French I Course

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Français I
Madame Wiesley

¡Bienvenue à la classe de français!
Overview
This year you will learn the language of over 200 million people.  Course topics will include basic vocabulary, grammar and culture.  In addition, you will begin to develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.  These are the tools you need to communicate effectively in French.  Much of the class will be conducted in French and you will be expected to use as much French as you can in class.

Expectations
I have high expectations for all my students and believe in your ability to succeed in this class.  To be successful:
      1.  Be in your seat when the bell rings and ready to work every day.
      2.  Bring the required materials to class every day.  Please keep cell phones, iPods, and other similar
           devices turned off and stowed away! 
3.      Participate in class activities.  Speak French and ask questions.  Give your best
effort at all times, and be willing to try new things.
4.      Study every day.  You will have homework most every day.  It is expected that all students will
      study vocabulary and grammar notes on a daily basis. Homework is to be completed before class.
5.      Do your own work.  Copying someone else’s homework, looking at someone else’s quiz or using
      any type of notes during a test will earn you a 0 (zero).  You cannot make this up. 
6.      Get help if you don’t understand!!  See me before or after school for extra help and make-up work. 
I will gladly assist you.  I would appreciate knowing ahead of time that you are coming in.  I am
            at school by 7:30 each morning.  Thank you!
7.      Show respect for self and others, including substitute teachers and guests. 
Be supportive and encouraging of your classmates.  Do your part to help create a   
            positive and cooperative learning environment. 

Attendance
Daily attendance is very important as it provides an opportunity for practice in listening, reading and writing French. This daily practice will also help you to improve your ability to speak in French and to feel comfortable doing so.  Students should be familiar with West High’s policy on attendance.  The penalties for tardies and absences are outlined in your WEST HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT PLANNER (pages 10-13).

When you return to class from being absent, you will find a list of missed assignments and worksheets stapled together with your name in your class’s envelope on the homework wall.  I do this as a courtesy to you.  As a courtesy to me, you will be expected to complete make-up work in a timely manner.  You will have the same number of days to make up the work as you were absent.  If your absence is pre-excused, see me about making up the work in advance.

Materials                     
Please bring to class every day:
1.       Textbook-Bien Dit 1
2.       Accompanying workbooks (1)
3.       A 3-ring binder (1-inch), loose-leaf paper, with 5 dividers – Use the binder for this class only.
4.       Pencil
5.       West High Student Planner



Grading
Grades are calculated based on total points and will be divided into the following categories:
1.    Daily assignments (Normal homework assignments will be worth 2 points)
o   2 points = complete & accurate, 1 point = partially complete 0= homework is incomplete, student simply filled in blanks without paying attention to the task and/or not in class      
o   Homework is to be completed before class begins.  Late assignments will not be accepted for credit.
o   It is more important that you complete an assignment, although it may have errors, than to not try at all or to leave the assignment unfinished.  “I didn’t get it” is not an acceptable excuse.
o   In addition to any written assignment, it is expected that all students will review vocabulary and grammar on a daily basis.

2.   Assessments
This includes phrase quizzes, chapter quizzes and tests, as well as compositions and projects. Phrase quizzes are worth 10 points each week.  Journals are worth 10-20 points each depending on the requirements.  Quizzes will normally be worth 25-35 points, and tests will normally be worth 50-70 points.  Project point values will vary but will be specified when project is assigned.                     

3.  Participation/ Oral Proficiency     
·         30 “Readiness points” will be given at the beginning of each trimester for in-class behavior and preparedness.  I will evaluate you at least one time per week and deduct a ½ a point for negative, disruptive behavior and/or a ½ point for not having all Spanish materials for that day.
·         ~25-30 Target language usage points will be given per trimester.  You will be graded 2-3 times per trimester based on the rubric handed out in class.
     
Grading scale
The grading scale is as follows:

                   100-99%        A+                                     79-77%               C+
                   98-93%         A                                        76-73%               C
                   92-90%         A-                                      72-70%               C-                
                   89-87%         B+                                      69-67%               D+
                   86-83%         B                                        66-63%               D
                   82-80%         B-                                       62-60%               D-
                                                                                    59%-below          F




















NO EXTRA CREDIT PROJECTS WILL BE PROVIDED.
Let’s work together to make this a productive and enjoyable year.  ¡Allons-y! 
                                        
                                          ¡Bonne Chance!
                                                                                                         
                                                                                                            wiesley.catherine@iccsd.k12.ia.us
                  
HELPFUL WEBSITES:        An excellent excuse for being on the Internet
Ø      www.mswiesley.blogspot.com – The class blog to find daily information about what we did in class,
what we have for homework, what you should be studying / practicing, and very useful links
Ø      www.my.hrw.com  - Excellent practice directly from the textbook.  Website includes
      entire textbook along with vocabulary pronunciation, flashcards, self tests, all class
      videos.  Usernames and passwords will be handed out in class.
Ø      http://conjuguemos.com/home/index.html - Great conjugation drills
Ø      www.wordreference.com - Online dictionary that lists multiples meanings of searched word.
Ø      http://www.uni.edu/becker/french31.html - Many links to explore – great for culture

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