT LOSE YOUR BATHROOM PASSES. You will not receive additional passes, nor will you be able to use another student’s passes. Please do not interrupt me or a classmate to use the facilities.
Homework: You will have homework every day whether there is an actual assignment or not. Learning a foreign language is like learning math. You have to practice every day. When you go home, review your notes for that day plus any new vocabulary we are using for the week. This will only take about 15 to 30 minutes and by Friday you will have reviewed Monday’s notes 4 times. This cuts down on studying time before tests and quizzes and helps you store the information in your long-term memory. Language learning is a cumulative process. As we learn new vocabulary and grammar, you are expected to remember the previous information in order to continuously enhance your language skills and your ability to communicate more complex thoughts and ideas.
Where should I turn in my homework? The day homework is due, be prepared to hand your homework in your class bin after the bell rings. You will continue to work on the warm-up as I look over the work, grade it using the homework rubric, and mark your grade in my grade book. I do not accept late homework. Late work will be an automatic zero. We then go over the homework as a class and you must make any corrections needed to your homework answers.
Notebook Quizzes: You will have pop notebook quizzes throughout the year. It is imperative that you keep an organized notebook in my class. To help yourself stay organized, keep a 3 ring binder with 4 divided sections:
Apuntes, Tarea, Ojas de practica y papel de lineas. The day we have a notebook quiz, you will be given questions to answer based on information you have in your notebook as well as homework you’ve completed in your workbook. You will have a limited time to complete the quiz, so information should be organized, readily accessible and labeled and dated in your notebook. (Hint: a few questions on notebook quizzes will be from this sheet and from the syllabus, so don’t lose them!)
What do I do if I finish early? Sometimes you will finish a test, quiz or assignment early and have to wait until the rest of the class completes it. Every student is unique and needs a different amount of time to process the language and the new material. If we are doing work that you master quickly and you finish early, your options are to review vocabulary and grammar or silently read a book. If you finish a quiz or test early, do not use Spanish materials while the rest of the class is testing. Talking is never an option since it distracts others.
Group and Partner Work: You will work with a partner or in small groups throughout the year. While participating in these activities, you are expected to stay on task at all times and ask questions if you do not understand what to do.
I was absent: When you come back, the first thing you need to do is show me the homework assignment that was assigned the last day you were in class so I can check it. During the warm-up, go to the Absent Bin, find your slip and papers that were handed out. You will be responsible for copying any missed warm-up activities and notes that you missed.
Fire drill: During fire drills, exit the classroom quickly, go straight through the fence onto the field. If locked, go to the right, then at the end of the passage way, make a left. Follow the sign with my name on it and make a straight line because I will need to take attendance quickly. It is very important that you make sure you are accounted for. If you are not present, you will be reported as missing and your name will be turned in to the principal/safety staff.
Awww, yeah…we have a sub! I am not absent often, but every once in a while it happens. A sub’s job can be very difficult and you are expected to behave for a sub as you would if I were present. If there are any problems with the sub, you tell me when I get back. Do not disrespect the sub in any way.
Extra Help: Do not wait until the last minute! If you need help, come prepared with all notes and any specific questions. Extra help is available on Tuesdays in room 808 after school, or by appointment with me after school or at lunch.
Bell to bell: Class time is “sacred time.” Expect to remain in class working from bell to bell. Do not pack up early and never ever ever line up at my door waiting for the bell to ring. Remain in your seats until class is dismissed. As you leave, make sure the room reflects the pride we feel in RBVHS!
What?! We have a test today?! Although you will be reminded daily in class (and on the board) of upcoming assignments, I understand that you have a lot on your plate. Therefore, to help you remember important assignments, quizzes, and tests, sign up for “Remind”. Take advantage of this technology and use it to your benefit! Spanish 1 students should send a text with “@spanprofc” to 81010 to sign up. Both parents and students are encouraged to sign up. For more information, follow the instructions here.
***The teacher reserves the right to make changes to these procedures as necessary.***