Contact Information
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Michelle McLaughlin, World Language - Spanish
michelle.mclaughlin@cape.k12.de.us
Phone: (302) 684-8516
World Language - Spanish
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Course Requirements
World Language 6, World Language 7, and World Language 8 are quarter-long Exploratory Spanish classes at Mariner Middle School. 2021-2022 is Year C in the 3-year cycle.
Course Description: Exploratory Spanish is a course designed to introduce students to the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures. This nine-week course will develop students’ ability to listen, speak, read, and write in the target language on a variety of topics and to deepen their intercultural awareness.
Objectives/Goals/Targets: Foreign language study has been proven to increase students’ command of native-language grammar and vocabulary, as well as increase their problem-solving skills. The state of Delaware requires two years of foreign language study at the high school level. Three years of Spanish will satisfy the Delaware state requirement for career pathways. Also, as more colleges and universities raise their entrance requirements in a foreign language, it is a good idea for serious college-bound students to continue their foreign language study through the fourth year, as recommended by most universities. Student participation in Exploratory Spanish at the middle school level lays the groundwork for students’ future language development.
Required Texts, Materials, and Resources: There is no required textbook for the course, as Middle School Exploratory Spanish is designed to provide students with a glimpse of what they will learn in Spanish 1 at the high school level. Themes and topics vary each year and may include any of the following:
- Introductions
- Calendar
- Alphabet
- Numbers
- Personality Traits
- Hobbies
- School Schedule
- Food
- Family
- Clothing
- Colors
- Geography
- Places
- Physical Traits
- Cultural Beliefs
- Holidays and Traditions
Students are expected to have the following items with them each day:
- Section of binder OR pocket folder with clasps
- Blank lined paper
- Pens, pencils, and highlighters
- Colored pencils or crayons
- Dry erase markers
- Plastic page protector (to be used as a personal dry erase board
- District-issued iPad
- Headphones
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Index Cards
The following apps must be downloaded from Self-Service onto student ipads:
- Google Chrome
- Google Drive
- Google Slides
- Google Docs
- Google Sheets
- Notability
- Kahoot
- YouTube
- Zoom
The following apps and websites are great additional resources for language learning:
- Duolingo
- LyricsTraining
- Quizlet
- Voice Memos
- Word Reference
- www.conjuguemos.com
- www.thisislanguage.com
Students are expected to do work that reflects the honest effort and personal, independent thinking. Incidents of cheating will result in the notification of parents, administration, guidance counselors, and applicable coaches or club sponsors. Disciplinary action will follow. To this end, students are NOT permitted to use online translators or rely on native speakers and advanced language learners for assignment completion. Google Translate (or any other translation resource) is NOT an approved resource for this course and use of such resource for assignment completion is considered cheating. When in doubt, please check with the teacher.
Información adicional para los hispanohablantes (Additional information for native speakers) ¿Ya hablas español? ¡Fabuloso! Vas a ser un elemento esencial en nuestra clase. ¿Sabes que hay más de veinte países en los que el español es idioma oficial? Y hay diferencias en la lengua, el dialecto, y la cultura en cada uno. Entonces, aunque ya usas la lengua española en tu vida diaria, ¡todavía hay mucho que puedes aprender sobre el mundo hispanohablante! También, es posible que mientras escuchas y hablas la lengua perfectamente, nunca has tenido la necesidad de escribir ni leer en español, entonces esto puede ser un enfoque para ti en este curso. Me alegro que estés en esta clase y espero que podamos aprender más juntos.
Attendance Policy: Students must follow CHSD Board Policy 204. An absence note from the parent/guardian is required within 3 days of the student’s return to school (not to exceed 10 days per school year). For unexpected absences, students have 2 days to make up work for every 1 day they are out. Prearranged vacations require prior written approval 2 weeks prior to the date of the vacation.
Electronic Device Policy: Students are expected to follow the State’s Acceptable Use Policy. All district technology shall be used for school purposes only. Cell phones should be turned off and put away during school hours.
Food and Drink: Only water is allowed in the classrooms. Food should not leave the designated eating areas.
Late Work Policy: In order to submit work late, the student must initiate a conversation with the teacher. Late work will be accepted up to two weeks past the due date.
Classroom Management: The teacher will develop Respect Agreements with students within the first two weeks of school. A copy of Respect Agreements will be sent home after completion. Students must follow the CHSD Code of Conduct.