what's the sign for homework in asl

 ASL University ►

This is how you sign Homework in American Sign Language.

Description.

To sign "Homework" in American Sign Language (ASL), you are going to make an O handshape, put it next to your mouth and then bring it up on top of your cheek and whack your non-dominant hand just once.

Signing Savvy, Your Sign Language Resource

• Fingerspelling

Search Sign Language Dictionary

Browse signs by....

• Browse by Letter

• finger spell

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

What is being signed (English Meaning)

• Compound Sign

Sign Description

Available to full members. Login or sign up now!

This Sign is Used to Say (Sign Synonyms)

Examples of usage.

English Sentence

Sign Variations for this Word

• Variation 1 - ASL
• Variation 2 - Fingerspelled

Add to Word List

The ability to create word lists is available full members. Login or sign up now! to use this feature.

Default Video Quality

Higher resolution videos are available to full members. Login or sign up now!

Default Video Speed

Default video speed adjustments available to full members. Login or sign up now!

Default Autoplay Video

Default autoplay video available to full members. Login or sign up now!

Default Loop Video

Default looping video available to full members. Login or sign up now!

User Comments

Comments are attached to the specific sign variation for a word. Please add the comment to the specific variation that the comment applies to.

You must be a member to add comments. If you already are, please login. If not, become a member now.

ADVERTISEMENTS

• Home  | 
• Signs  | 
• Fingerspelling  | 
• Numbers  | 
• Sentences  | 
• Lists  | 
• Learning  | 
• Teaching  | 
• Articles  | 
• Features  | 
• About Us  | 
• FAQ  | 
• Teachers  | 
• System Requirements  | 
• Mobile Apps  | 
• Terms of Service  | 
• Privacy Policy  | 
• Contact Us  | 
• Link to Us  | 
• Recommend Us  | 

• Become A Member
• Members Homepage
• Membership Cancel
• Enrolled Courses
• My Certificates
• Membership Billing
• Membership Invoice
• Your Profile
• Our Mission
• Our History
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy

ASL Signs for Teachers to Use in the Classroom

• April 30, 2024

👩‍🏫 Free Webinar: https://learnhowtosign.com/webinar/ ☀️ Summer Intensive: https://learnhowtosign.com/course/summer2024/ *25% off Discount Code:* intensive25

Whether you’re an educator looking to incorporate ASL into your teaching or a student eager to communicate more effectively, this video is your go-to resource. Learn more than 50 signs and phrases that can be used in your classroom. We cover essential signs that will transform your educational experience.

🤟The signs are broken into 4 topical categories: 1. Classroom Management 2. Instructional Commands 3. Communication and Interaction 4. School Locations and Needs

By the end of this video, you’ll not only have a set of valuable ASL tools for classroom management but also the confidence to use them daily. Don’t forget to hit ‘Like’ if you find this video helpful and ‘Subscribe’ for more ASL educational content!

📨 10 Day ASL Jumpstart: https://learnhowtosign.com/newsletter 🚀 LHTS Accelerated (Membership): https://learnhowtosign.com/accelerated/start 🤟 Follow us on Social Media: https://learnhowtosign.com/follow

*More From LHTS* ✅ FREE RESOURCE | 10 DAY ASL JUMPSTART: https://learnhowtosign.com/newsletter ✅ SOCIAL MEDIA | Follow us on FB, IG & TT: https://learnhowtosign.com/follow ✅ MEMBERSHIP | 🚀 LHTS ACCELERATED: https://learnhowtosign.com/accelerated/start ✅ LIVE ASL COURSES | 🤟 LHTS INTENSIVES: https://learnhowtosign.com/intensives ✅ ON-DEMAND ASL COURSES: https://learnhowtosign.com/courses/ ✅ WEBSITE: https://LearnHowToSign.com ✅ SKILLSHARE COURSES: https://skl.sh/3lTNbY2 ✅ LHTS MERCH: https://learnhowtosign.com/shop

