Vicenza Middle School

Course Name and Number

Italian 1 School Year 2014-2015
Course Description
During this school-year, we will be covering the following aspects of the Italian language:
Vocabulary
Structures
Situations
Culture
Text
Progetto Italiano junior for English speakers + Workbook
Supplementary materials, such as crosswords, puzzles, dialogues, etc.
Teacher Name
Isabella Pani
Contact Information
+39-0444-715701, DSN 634-5701, email Isabella.Pani@eu.dodea.edu
Location
Room 1021 Second Floor
Philosophy
First of all, it is my opinion that you should take full advantages of the Host Nation country in which you and
your families are living. Therefore, the aim for the end of each school year course is that you should be able
to communicate linguistically and to operate comfortably within the community where you live.
High frequency vocabulary is presented in situational experiences such as meeting people, asking for
directions, shopping, etc. You will be expected to communicate in Italian by giving oral and written
information, by using speech patterns and grammatical structures, according to the specific level of
language you are in.
Furthermore, you will be taught to identify geographical and cultural features of Italy.
Materials
A notebook or 3-ring binder. Pens and pencils.
Grading Policy
DoDEA Grading Scale:
90 - 100

80 - 89

70 -79

60 - 69

59 or below

Assessment
Participation
Warm ups/journal
Tests

30%
20%
30%

Homework

20%

What do we mean by Participation?

You participate in the lesson when you:
Listen to the teacher while she speaks
Follow instruction
Respect others right to learn
Take notes
Raise your hand before asking any question and wait to be recognized before giving your answer

What are Warm-Ups?

board.

As you enter the classroom, you will find an exercise or a quote on the
Sit down and quietly follow the instructions given.
When the late bell rings, you are supposed to be working already.
When you finish, quietly wait until the teacher gives further instructions.

Tests

Tests will be given periodically, usually at the end of each unit

They will NOT be based only on textbook, but also on teachers explanation of rules and
expressions (so make sure to take notes!)
Quizzes will be daily administered on the newly acquired vocabulary (so make sure you
memorize that list!)

Homework
Every day you will find a short assignment on the board
Take a few minutes every night and do your assignment
On the following day, put your assignment on your desk before doing your warm-up: the teacher
will walk around and initial and/or collect it.
Classroom Management
Rules:

Be Present: Students are expected to attend class unless excused through the proper school
channels.

Be Prompt: Students are expected to be in class on time. Students should be in their seats and
working when the bell rings or a tardy will be assigned.

Be Prepared: Students are expected to bring their supplies, including notebooks, writing
instruments, and appropriate texts to class everyday. Homework should always be ready at the
beginning of the class period.

Be Productive: Students are expected to be on task at all times.

Be Polite: Students are expected to demonstrate good manners and courtesy to everyone in the
classroom. No put-downs or disrespectful language, actions or attitudes will be tolerated in this
class.
Classroom Discipline Procedure
1st Incident: Verbal Warning Given by Teacher
2nd Incident: Visual Warning Given by Teacher (pink slip)
3rd Incident: Pink Slip Completed and Given to Administration
4th Incident: Student/Parent/Teacher Conference
Parents will be notified if # 2 occurs more than once. Parents will be definitely notified the first time
# 3 occurs.
Policies:

Excused make-up work (not school related): Students who miss class work due to an excused
absence may make-up class work and tests. The deadline for turning in late work is one day for
each day absent. Students should first check the bulletin board for missing assignments, then see
the teacher if there are any unanswered questions about an assignment or lesson. Tests can be
made-up during seminar or after school.

Excused make-up work (school related): Work is due immediately upon return. Missed tests
must be taken after school the day of the students return.

Cheating: Any student caught cheating will receive a 0 grade for the assignment or test. This
includes all students and assignments involved.

Water: Water is allowed in the classroom at all times

Homework we comply with the school H2.0 policy. Students will have the opportunity to make up
any incomplete or missed work for half credit.

Content Outline
Vocabulary and Structures
Among other things, you will learn about the following topics:

Italian Alphabet

Greetings and people introductions

Classroom objects

The home

The family

Sports

Shopping

Food

Means of Transportation

Articles

Gender of nouns

Singular and plural of nouns

Noun/adjective agreement

Questions

Negative expressions

Present tense of most common verbs

Communicative Tasks
Among other things, you will learn how to:

Greet people

Introduce yourself and other people

Talk about school and daily activities

Describe yourself and others

Tell times

Talk about and order food

Go shopping
Culture

Italian cuisine
Italian school system
Shopping in Italy
Leisure and Sport in Italy
Important Italian Holidays
Family traditions in Italy
Italy: regions and cities

Additional Information

Study trips and exchanges with twin-sisters Italian schools will be planned to provide students with
direct contacts with the Italian culture and language.
You need to have a neat, ordered NOTEBOOK in which you collect notes, handouts and such.
Your notebook and workbook chapters will be graded at the end of each quarter.

Standards
Please make reference to the standards from the DODEA website:
http://www.dodea.edu/curriculum/curriculum.htm