Easy Ways to Learn Sign Language for Kids and Teachers

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Use these tips on how to learn sign language. American Sign Language (ASL) is not just a means of communication for the deaf community but a valuable language that bridges gaps between hearing and non-hearing individuals. Learning ASL is a powerful way to promote inclusivity, understanding, and empathy in society.

For hearing individuals, it opens up new avenues of communication and allows for deeper connections with the deaf community. For non-hearing individuals, it enhances their ability to express themselves and engage more fully with the world around them.

Embracing ASL can foster a more inclusive and compassionate society where everyone has the opportunity to be heard and understood.

Starting Your ASL Journey

To begin learning sign language, especially American Sign Language (ASL), there are several avenues you can explore:

Local Classes:

Look for ASL courses offered at community colleges, universities, or libraries in your area. These classes often provide structured learning environments with experienced instructors who can guide you through the basics of ASL.

Online Resources:

Sign Language 101: Sign Language 101 is an online platform offering beginners ASL courses. It provides video lessons, interactive exercises, and resources to help you learn independently.

YouTube Channels: There are numerous YouTube channels dedicated to teaching ASL, such as ASL Meredith, Dr. Bill Vicars, and ASL Nook. These channels offer tutorials, practice sessions, and valuable insights into the world of sign language.

Combining traditional classes with online resources, you can customize your learning experience and progress at a pace that suits your schedule and learning style.

This mix of in-person and virtual resources can enhance your understanding of ASL and help you build a strong foundation in sign language.

Engaging Resources for Effective Learning

ASL.MS

Description: ASL.MS is a valuable resource for practicing fingerspelling in American Sign Language (ASL). It provides interactive exercises and quizzes to improve your fingerspelling skills, an essential aspect of ASL communication.

Benefits:

Practice fingerspelling at your own pace. Enhance accuracy and speed in expressing words through fingerspelling

Free Video Lessons from Deaf ASL Experts

Description: Access free video lessons created by Deaf ASL experts who offer authentic insights into ASL grammar, vocabulary, and cultural nuances.

Benefits:

Learn from native signers to understand proper signing techniques. Gain cultural awareness and sensitivity through firsthand experiences shared by Deaf individuals.

Source: Various platforms like YouTube and educational websites.

Interactive Online Platforms

Description: Interactive online platforms such as Sign Language 101, Start ASL, and Lifeprint offer structured ASL courses for beginners to advanced learners.

Benefits:

Engage in interactive lessons that cater to different learning styles.

Access resources like videos, quizzes, and forums to enhance your learning experience.

Track your progress and receive feedback from instructors or peers.

Learning Printables and Activities

These are excellent resources for kids! They’ll love being a part of the learning process from start to finish.

Embrace the opportunity to learn ASL through a combination of hands-on practice, expert guidance, and interactive learning tools for a comprehensive and enriching educational experience.

 

Incorporating ASL into Daily Lessons

Incorporating sign language lessons into homeschooling curriculums can be a rewarding experience for both educators and students.

Here are practical tips to seamlessly integrate sign language into daily lessons:

Designate Specific Time Slots

• Allocate dedicated time for sign language lessons to ensure consistent practice and progress.
• Integrate signing into everyday activities such as morning routines, storytelling, or transitions between subjects.

Create Immersive Learning Experiences

• Encourage interactive communication through sign language during discussions, games, or group activities.
• Incorporate visual aids, posters, and flashcards with signs around the learning environment to reinforce vocabulary.

Utilize Technology for Engagement

• Explore educational apps and online platforms that offer interactive ASL lessons, games, and quizzes.
• Organize virtual sign language field trips, guest speaker sessions, or live practice sessions with Deaf ASL experts through video conferencing.

Integrate Sign Language Across Subjects

• Incorporate sign language vocabulary into language arts, science, math, and social studies lessons to make learning more engaging and memorable.
• Create cross-curricular projects incorporating sign language elements, such as signing a story, conducting a science experiment with sign language instructions, or practicing math concepts through signing.

Encourage Practice and Application

• Assign hands-on activities that require students to use sign language in real-life scenarios, such as creating ASL story videos, signing songs, or practicing dialogues with peers.
• Provide opportunities for students to showcase their signing skills through presentations, performances, or signing assessments.

Embrace the power of sign language as a tool for fostering creativity, empathy, and connection within the educational setting.

 

What Words to Start With?

Basic Greetings:

• Hello – Wave your hand with a smile.
• Goodbye – Wave your hand, moving it away from your body.
• Thank you – Touch your chin with the fingertips of your fingers and move your hand forward.
• Please – Rub your chest in a circular motion with the flat palm of your hand.

Family Members:

• Mother – Tap your thumb on your chin.
• Father – Tap your thumb on your forehead.
• Brother – Move two fists together, knuckles touching.
• Sister – Cross your arms in front of you.

Common Objects:

• Book – Open one hand like a book.
• Water – Make a ‘W’ shape with your hand near your mouth.
• Food – Tap your fingertips to your mouth.
• House – Create a roof shape with your hands above your head.

Numbers 1-10:

• One – Point your index finger up.
• Two – Hold up two fingers.
• Three – Hold up three fingers.
• Four – Hold up four fingers.
• Five – Hold up all fingers of one hand.
• Six – Use the ‘hang-loose’ gesture.
• Seven – Hold up seven fingers.
• Eight – Hold up eight fingers.
• Nine – Hold up nine fingers.
• Ten – Use both hands to show a ’10’ sign.

Additional Phrases:

• I love you – Cross your arms over your chest and point towards someone.
• How are you? – Touch your fingertips to your chin and raise your eyebrows.
• What is your name? – Point to yourself, then make a questioning face.
• Yes – Nod your head.
• No – Shake your head.

Start with these essential words and phrases to lay a strong foundation for learning sign language. Encourage practice and repetition to reinforce vocabulary and promote fluency in communication.

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