*NAVIGATION* 0:00 – Intro

*Classroom Management* 0:54 – Pay Attention 1:03 – Quiet 1:20 – Sit 1:39 – Line Up 1:49 – Wait 1:58 – Break 2:10 – Please 2:18 – Clean 2:25 – Finish

*Instructional Commands* 2:37 – Help 3:01 – Focus (on Work) 3:16 – Work 3:27 – Read 3:40 – Write 3:46 – Draw 3:56 – Spell 4:05 – Show Me 4:24 – Repeat 4:34 – Understand 4:42 – Don’t Understand 4:51 – Question 4:59 – Math 5:08 – Science 5:20 – History 5:29 – Art 5:40 – Book 5:54 – Homework

*Communication and Interaction* 6:10 – Go 6:23 – Come Here 6:32 – Yes 6:43 – No 6:52 – Please 6:57 – Thank You 7:06 – Sorry 7:19 – Share 7:29 – Good

*School Locations and Needs* 7:44 – Bathroom 7:56 – Water 8:04 – Lunch 8:16 – Principal 8:32 – Counselor 8:47 – Teacher 9:00 – Secretary 9:14 – Nurse 9:26 – Office 9:35 – Cafeteria 9:55 – Gym 9:56 – Library 10:05 – Play 10:17 – Your Turn / My Turn

*ASL Phrases for the classroom* 10:32 – It’s time to clean up. 10:44 – Everyone quietly stand up and line up. 11:11 – Remember we are reading quietly. 11:31 – You are doing good. Keep going. 11:47 – Yes, you can go to the office. 12:02 – Encouragement

#asl #learnasl #learnhowtosign

You may also like

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Home » Homework » Learning Homework Signs: How to Express Homework in ASL

Learning Homework Signs: How to Express Homework in ASL

May 12, 2024 5 min read

• 1.1 Introduction to ASL Homework
• 1.2 Key Signs for Homework
• 1.3 Common Mistakes
• 2.1 Setting a Routine
• 2.2 Using Online Resources
• 2.3 Engaging with the Deaf Community
• 3.1 Using Facial Expressions
• 3.2 Incorporating Body Language
• 3.3 Contextual Variations
• 4.1 Recommended Books and Videos
• 4.2 Online Courses and Workshops
• 4.3 Interactive Learning Tools
• 5.1 Overcoming Common Barriers
• 5.2 Seeking Help from Experts
• 5.3 Practice Strategies
• 6.1 Importance of Regular Practice
• 6.2 Feedback and Assessment
• 6.3 Collaborative Learning Opportunities
• 7.1 Role-playing Scenarios
• 7.2 Group Activities
• 7.3 Feedback Sessions
• 8.1 Self-assessment Techniques
• 8.2 Teacher Evaluations
• 8.3 Peer Reviews
• 9 Conclusion
• 10.1 What are the basic signs to express homework in ASL?
• 10.2 How can I practice ASL homework signs daily?
• 10.3 What are some common mistakes when signing ‘homework’ in ASL?
• 10.4 Are there any recommended resources for learning ASL homework signs?
• 10.5 How can I get feedback on my homework signs in ASL?
• 10.6 What advanced techniques can enhance my ability to sign ‘homework’ in ASL?

Understanding the Basics of Homework in ASL

Introduction to asl homework.

Learning American Sign Language (ASL) homework begins with understanding its unique structure and requirements.  Homework in ASL often involves practicing signs , watching videos, and completing worksheets like the  TWA 5.2 Worksheet  to reinforce learning.

Key Signs for Homework

To effectively communicate homework in ASL, it’s crucial to master key signs. These include signs for ‘homework’, ‘study’, ‘read’, ‘write’, and ‘due’. Practicing these signs regularly helps in building fluency.

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes when learning homework signs in ASL include confusing similar signs, incorrect handshapes, and improper facial expressions. It’s important to get feedback from experienced ASL users to correct these errors early in the learning process.

Incorporating ASL Homework into Daily Practice

Setting a routine.

