Frau Huffman
Herzlich Willkommen!
Welcome to the Webpage for German I (2 classes), II (2 classes), III and IV honors!
Click on this link to see some 2011 German Trip Photos
A. Expectations and guidelines
B. Course description
C. "Who is your German teacher?"
D. more classroom pictures
Assignments, grades and special class events are listed at www.renweb.com (ParentsWeb/login)
A. Expectations and guidelines for every student in the German class room:
(in addition to outline in Student Handbook)
(German I and transfer students: After the student and parent have read this part A, sign the handout that was passed out in class and return to Frau Huffman)
Goals for this class:
1 to develop an appreciation of the German culture and language
2 to use German within and beyond the classroom
(“Übung macht den Meister” = “Practice makes perfect“)
3 to connect German with other skills and disciplines
(Did you know? Students who study German score significantly
better on the ACT and SAT tests.)
Supplies: You have to bring the following materials to class every day:
1. German textbook
2. One 3-ring binder with divisions
e.g. 1 for vocabulary 2 for written practice 3 for language/grammar or study guides
or 2-pocket folder
3. Loose leaf paper - no spiral notebook! - for work that is to be turned in
4. Blue/black pens (no work is to be done in pencil!)
Grading/Testing:
To evaluate your proficiency in all class areas, all grades are given in percent. I use two categories in the grade book: Chapter tests, special projects, and quizzes count for 70% of the quarter grade. Note taking, written assignments, homework, role playing activities, and class participation count for 30%. Class participation percent will usually be given once a week (max. 100% per week). I will keep the tests after the students corrected their work.
The SHG grading scale will be used (see SHG handbook).
Example: homework 92% and 91%, class room participation 95% and 97%, chapter test 90%
vocab quiz 89%, grammar quiz 85%
Average grade: (92 + 91 + 95 + 97) % / 4 x 30% + (90 + 89 +85) % / 3 x70% =
93.75 % x 0.3 + 88 % x 0.7 =
28.125 % + 61.6 % = 90 % B
Written work will be collected at random and graded. Participation, effort, daily work, attendance and attitude will be considered in calculating the participation grade.
Grades for assignments
Assignments (labeled with First- + Last Name, Class, Date) are to be handed in when due! One day late assignments receive up to only 80% maximum. Scheduled tests and quizzes are always announced well in advance, so you should be prepared when you return after an absence. Extra credit will be very limited (see behavior rewards below).
Grades for class participation:
Percentages are taken away from a 100% participation for:
- having to be told to be quiet and to pay attention
- putting your head down on your desk during class
- not participating or working on the assigned tasks
- working on other things (other subjects, letters, finishing of homework)
- leaving the room (even to see a counselor or the dean of students) without a valid reason - you can do so after class!
- being unprepared (no book, pens etc.)
- not following behavior expectations or disrupting the class
Behavior Expectations:
- Be prepared for class (use restroom between classes; bring all materials, students are not allowed to return to their lockers).
- Be on time for class and in your seat when the bell rings. Usually, class will begin with a German prayer - don’t be late and interrupt.
- Be in dress code before you enter the class room.
- Normally, there is no reason to leave during class time.
- Show simple courtesy and respect to all - for example: Raise your hand and wait to be called on; no hair combing or applying of makeup, and no gum chewing.
- Distracting devices in the class room (phones, games etc.) will be taken away and turned in.
Behavior Rewards:
If no discipline is required during a quarter you will get 5% extra credit for a participation grade.
Discipline and Assistance:
The objective in the classroom is to LEARN GERMAN. Each student is to RESPECT the other students’ right to learn. Any student behavior that is disrespectful or interferes with the learning process is not acceptable. This includes unnecessary talking, disruptive noises, or any other distractions.
If a student chooses to be disruptive the following consequences will result:
- (at the beginning of the school year: Verbal warning : Frau Huffman will confront the behavior)
- detention and/or referral to the Dean of Students
- notification of parents and possible conference
I will be available before and preferably after school (Thursday and Friday mornings before class I have supervision duty in the cafteteria) to answer any questions or for assistance. Parents or students with questions can reach me by calling the school office at 787-1595 to leave a message, or e-mail me at huffman@shg.org (E-mail is preferred).
