Syllabus for German I and II                                                   

 

Instructor: Frances Heinen (frances.heinen@hardin.kyschool.us)

Office Hours: before or after school by appointment and during third block plan (11:40 – 1:30)

 

The German classes are taught using a natural acquisition approach called TPR S (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling). This class introduces approximately 12 words or phrases per day and integrates them into listening, speaking and writing activities. After the introductory phase, speaking and reading becomes an important and integral part of the learning and evaluation. As the levels progress more emphasis is placed on each skill needed to perfect communication in German.

 

Textbook: For the most part a single textbook is not used and your notebook becomes your textbook as well as diverse readers and supplementary materials which support the TPRS method. Deutsch Akutell is available in the classroom for reference.

 

Supplies needed: Three ring binder; some notebook paper, 10 tab divider sheets; colored pencils; red ink pen; white board erasable marker;  black or blue ink pen; pencils; Craft and basic office supplies should be available at home for competition and projects. I do not provide correction fluid, facial tissue or other consumable products.

 

Grading:

40% of the total grade includes tests, quizzes, portfolio assignments (2 test grades), open response writing, and projects.

20% of the total grade includes written and reading assignments such as homework, bell work, and written assignments dealing with stories or other classroom related tasks.

30% of the grade is the use of the German language by responding to direct questions in German, retelling stories in German, using German for all classroom situations as well as working with a partner or a volunteer, and listening activities. Points will be accumulated daily and these points will account for this grade. From these accumulated points,  five points will be deducted for each use of English when not appropriate, however, these points can be made by writing an original 100 word German story. Only two stories per week may be submitted and no story may be submitted the last week of the quarter. The German story must be typed, using no English, must be correct and have the computer word count on the paper.

10% of the grade is the notebook, which will be graded at the end of the quarter. Spot checks may be carried out at the discretion of the instructor.

 

Absences and Late Work: Since this class is based on daily oral, aural and written participation, this daily learning experience can not be made up. In the case of an unavoidable absence, the student should contact their partner to obtain missed notes and vocabulary and then contact the instructor before 8:15 AM or after school to schedule make up quizzes or tests. Bell work can not be made up as well as some in class assignments but if not excessive these will not lower the grade. Tests and quizzes are not announced and therefore the student will be expected to take such after returning from an absence.  Otherwise the school policy will be followed.

Classroom Rules:

  1. Use German whenever designated and as much as possible.
  2. Remain in your assigned seat unless instructed otherwise and come to class with required supplies and be in your seat and ready to work when the tardy bell rings.
  3. Be respectful of the people, supplies and equipment in the classroom. This includes not talking or socializing at inappropriate times.
  4. Food, candy, drink and gum are not allowed unless a designated food day. No Warnings!
  5. Personal grooming should occur at home or in the restroom and NOT in the classroom.
  6. Keep a positive attitude.

I have read this syllabus and am aware of the class requirements, contents, and supplies.

Signature of parent / guardian: __________________________ Date: ______________

Signature of student: __________________________________ Date: ______________

Phone Partner: Name: __________________________ # __________________e- mail: __________

Alternate Phone Partner: ________________________ # __________________ e-mail: __________