• The Future of Online Job Homework: Trends to Watch Out For
• Effective Strategies for Completing Homework Assignments
• Unlocking the Benefits of Data Entry Homework
• The Complete Guide to Spanish Homework
• 10 Tips to Create the Ultimate Homework Planner for Students

Using Online Resources

The internet is a treasure trove of resources for learning ASL. Utilize online lessons, videos, and interactive tools to enhance your learning. Websites like ASLU offer comprehensive lesson plans and practice tools that can be integrated into your daily practice routine. Engaging with these resources regularly can significantly improve your ASL skills.

Engaging with the Deaf Community

One of the most effective ways to practice ASL homework is by engaging with the Deaf community. Attend local events, workshops, and meet-ups to practice your skills in real-world settings. This exposure not only helps in practical application of the language but also enriches your understanding of the Deaf culture.

Advanced Techniques for Expressing Homework in ASL

Using facial expressions.

Facial expressions play a crucial role in conveying the nuances of ASL, especially when expressing concepts related to homework.  Mastering the subtleties  of facial cues can significantly enhance communication effectiveness . It’s important to practice mirroring emotions that align with the homework’s context, such as concentration or confusion.

Incorporating Body Language

Body language adds depth to the signs used in ASL. By integrating gestures that complement the verbal signs, you can provide a fuller picture of the intended message. Practice using your posture, arm movements, and hand shapes to reflect the seriousness or ease of the homework topic.

Contextual Variations

Understanding the context in which homework signs are used can greatly affect interpretation. Different settings may require variations in the intensity and formality of signs. For instance, a casual study session at home might allow for more relaxed signs compared to a formal academic presentation.

Emphasizing the right context in your signs can lead to more accurate and effective communication.

Resources and Tools for Learning Homework in ASL

Recommended books and videos.

To effectively learn ASL homework signs, a variety of books and videos are available that cater specifically to learning sign language. These resources often include visual aids and step-by-step guides which are crucial for understanding the nuances of sign language.

Online Courses and Workshops

Online courses and workshops provide interactive and structured learning environments. These platforms often feature  engaging tools  for learning, such as live sessions with experts and peer interaction, which are essential for practical learning and immediate feedback.

Interactive Learning Tools

Leveraging interactive learning tools such as apps and websites can significantly enhance the learning experience. These tools often include features like quizzes, flashcards, and minidialogues that help reinforce learning through repetition and active engagement.

Challenges and Solutions in Learning Homework Signs in ASL

Overcoming common barriers.

Learning ASL, especially the signs related to homework, can be daunting due to its unique linguistic structure and abstract nature.  Many learners find the  transition from their native language  to ASL challenging , as ASL is not simply a gestural form of English. To effectively overcome these barriers, it’s crucial to immerse oneself in the language through consistent practice and exposure to native signers.

Seeking Help from Experts

The guidance of experienced ASL instructors can significantly enhance the learning process. Engaging with teachers who are proficient in ASL can provide learners with the necessary feedback and tailored learning strategies to improve their sign language skills. This personalized approach helps in addressing specific difficulties and accelerates the learning curve.

Practice Strategies

Developing a structured practice routine is essential for mastering ASL homework signs. Regular practice sessions, combined with self-assessment and peer reviews, ensure that learners can track their progress and identify areas for improvement. Utilizing resources like online courses, interactive tools, and community engagement further enriches the learning experience and aids in the retention of signs.

The Role of Homework in ASL Education

Importance of regular practice.

Regular practice through homework is crucial in mastering ASL. It helps in reinforcing the signs learned in class and improving fluency over time.  Consistent daily practice  can significantly enhance one’s ability to communicate using ASL.

Feedback and Assessment

Homework provides a vital opportunity for receiving feedback. Teachers can assess a student’s progress and pinpoint areas that need improvement, ensuring that learning is on the right track.

Collaborative Learning Opportunities

Homework often involves group projects or interactions with peers, which are excellent for practicing ASL in real-life scenarios. Engaging with others helps to build confidence and fosters a supportive learning environment.

Homework not only reinforces learning but also provides essential feedback and collaborative opportunities that are vital for mastering ASL.

Interactive Exercises for Mastering Homework in ASL

Role-playing scenarios.

