ESL Beginning

Señor Aaron Barth

Phone: 223-3120 ext 221

abarth@alpine.k12.ut.us

Course Description

Students at the beginning level demonstrate growing proficiency in language skills. Speaking, writing, listening and reading skills will continue to be stressed by focusing on diverse topics that will assist student success.

Speaking and listening skills will begin to reflect increasing accuracy with respect to grammar and pronunciation. Students will participate in class and small-group discussions, give oral presentations and conduct all classroom business and social interactions in English. They will begin to speak using simple sentences and correct verb structure. They will use English to describe objects, introduce themselves; as well as ask simple questions in basic social situations.

Students will study and practice basic grammatical concepts by frequent writing assignments such as; sentences structure, postcard format and other basic forms. Students will read a variety of children books. Students will be required to do reading outside of class according to their abilities and interests.

This class will be geared towards helping ESL students expand their abilities in the target language to help them achieve success in school and beyond.

Required Materials:

Students should bring their textbooks, ESL folder, paper and pen to class everyday. Students need to bring homework or reading from other classes daily. They will earn daily points for doing this. Class time will be used to help them achieve success in their other academic subjects.

Course Requirements:

Attendance: I will enforce the school wide attendance policy. Any questions about this please refer to the school handbook. Students will not be allowed to make up missed assignments or tests due to an unexcused absence or tardy. Excused absences will have five days from the time they return to school to complete all work missed.

Assignments: Because the goal of this class is to master English, the work assigned will give students the opportunity to hear and use the language in a variety of settings. Classroom activities will be in the form of individual, paired, and group activities. Students will not be able to make up in-class group activities because of an absence. Students must make up all other missed assignments due to an excused absence within five days after returning to school. All homework assignments must be turned in on time. I do not accept late work. If the student was not able to turn in an assignment or project due to an excused absence, the student must turn in the homework assignment the day that he or she returns to class.

Internet Assignments: From time to time, students will be given assignments that require using the internet. Students should allow themselves plenty of time to complete this assignment. If internet access is not available to the student, he or she may complete the assignment before or after school or during lunch. If the student cannot print material from home, it is suggested that he or she complete the assignment at school so that the material can be printed out at school.

Tests and Quizzes: Students will take tests and quizzes in class. They may be retaken once for an average of the two test scores. Students who are absent the day of a major test or quiz must make up the test or quiz the day they return to class. If the absence is unexcused, the student will not be allowed to make up the work missed.

Participation Points: Each student will give themselves a daily score on the amount of English they speak in class. All students will be expected to engage in all classroom discussions and activities. Participation points will be given for responsible student behavior and, of course, classroom participation. Ten points will be available each day. At the teacher’s discretion, points may be withheld for classroom disturbances, inattention, violation of rules, inappropriate behavior, or any lack of participation.

Grading:

I have set up my grading system so that all students may succeed if they are willing to put forth effort. Learning a second language can be difficult, yet it should also be one of the most exciting and useful skills ever acquired, without fear of failure. It is expected that students will spend 15-20 minutes nightly reviewing, practicing and improving their ability to speak and use Spanish in their daily lives.

My class grading scale is comprised of the following:

Assignments and quizzes: 30%

Unit Tests: 30%

Projects: 20%

Participation : 20%

Although I do not allow extra credit, bonus points may be completed to make up for late or missing assignments as well as low quiz scores. Bonus points must be turned in by the day of the unit test to count.

Class help:

I am available before school at 7:15 and after school from 2:15-2:45 to help students that need assistance. Please feel free to email me with any questions at abarth@alpine.k12.ut.us

Class rules:

All Alpine School District and Timpanogos School rules will be enforced. Classroom rules include:

1. Respect others. No talking when the teacher or another student is addressing the class.

2. Be prepared for class. Bring book, homework, notebook, etc.

3. No food or drink in class. Gum and water are acceptable.

4. No sleeping. You must keep your head up at all times.

5. No cell phones or other electronic devices are to be used in class. Any of these items brought to class will be taken and will only be returned when a parent or guardian comes to retrieve them.

If serious discipline problems arise, parents and counselors will be notified. Students requiring administrative referral for inappropriate behavior or severe attendance problems will fail citizenship.