World Languages

Welcome to World Languages with Ms. Insanally!

A second language can open up whole new worlds to students. It is a proven fact that learning a second language has many academic and professional advantages. Students who study foreign languages score higher on standardized tests such as the SATs. Colleges and prospective employers look favorably at applications from young people who have studied foreign languages. Knowledge of a second language can provide greater professional opportunities in today’s globally oriented economy. Moreover, a second language can deepen our appreciation of other cultures and viewpoints.

Our World Languages class is an exploratory course designed to introduce students to foreign languages. In this class, students will learn about different languages and cultures through a variety of learner-centered activities and by using a wide variety of learning strategies and multi-media tools. My students learn how to learn a foreign language (usually French) by speaking the language from day one and interacting with each other in a variety of ways: teaching, modeling and designing exercises, presenting skits, and researching cultural aspects.

The foundation of our learning experience is RESPECT. Please show respect for yourself, your classmates, your teachers, your school, the languages we will be studying as well as the people and cultures to which they belong. In turn, I will respect you as a mature student, responsible for your own actions. To be a responsible class member, however, you’ll have to be familiar with my expectation, our class procedures, rules and consequences.

Procedures and rules: Students should...
1. Be prepared for class. Bring a pen or pencil to class everyday. Come with a good attitude and be ready to work.
2. Be on time for class or have a pass.
3. Remain in their seats unless asked to get up.
4. Never throw any kind of object.
5. Never be disruptive.
6. Be respectful listeners.

Consequences for breaking the rules and not following procedures:

First offense: after class discussion
Second offense: time-out in another classroom to complete a behavior self-analysis
Third offense: call home to arrange a detention
Fourth offense: referral to office with pink slip

Grading: Ms. Insanally’s World Languages grade consists of the following components:
20% tests/quizzes and other assessments
20% projects: Projects and their scoring rubrics will be described on separate handouts when assigned.
60% class work: This is the most important and largest part of your grade. This grade reflects what you do in class on a daily basis including notes, handouts, class discussions, test preparation, and role-playing exercises as well as such factors as class participation and conduct. Each student can earn up to 5 points a class for twenty classes which would add up to a perfect 100 points for a class work grade.

Halfway through the term, students will switch to Mr. Shuffleton’s for Spanish. . Each World Languages student will receive a progress report grade and final grade from both Mr. Shuffleton and Ms. Insanally. Your final grade will be an average of your grades from Ms. Insanally’s and Mr. Schuffleton’s classes.