Role-playing scenarios are a dynamic way to practice ASL homework signs in a simulated real-life context. Participants can take turns acting out various roles, such as student and teacher, to enhance their understanding and use of ASL in educational settings.  This method not only reinforces learning but also boosts confidence in using ASL actively.

Group Activities

Group activities encourage collaboration and communication among learners. These activities can range from simple sign language games to complex group projects that require the use of specific ASL homework signs. Engaging in these exercises helps to solidify the signs learned and promotes a sense of community among participants.

Feedback Sessions

Feedback sessions are crucial for refining ASL skills. After participating in role-playing or group activities, receiving feedback from peers or instructors can provide valuable insights into areas of improvement. These sessions often involve discussions about the effectiveness of the signs used and suggestions for enhancing clarity and accuracy in communication.

Evaluating Progress in Homework Sign Proficiency

Self-assessment techniques.

Self-assessment is a crucial tool for students learning ASL homework signs. It allows learners to reflect on their progress and identify areas needing improvement.  Students should regularly review their sign language skills , using checklists or video recordings to self-evaluate their proficiency and comfort with various signs.

Teacher Evaluations

Teacher evaluations provide  structured feedback  and are essential for measuring student progress in ASL. Educators can use rubrics and performance assessments to gauge how well students understand and use homework signs in context.

Peer Reviews

Peer reviews encourage students to engage with one another, offering insights and feedback on each other’s use of ASL homework signs. This collaborative approach helps learners see different perspectives and improves their sign language skills through constructive criticism.

In this article, we explored various aspects of expressing homework in American Sign Language (ASL), providing a comprehensive guide for both students and educators. From understanding basic signs to integrating ASL into homework practices, the insights shared aim to enhance communication and learning experiences in educational settings. Embracing ASL not only aids in effective communication but also promotes inclusivity, ensuring that deaf or hard-of-hearing students can fully participate in academic activities. As we continue to advocate for accessible education, incorporating ASL into homework is a step towards a more inclusive and understanding educational environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic signs to express homework in asl.

The basic signs involve the combination of signs for ‘HOME’ and ‘WORK’. However, it’s important to understand the context and variations depending on the sentence structure in ASL.

How can I practice ASL homework signs daily?

Set a routine incorporating daily sign practice, use online resources, and engage with the Deaf community to improve fluency and understanding.

What are some common mistakes when signing ‘homework’ in ASL?

Common mistakes include incorrect handshape, movement, or orientation, and confusing similar signs like ‘WORK’ and ‘JOB’.

Are there any recommended resources for learning ASL homework signs?

Yes, there are several books, online courses, and video tutorials specifically focused on educational signs in ASL, including homework-related signs.

How can I get feedback on my homework signs in ASL?

You can seek feedback through ASL classes, workshops, or online communities. Engaging in peer review sessions and teacher evaluations are also beneficial.

What advanced techniques can enhance my ability to sign ‘homework’ in ASL?

Incorporate facial expressions and body language to convey the context better. Also, understanding the variations in signs based on different contexts can help in more accurate communication.

The Surprising History of Why Homework Was Invented

Effective Kindergarten Homework Strategies That Boost Learning

20 creative clip art ideas for enhancing your homework…, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

American Sign Language Dictionary

Search and compare thousands of words and phrases in American Sign Language (ASL). The largest collection of video signs online.

Recently searched words

Popular signs today.

Get the Reddit app

This subreddit is for those interested in learning ASL. Please check the first post that's pinned "The Free ASL Resources and FAQ Thread" for answers to many questions. Also, this isn't a place to get people to do your homework for you. We're happy to help as long as you put in some effort.

Sign for Homework

I learned the sign for homework as a combined sign of 'home' and 'work'. Like this on lifeprint. I just saw another website have homework as an X-hand vertically moving down a flattened B-hand. Then the sign 'work'. This video is behind a paywall, which is why I'm not linking it. I am curious if this is a generally accepted sign for homework and what the X-hand means here.

By continuing, you agree to our User Agreement and acknowledge that you understand the Privacy Policy .

Enter the 6-digit code from your authenticator app

You’ve set up two-factor authentication for this account.