I look forward to working with you. This is OUR GERMAN CLASS …
let us make the most of it in a fun learning environment!
After you and your parents have read these expectations and guidelines sign the handout.
B. COURSE DESCRIPTION for all 4 levels of German:
GERMAN I
CREDIT: 1 (4.A grading)
GRADE 9-12
PREREQUISITE: 40 percentile or higher on English Placement Test
In Deutsch I:
we emphasize basic conversational vocabulary, basic grammatical structures, simple sentences, questions and responses. We will be introducing ourselves, and meet people in different situations. Through role playing we will learn how to communicate and live one’s everyday life in the German speaking culture.
We will mainly use the present tense, but also the conversational past tense (present perfect), and future verb tenses will be introduced. Already 3 out of the 4 German cases will be covered.
We will be doing a lot of vocabulary exercises, guided talking, and role playing. Hopefully, we will start to appreciate the German language, culture and geography.
GERMAN II
CREDIT: 1 (4.A grading)
GRADE: 10 -12
PREREQUISITE: German I, C or higher
In Deutsch II:
we will continue to expand our knowledge of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills achieved in German I. Along with more vocabulary exercises, we’ll dig deeper into the “narrative past”, introduce the genitive case, and expand our cultural awareness. By the end of the school year the student will have an active knowledge of 1,200 high-frequency words.
GERMAN III HONORS
CREDIT: 1 (5.A grading)
GRADE: 11,12
PREREQUISITE: German II, B or higher or Teacher's written permission
In Deutsch III (Honors):
we will begin an advanced level of language study. We will learn more difficult sentences, and a variety in sentences structures. The more detailed language will include coordinating and subordinating sentences. Within the framework of “familiar language” numerous topics are presented to provide an in-depth view of current German culture. Student participation in dialogue situations and discussion of assigned reading is emphasized.
GERMAN IV HONORS
CREDIT: 1 (5.A grading)
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: German III, B or higher or Teacher's written permission
Deutsch IV (Honors):
is intended for those students who are capable and willing to carry on a more intensive study of German. The discussion of reading assignments will be carried on in German. Important historical events are covered as well as well-known personalities and contributors to German history and culture. Emphasis is on further development of oral proficiency and understanding.
C. “Who is your German teacher?”
I grew up in Ansbach, Bavaria, Germany, where I attended the all-girl Theresien high school. After high school I wanted to study either veterinary-medicine, agricultural sciences, or horticulture. I ended up studying Agricultural Sciences for 4 years and graduated with a bachelor’s degree. Then I concentrated further studies on plant nutrition, soil sciences and natural resources and earned a masters degree in crop sciences from the University in Munich-Weihenstephan. In 1985, I started working in civil service for the Bavarian government, and also completed my teaching certificate. As an agricultural counselor, my responsibilities included counseling farmers with fertilizing and integrated pest management, alternative and organic - farming, and implementing EU environmental programs. As an agricultural teacher I taught classes in crop production, natural beauty, and work pedagogy at various technical schools throughout Bavaria.
I met my future husband Terry at a retreat in Detroit, Michigan. After many months of letters, phone calls etc., I left my parents and siblings, job, and homeland, to build a family and life here in Springfield, where I’ve lived for 20 years. Volunteering and working at camps at Lincoln Memorial Gardens and Camp Cilca, I learned about Illinois nature and improved my English. For several years I worked as a dental assistant until the birth of my two sons Stefan and Sebastian. After both sons began attending school I helped at Little Flower Catholic School on the playground, in the cafeteria, in the class rooms, and both school and church offices.
I’ve taken classes at LLCC and UIS. In 2003, I received an Illinois teaching certificate for German K-12, horticulture and general science. Through education and experience I am considered a “highly qualified teacher according to Illinois standards”.
It was a dream come true when I was hired to become the German teacher at SHG. I enjoy teaching young people in a Catholic environment. My goal for every student is to instill a love for other countries, especially Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and to speak the German language to the best of their ability.
Frau Huffman
D. Some January 2012 classroom pixs (Reading, writing and talking in German):
