SPANISH

Eighth Grade 

Mrs. Hutton

 Objective:

To give students a basic proficiency in Spanish through conversation, interactive learning exercises, and eventually composition 

Grading: 

The students will be exposed to spoken Spanish in every class, as well as in small groups.  Oral communication will be accomplished by a gradual immersion in the second language.  Tests will be very similar to the material presented in quizzes and workbook activities.  There will be a quiz approximately every week.  Extensive review will take place in class before all chapter tests. 

30% Assignments, Projects, and Class Participation – Homework will be given several times a week depending on the difficulty of the chapter.  Most assignments will require approximately 15-30 minutes to complete.  Class handouts and quizzes are excellent study and review materials for tests.  All students should have a separate section in their binder dedicated to: Spanish homework, tests, vocabulary, and class work.  Occasionally, they will be asked to reference a previous assignment, so it is very important that the student keep his/her work in an organized manner. The projects focus on the people and culture of Latin America and Spain, holidays, the history of Spanish-speaking countries, and traditional food dishes. 

70% Tests & Quizzes – Tests will be in a similar format to most of the quizzes, and will have a listening comprehension section.  There will be at least two tests for each grading period. 

Expectations: 

Learning a second language is a building process.  Grammar and vocabulary learned from previous chapters will often resurface throughout the year.    Students must come to class prepared with their binders, textbooks, and workbooks. 

Participation does impact the student’s grade. All students are expected to participate in all class activities. Once first year students have mastered basic phrases, Spanish conversation is encouraged. While all areas of grammar will be taught in English, the level of Spanish spoken in the classroom will increase as the year progresses, as well as with increased understanding. 

Most importantly, students should come to class without fear of making mistakes.  Part of the learning process of second language acquisition is having the confidence to risk making a mistake.  It will be the continued attempts at oral expression that will be the most valuable for the student to experience success in learning the Spanish language. 

Text:                       Paso A Paso Prentice Hall, 2000 

Contact:                 Chutton@saintjamesacademy.org

The eighth grade will be covering chapters 9 –14. The Spanish II test will be used when  the Spanish I test is completed.  Readings: Cuentame, Realidad y Fantasia and  short stories throughout the year.  

The following is an example of some of the topics that will be covered throughout the year: 

First Trimester:

*Review of previously learned material, as well as:

Healthcare vocabulary

The verb “dormir”

Indirect object pronouns (me, te, le)

Role playing – doctor and patient

Talking about past activities 

 Second Trimester:

Activities in the community

Talking about money

Giving directions

The preterite tense (past tense) – “ar” verbs

The verb “ir” – preterite form (irregular)

Television  - talk about TV shows and movies

Express opinions

Comparisons (better, worse, less, more)

Direct object pronouns and the infinitive

The verb “ver” – preterite form

Indirect object pronouns : (nos, os, les)

Indicate time or duration

Discuss foods and restaurants

Mexican food 

Third Trimester:

The verb “traer”

The preterite tense – “er” and “ir” verbs  

The imperfect tense

Pascua – Easter

The Environment (conservation, transportation, nature)

The verb ‘decir’ (present tense)

Command forms

The verb ‘saber’ and ‘conocer’ used in different situations

Making introductions at social functions

Negative constructions

The present progressive tense

The verb ‘dar’ with indirect object pronouns

The imperfect tense

Cultural appreciation will be explored throughout the year.