Enter a 6-digit backup code

Create your username and password.

Reddit is anonymous, so your username is what you’ll go by here. Choose wisely—because once you get a name, you can’t change it.

Reset your password

Enter your email address or username and we’ll send you a link to reset your password

Check your inbox

An email with a link to reset your password was sent to the email address associated with your account

Choose a Reddit account to continue

• Contact Us Get Started

How To Sign Work in Sign Language

In sign language, this sign can mean the verb “to work” or the noun “work,” “job,” or “employment.” It can also be appended to refer to “homework,” “housework,” etc. Essential for the workplace!

Directions for Signing “Work” in Sign Language

• Hand position : Both hands should be in a fist shape (also known as "S" handshape), with your thumbs resting against the front side of your fingers.
• Placement: Place your hands in front of you. Make sure your non-dominant hand is facing palm-down. Your dominant hand should be facing outward, so that your wrist touches the top of your non-dominant hand.
• Movement : Use your dominant fist to tap on top of your non-dominant fist a few times at the wrist area.

Considering that the sign can mean so many variations of work, such as job, employment, and work, it is important to take the sign's context into consideration.

Learn other work-related signs:

Meeting | Video Call |  Work |  Assignment |  Office | Accommodations |  Zoom Meeting

Break Communication Barriers

Learn more signs on our regularly updated ASL page! As you're picking up sign language, try using Ava for more meaningful conversations with Deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

Top 25 Signs

The top 25 most searched american sign language signs.

What’s the sign for HOME?

Learn how to sign HOME in American Sign Language! View the video or follow these instructions:

1. Press your fingers and thumb of your dominant hand together to make a flat-looking O. 

2. Tap the end of your fingers to the side of your chin once and move upwards (with a slight curve) to tap your temple.

You’ve just signed the ASL sign for HOME! 

Examples of HOME in American Sign Language

• Use this sign when discussing your new home
• This sign can be used to refer to a place that feels like home
• This sign is also used in other signs like HOMEWORK and HOMESCHOOL

More signs like HOME:

What’s the sign for water, what’s the sign for need, what’s the sign for learn.

A TRUE+WAY ASL  Product

What's the Sign? is an ASL Dictionary web app that goes into your pocket!

We are proud to be a 100% deaf-owned lgbt business and a 100% deaf-women managed business.​.

2028 E Ben White Blvd #240-1157 Austin, TX 78741

Contact TRUE+WAY ASL

Learning strategies in sign language classroom

ASL instructors give their best shot to teach you well. In most cases, Deaf instructors are passionate about their own language and teaching. But, it's only a half way. The other half way is students' learning responsibilities.

Everyone has some different learning experiences and strategies that work for them. Find some learning tips below to attain your learning process and signing skills.

Not everyone, who wants to learn sign language, has the opportunity or convenience to language learning immersion in a Deaf community of the target language (e.g. American Sign Language). Language learning in a classroom is another common option.

Be an im-perfectionist

Language anxiety is common in language learning. Relax and make mistakes. Learning a new language guarantees mistakes, because you're making efforts, trying new sentence constructions with new vocabulary. It's safer to make experiments and mistakes in classes before you do your best on tests. Learning a new language is more about to be able to communicate than to make a perfect sentence.

If you know you make a mistake, simply self-correct it. It's more relaxing than trying to make a perfect sentence at once, which is more anxious. Once you feel comfortable with the skill of correcting yourself, you'd feel more relaxed and confident (then less mistakes follow).

Think in the target language

Instructors teach in the target language (ASL) through contextualized tasks and activities. Take the opportunities to interact with your ASL instructor who can offer you corrective feedback with your sign production ("pronunciation"), grammatical structure and more.

Think in concepts. Focus on the meaning of a word rather than word-for-word translation. Avoid word-for-word translation or English in your mind when signing ASL.

One of the students' strategies is to look at the sentence-level meaning first before scrutinizing the smaller components (word-level meanings) in the sentence.

Another student's tip is "When switching back to English for clarification is probably the worst. Stay immersed in ASL and learn those problem solving skills in ASL. Remain immersed in ASL because 1) you allow yourself to learn more, and 2) it is pretty hard to switch back and forth when you are learning."

