Theodore G. Davis Middle School

World Language Department

French 1 and Spanish 1

French Summer Packet (pdf)

Spanish Summer Packet (pdf)

Mrs. Trisha Volland, Spanish I

Mrs. Kathie Jerow, French 1

Spanish – www.pasoapaso.com,  www.quia.com,  www.spanish.about.com, and www.studyspanish.com

French – www.classzone.com,  www.quia.com  and www.french.about.com

FRENCH 1 TEXTBOOK:
Discovering French Nouveau – Bleu  McDougal/Little

SPANISH 1 TEXTBOOK:
Paso a Paso Level I   Prentice Hall

OVERVIEW 

The World Language Department consists of Spanish I and French I, which are offered for high school credit in 8th grade. In French and Spanish class students will find an opportunity for challenge, cooperation, and enjoyment. They will learn to express themselves on a variety of topics, both written and spoken. They will learn grammatical concepts of their new language contrasted with English, learn about the cultures of the countries where the language is spoken, and develop skills in reading, writing, speaking and understanding the language. As you know, with practice will come even more confidence and excitement over the language – don't be surprised if you hear some French or Spanish at home!

PRACTICE = SUCCESS

Learning a foreign language requires that you practice a little everyday. Since learning a language is a gradual, continual process, you will need to use steady consistent study habits. Try to spend some time every day with your textbook, notes or one of the recommended websites (see below). When you do your homework, review old and new vocabulary words in the assignment. 

There are many ways that you can help your child succeed in the class!

Here are some ideas:  (if you have one that's not here, let me know!)          

• Flash cards are helpful for vocabulary mastery. (Make them with index cards)        
• There are French and Spanish books and programs on tape and CD at the local library. They are great for listening skills and practicing pronunciation.        
• Make flashcards: using index cards, write the Spanish/French word on one side and the English equivalent on the other.        
• Categorize: As you learn new words, group them into categories (such as nouns, verbs - or places, foods, etc.)        
• Color: On your flashcards, use one color for one category and a different color for another category.        
• Try to find a clue or "hook" to help you remember a word's meaning.  Since French and Spanish are both Romance languages (derived from Latin, as much of the English language is), you may be able to learn about English as well! 

For example:
in Spanish, vender = to sell. Think of a vending machine that sells you things.
in French, vendre = to sell.  Think of a vending machine that sells you things.          

• If you have Internet access at home, there are a variety of web sites that cater to the foreign language student; these include games, quizzes, and computer flashcards that your child can use to practice vocabulary, grammar and culture.         
• The textbooks we are using have web sites that go along with them.  Also, check out the following:  

SUPPLIES  

On a daily basis, students need:       

• A pencil    
• Loose leaf paper    
• A world language notebook, or section of another notebook for world language    

You will not need to purchase a language dictionary for this class; the one in the text is sufficient for the material we will be covering this year.   Everything covered in class can be found in the text in case your child needs extra help or practice on a particular topic.  Each student was issued a textbook at the beginning of the year that they could keep at home.          

We can be reached at Davis (301.753.2082) or by e-mail at (TVolland@ccboe.com) (kjerow@ccboe.com) if you have any questions or concerns about the class.     

STANDARDS FOR WORLD LANGUAGE