• Spanish 3 / Juana Banco

    Course Syllabus 

    School year 2023-24

     

    About the teacher

    My name is Juana Banco. I was born and raised in Spain. I came to the United States when I was 27 years old because I married an American man.  We have been married for 35 years and have two boys, ages 26 and 30. They both went to John Jay High School. My parents, sisters, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and cousins live in Spain, that is why I visit there for at least five weeks every summer. 

     

    I have a Masters degree in Journalism that I obtained from the Universidad Complutense of Madrid. Because of that, obtaining my certification, at Mount Saint Mary College, to teach Spanish was an easy transition. 

    I have been teaching Spanish since the year 2000. I love teaching the language and culture that I know so well. I love learning from my colleagues as well as my students and I love being with the young people that are my students.  

    Please see my email address below should you need or would like to contact me.

    juana.banco@wcsdny.org

     

    Course Description and Learning Goals

    The students will learn to speak, listen, read and write in Spanish on the topics listed below. Although the topics are the same from levels 1-5, the degree of depth in which they will be taught and the demands to the students will vary according to the level. The students will also learn cultural aspects within each topic and compare them with their own culture, and/or other cultures with which they are familiar. 

     

    1. Identity and Social Relationships (Personal Identity; Family & Social Relationships; Celebrations, Customs, & Traditions)

     

    2. Contemporary Life (Food & Meal Taking; House & Home; School life & Education; Travel; Leisure; Communities & Neighborhood; Shopping; Earning a Living)

     

    3. Science, Technology & and the Arts (Health & Wellness; Physical Environment, Climate, Weather, & Geography; Technology, Media & Social Media; The Arts)

     

    4. Global Awareness & Community Engagement (Environmental Issues & Sustainability)

     

    Prerequisite: Must have passed Spanish levels 1 and 2.

     

    Credit: 1 

    To obtain an Advanced Regents Diploma through Spanish, students must pass the class and the Final Assessment given at the end of quarter 4. 

     

    My goal is to help you learn how to communicate in Spanish to the best of your abilities, and to make you feel comfortable using your Spanish skills at any opportunity, whether you are in school or outside of the school environment.  Most of the work and practice will take place during class time. That is why it is imperative that you attend classes daily and that you actively participate in all tasks and activities.

     

    Course Materials

    ►Pencils, blue or black pens, eraser, pencil sharpener.

    ►A three-ring binder with lined or unlined paper (it can be shared with other subjects

    ►Dry erase markers, EXPO low odor, and eraser (the eraser could be an old sock or small towel) 

     

    Grading Policy

    The grades will be based on the students’ skills and performance in Oral and Written Assessments and on participation. The participation grade will be earned at the end of each quarter. This grade is calculated based on a Participation Rubric that includes five categories: Attendance & Promptness, Level of Engagement in class, Listening Skills, Behavior, and Preparation. Occasionally, there could also be an Independent Work assignment. All scores will be available for viewing on the Parent Portal 

     

    Each quarter grade will be calculated by adding the points earned and dividing that number by the “Maximum Points Possible”. 

     

    What you should do to be successful?

     ►Come to class everyday and arrive on time.  It disrupts your learning if you are not in class or if you miss information.

     ►Be prepared for class: have all your materials with you.  

     ►Participate in class tasks or activities.

     ►Complete assignments at home if you don't have time to do it in class.

    ►Review at home what was taught in class. 

     ►Schedule to meet me individually, if you need help or when you have to make up assignments.

     ►Follow my directions and advice: When I assign an activity, complete it the way I explain it to you. Do not take shortcuts. There is a reason why I ask you to do it a certain way. 

     

    I am looking forward to meeting your parents or guardians at our Open House on Thursday September 28th at 6:00 pm. 

     

    I am excited about a year of learning and fun with you. 

    Sra.  Banco