Maximize your time to practice ASL in class. "Try my best to maintain a signing environment in and around class and on breaks." If you are in ASL 101, start practicing the habit now: think in ASL (or at least in concepts) from the start on.

Signing practice

Absorb whole information from signed words to grammar and non-manual grammar, and nuances and subtleties. Take notes of syntactic grammar, non-manual grammar, inflections, tones and variations from native ASL signers in various contexts.

Generally focus on signer's face, not hands. Develop your peripheral vision. Use a mirror to look at yourself when signing. Check your non-manual grammar, such as furrowed eyebrows for wh-questions and raised eyebrows for topicalization and yes/no questions.

Videotape yourself and look at your signing from a different perspective in time that you wouldn't be able to assess the same way with the mirror. The cool thing about this is that you can document your progress and compare your skills months later or even years later.

Commitment and attendance

Like for any second language courses (whether signed or spoken), regular attendance is crucial to learning language. Missing classes for the lessons' contextualized learning and human-to-human interactions would be a big loss.

Learning a set of vocabulary from the dictionary or online materials doesn't bring the same benefits as much as the environmental type of immersion. ASL classes are your best opportunities of building and developing the foundation of language in a formal setting. They teach you grammar, structure, contextual meanings, tips, ideas, and live feedback. So, commit to your attendance.

Reguarly practice signing by yourself or with your buddy team. You cannot crash-study ASL (same true for any language) for a test or exam.

Attendance is truly counted if listening is active and so is learning. You benefit from feedback that the instructor gives to other students in every class.

Ask a question. Ask for clarification if you don't understand the content or a new word. Or, ask to repeat if you miss a fingerspelled word. Negotiate meanings.

If you feel timid in class, you can ask questions during the signing exercises in pairs or groups. For broader questions, ask questions during the break, or after or before the class.

If you have a number of words to review, first try the ASL dictionary during your homework. When in doubt or for clarification, check with the instructor in your next class.

Note-taking

What I've observed over the years was that there is a strong correlation between learning results (marks) and students diligently writing notes. Notetaking is one of some active learning methods that helps keep your learning active.

Students may find note-taking in ASL classes a little challenge. So, how can you take notes and maintain paying your attention to the instructor? Find some strategies and the right time to write down notes.

Some instructors may provide prepared notes for you. Check your class's online materials reguarly for any handouts to download or print out before your next class. Bring the handouts to classes either in print or on your tablet or laptop. It's your responsibility to add any new information that your instructor provides in classes.

Do your homework the day before your next class so you know which is new information to write down and what is already in the textbook and/or eclass. If you have any questions, bring the notes to next class and ask the instructor your questions.

After your teacher's instructions and demos, write down the notes during the practice or exercise in pairs or trios. It's also a good time to ask the teacher questions, practice signing, etc.

If you must jot down while watching the teacher signing, quickly write a single word or brief notes and wait until a practice session starts and you can return to the notes to expand.

If you can type like a pro without looking at the keys, it's your advantage. You can type notes. But, make sure you do at the right time as the brain doesn't fully pay attention to two tasks at the time.

Extra practices

Outside classes, find the right resources and materials (developed by Deaf instructors) to learn more. Sign language materials including books, videos, and online materials can be also a useful resource.

Try practicing sign language with a classmate via webcam or phone.

Or participate in a sign language club if offered at your post-secondary institution. If not available, create an informal club with your classmates to practice outside classes once a week, once a month, or on a need basis.

Do some fun activities and games with your study buddies. Try a race of fingerspelling the manual alphabet against a partner. Or, if a family plays the pictionary, use it as "gestionary" instead (manual gesture instead of drawing).

More ideas from the students: "To encourage my family to participate in my learning process." "Signing with your family members or friends/roommates even if they don't know the language." "Practice signing by teaching your boyfriend/girlfriend at home."

Do Homework

Not only you do homework what the instructor assigns, but also review what you've learned in the last class and make notes what you are unsure of or don't recall. That way, you have an opportunity to ask questions in the next class.

