Welcome to the German 1 Website!

Overview of the Class:

This class teaches rudimentary vocabulary and grammar necessary to begin learning the basic skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing.  We cover topics such as geography, school subjects and supplies, family, clothes and colors, shopping, sports and hobbies, and after-school activities.  This is accomplished while keeping in mind the cultural idiosyncracies of the German-speaking countries.  The major objective of this class is to open students' minds to the differences in both language and culture by comparing and contrasting and then encouraging them to reconsider stereotypes and previous misconceptions.  Students should seriously consider studying German for a minimum of 2 semesters in order to be better prepared for college.  Homework is given on most evenings during the week and should be completed on a regular basis for best results.  There will also be occasional reports as well as opportunities for extra credit given for each grading period.

Class Guidelines and Expectations:

Your student should:

a) be courteous, considerate, and respectful of others, their "personal space" and property.  For instance, he/she should not be talking while the teacher is lecturing.  He/She should keep his/her desk and floor area clean and neat and ask permission to use the lavatory, sharpener, etc. without interrupting.

b) be prepared for class.  He/She should bring a notebook and paper, completed homework, and a writing utensil EVERY DAY.  He/She should be on time, in his/her seat, and ready to begin when the bell rings.

c) LISTEN carefully, take notes, ask questions if and when necessary.  He/She must write neatly or  may lose credit.  Spelling and capitalization are extremely important when learning a foreign language and little changes can alter the meaning of a word.

d) make up missed work as soon as possible.  It is your student's responsibility to find out what was missed by asking the teacher.

e) expect to participate often.  He/She should try his/her best and learn from others.  It is important to keep ears and eyes focused and it is expected that all of us will make mistakes. 

f) be responsible for his/her behavior (both singularly and as part of a group).  I expect the best from everyone.  He/She should choose to be his/her BEST at all times.

** Homework help can be given or make-up quizzes completed during Homeroom.  After school help is available if arrangements are made at least one day in advance.

GRADING:

Your student's grade will consist of quizzes and homework checks for each topic of study.  Homework is generally assigned each evening so that he/she can practice what was presented in class that day.  Homework is checked for credit on a random basis.  It is most beneficial if he/she studies the vocabulary and completes worksheets DAILY.  Quizzes are usually announced in advance but can be given spontaneously on rare occasions.  This is another reason why your student should study daily.  There will also be opportunities for small group or individual projects which will be graded using a rubrik.  Generally the student will have a copy of this rubrik before grading begins to make him/her aware of the grading criteria.

Please ask your student to demonstrate what he/she is learning.  You may be pleasantly surprised!  Also, please share any stories of your heritage with them so they can "connect" with the cultural aspects of the language they are learning.