Your instructor may provide you a list of vocabulary. You can make notes to help you remember how words are signed. Or, simply check some ASL dictionaries online to help you recall immediately after class. Although, not all instructors provide a handout of the list of vocabulary, it's your responsibility to keep a note of the signs and their meanings and do your homework (e.g. watching the DVD videos, checking the dictionary, and so on).

Not lastly, it's the foremost important of all. Respect the instructors, students, and ASL/Deaf community. Respect the Deaf people's signed language which is their innermost cultural identity.

You may miss many classes, daydream in classes, or ignore homework -- all these things may make you a lousy student. But, a lousy attitude of the best student is a worse one, especially for a Deaf ASL instructor.

Maintain positive attitude that you can apply to any other cultures and people of all backgrounds -- growing compassion, expanding your horizon of perspectives, building cultural relativism (lessening ethnocentrism), personal growth and all. These things are more than merely learning a language. We live in the world of diversity.

Have fun and be fearless

Ligthen up if you're afraid of making mistakes in ASL classes. Toss fear away and be brave to communicate and learn. Laugh when you make a naive silly mistake.

Don't worry about mistakes, which are a normal part of the learning process. You will learn more and quicker by doing it. Usually, more often than not, fluent Deaf signers will be delighted to see you talking with them in their language.

Related posts

Develop your communicative strategies using meaning negotiation .

Also see: How to learn sign language the best way

You may also be interested in signing tips for video assignments.

Video criteria tips for assignments or projects.

Ad-free Patron

To remove ads on this site or/and unlock premium content, subscribe today .

Did you know that you can just open the web app/site directly from your phone or desktop. See the instructions for adding Handspeak to home screen or installing it on a computer.

Search a topic in the filter/browse box or pick a tab for other categories of topics -- Beginners, Boosters, Literary Arts, Kid Signing.

New to sign language? "Where do I start?" or "How do I start learning sign language?" This ASL Rookie guide lists some selected links to the tutorials for ASL beginners to get started and keep rolling. It may be a useful review for intermediate-level learners and ASL students as well.

Some tutorial pages are a mix of free and premium versions. Access to premium content and links below are available in the PatronPlus subscription. More links/posts will be added from time to time.

Jump-starting

• How to fingerspell ABCs
• What is and what is not sign language?

Getting started

• Benefits of learning sign language
• Awareness quiz and Reflections
• Basic transcription symbols (glosses)
• Benefits of bilingualism and bimodalism?
• Is sign language universal?

Language/Culture Fundamentals

• What is American Sign Language?
• Understanding variations
• Introducing audism
• Cultural appropriation

Learning first words

• Expressing greetings
• Introducing oneself and others
• Fingerspelling exercise
• Expressing goodbyes
• Personal Pronouns
• Possessive Pronouns
• WH-questions
• Yes/no questions
• SVO sentence structure
• Numbers 1-10+
• Basic time: future, present, past

ASL Basics II

• Asking what the sign is for a word
• Spatial referencing
• Verb inflections
• Contrastive structure
• Listing and Ranking
• OSV sentence structure
• Classifier basics

Describing shapes

• Describing shapes + perspective
• Describing shapes + locations
• Describing shapes + sizes

Identifying a person

• Basic vocabulary: people
• Vocabulary: Colors

Expressing needs and wants

• Basic food and drinks
• Making commands or requests

Talking about family

• Talking about family and pet
• Telling age
• Telling date
• Vocabulary: relationships
• Vocabulary: pets

Making basic plans

• Review basic tenses
• Calendar: DAYS
• Calendar: MONTHS
• Transportation: basics
• Telling prices in dollars and cents
• Making an order

Talking about activities

• Frequency of time: how often?

Talking about studies

• Majors or areas of studies
• Vocabulary (e.g. TEACHER, COLLEGE, etc.)

Talking about work

Talking about home.

• Vocabulary: types of home

Talking about hobbies and interests

Are you able to carry everyday conversations in ASL? Are you a student in the intermediate levels and beyond, who wishes to boost up your signing skills? You've come to the selected tutorial series.

Language and communication

• Negotiating meanings

Sentence types

• Review sentence OSV structure: the triangle
• Rhetorical sentence
• Conditional sentence

Non-manual signals

• Mouth morphemes: distances
• Mouth morphemes: sizes
• Review time basics
• Temporal aspects: frequency and duration
• Review numbers 1-100
• Learn numbers 100-1000+
• Practice numbers 100-1000+
• Numbers mi/billion
• Phone numbers
• Classifiers

Classifier classes

• Review an introduction
• Classifier handshapes
• Identify different classes
• Semantic classifiers
• Descriptive classifiers
• Body classifier
• Body Part classifier
• Instrumental classifier
• Locative classifier
• Elemental classifier
• Describing objects
• Describing tables
• Describing lamps
• Describing a room
• How to make a BLT sandwich

Stories, poems, performance arts, etc. in sign language.

The ASL Originals

The originals by Jolanta Lapiak in order from the

• The Star Arrow: a poem
• The Deer and the Leaf
• Moon in my Bedroom
• Deaf or Dead: a true story
• The Tooth Tale
• Synchronicity: a true story
• Bear and Two Travelers, The
• Lion and the Mouse, The
• Rabbit and the Turtle, The
• Wind and the Sun, The
• Raven and the Swan, The
• Rooster and the Fox, The
• Old Lion and the Fox, The
• Cock and the Diamond, The
• Crow and the Pitcher, The
• Fox and the Grapes, The
• Peacock and the Crane, The
• The Cracked Pot
• Deer and His Reflection, The
• Farmer and his Sons, The
• Frog and Boiled Water, The
• Goat and the Bridge, The

Poem Translations

• Blending with the Window
• Blossoms and Children
• Eternity into an Hour
• People as Monkeys
• Snow (Mary Mapes Dodge)
• Annabel Lee
• The Eclipse
• Time and Again
• Spring Dawn
• The Little Match Girl
• Birds on the Telephone Lines
• The Hitchhiker
• The King Kong and the Lady
• Zap stories
• More is Not Enough
• Overflowing Cup
• The Sound of Silence
• Moving Mind
• The Moon Cannot be Stolen

Performance and video arts

• Solipsistic Solitude (Knowing Fish)
• Deconstruct W.O.R.D.
• Speak in ASL: a candid video
• Barbwire and Bloodstain of Word
• Crack the Audism
• De-hearingization
• Gallaudet Bison
• Liberated from Signoclasm
• Unleashed from Phonocentrism

Techniques and Devices

• Literary devices and elements
• Number story
• Rhyme and rhythm
• Alliteration poetics
• Cinematic devices: an introduction
• Cinematic vocabulary
• Blink: a grammatical feature

This documentation project follows a child's language acquisition, literacy development, and phonological acquisition in sign language, specifically ASL as a first language (L1), from newborn to age five in a natural native-ASL environment and visual culture.

Language development

• Language acquisition in signing
• Language acquisition milestones
• Phonological acquisition
• Language development: Age 1 to 1.5
• Language development: Age 1.5 to 2
• Baby sign language: myths debunked

Baby Signing

• Eye contact with baby from birth
• Cooing in sign language
• Eye tracking and gazing
• Eye-hand coordination
• Gestural pointing and communicative gesture
• Marginal babbling
• Babbling in sign language
• Gesturel pointing for words
• Understanding words
• Baby's first words
• Expressing manners and appreciation
• Literacy: peekaboo
• Literacy: nursery rhymes
• Identity and sense of self
• Parentese or motherese

Toddler Signing

• One-word stage
• Recognizing and naming ABCs
• Recognizing and naming colors
• Two-word stage
• Pronouns and reversal errors
• Prepositions
• Indicating verbs
• Expressing concepts of time
• Phonological acquisition: a case study

Preschooler and Kinder

• Conditional statements
• Conjunctions
• Other pronouns
• Literacy: writing

From baby to preschooler

• Proximalization
• Fingerspelling development
• Fingerspelling with a CAN attitude
• Sense of humor