The hubby and I have always had plans to teach our children multiple languages, which meant we had to learn them too. Once we started with ASL, I used five simple ways to teach Sign Language to make learning this new language fun and memorable for the entire family. Keep reading to learn the ways I use to teach ASL and resources you can start implementing today.
Benefits of Learning (American) Sign Language
Sign Language is one of the coolest languages in my opinion. It’s beautiful and carries a wealth of character and personality. Similarly to how we use tone of voice when speaking, the same is applied when signing except the tone comes through facial expressions and body movements.
Helps Bridge Communication Gaps with Babies & Toddlers
One of the biggest benefits of learning Sign Language is it helps bridge communication gaps with babies and young children who aren’t quite talking yet. As a mom of 6, I understand how frustrating it can be to not understand what a toddler wants because they simply can’t say the words. Sign language to the rescue!
Enhances the Ability to Read Lips & Body Language
Another benefit is being able to communicate with others who know ASL. It may not seem like a popular language, but you never know when it may come in handy. I believe SL also enhances your ability to read lips. When we were in the grocery store one day, a man was trying to ask the worker where paper towels were. She thought he was saying bubble gum. I looked at his mouth and instantly knew “paper towels.”
Increases Cognitive Development
Knowing ASL can also help your children increase their cognitive development. The parts of the brain that are activated and exercised can also help them in other areas of learning as well. In addition, your children will be able to communicate with others and possibly help with communication between a non-hearing or non-speaking person and others.
As with learning any “foreign language,” there are lots of benefits!
5 Simple Ways to Teach Sign Language
Take note of my five simple ways to teach sign language and be sure to grab the resources to help you get started.
1. Use Sign Language Videos
Educational videos are one of our top go-tos, especially when we are introducing a topic or concept that Bryan and I are not already well-versed in. Before starting the teaching phase of ASL, I went to YouTube and scouted TONS of videos and created a playlist.
I use these videos as the start of our ASL lesson for the day. We stick with the same videos that pertain to whatever we are learning until we have the words, sentences, or phrases memorized and then move on to others. Our favorite ASL YT Channel is Learn How to Sign. They post weekly with new content and are always looking for suggestions on signs you want to know.
2. Build a Library of Sign Language Books
Using books is another great way to teach Sign Language. Not to mention, you can get books for any age and grade. I personally like printable books like the resources I created below, but it’s also a good idea to have a few paperback or hardback books on hand.
A few I recommend checking out are:
- Time to Sign
- 101 Easy Signs for Kids
- Baby Sign Language Made Easy
- American Sign Language for Beginners
The books recommended above (with the exception of the baby sign language book) are great to use for the entire family with a wide range of kids.
3. Use ASL Flashcards
Besides videos and worksheets/workbooks, flashcards are one of the best resources for teaching something new. I actually created a few sets of flashcards for teaching my kiddos sign language – an ASL alphabet flashcard set and 16 common foods flashcard set. I recommend printing these on cardstock, cutting them out, and putting them on a ring to make reviewing them every day super easy.
4. Incorporate Worksheets and Workbooks
Having worksheets and workbooks on hand can make teaching Sign Language super easy and fun. I like to create a worksheet pack or workbook for each of my kiddos to use for daily work. We can review a page together and then they can have pages to do at their own pace.
And if you haven’t done so already, hang on to workbooks and worksheets and use them as review resources.
5. Practice Sign Language in Every Day Life
One of the best ways to implement what is taught is to use it in every day life. Instead of saying milk, sign “milk.” Ask your child throughout the day if they remember the sign for a certain word. You can even make a game out of it using flashcards. Place them in areas where they can be used to help remind your child the sign for a particular word.
Grab Our ASL Resources Below
ASL Alphabet Chart
Start teaching your students ASL with this FREE printable ASL Alphabet Chart. Perfect to hang on the wall or print and give to each student.
ASL Alphabet Flashcards
Each flashcard has a clear picture of the ASL alphabet letter along with the printed letter for easier and quicker learning. Use the cards to begin spelling out words.
ASL ABC Worksheet Pack
This ASL ABC Worksheet Pack covers all 26 letters of the alphabet. Each page features the letter to trace, a word that begins with the letter to trace, and the fingerspell to color.
ASL Flashcards: 16 Most Common Foods
These realia flashcards showcase children of all nationalities signing 16 popular foods in ASL. Simply purchase, download, print on card stock, laminate and cut! The foods included are: apple, banana, cheese, corn, cupcake, egg, grape, ice cream, jam, juice, milk, nuts, orange, pear, tomato, and watermelon.
Learn ASL: Months Edition
This resource includes TWO (2) different coloring type books: Coloring & Writing Book and a Mini Book that you print, cut out and glue/staple together to make a handheld booklet. Both resources have pictures of kids that can be colored and the months and vocabulary words to trace.
My First ASL Words Book
This resource introduces basic words that children as young as 6 months old can learn. Each page features a word in English, picture sign, and in traceable format (both the beginning letter and full word). There are 26 words total: finished, don’t, friends, eat, help, hi, hungry, like, me, more, no, play, please, stop, thank you, toilet, want, water, what, when, where, who, why, yes, and you.
Bundle & Save!!!
Bundle and save with our ASL Learning Bundle! This bundle is ideal for families looking to introduce ASL in a low-cost, no-nonsense way with resources you can download, print, and start implementing immediately. The bundle includes all 6 of our ASL resources:
- ASL Alphabet Chart
- ASL Alphabet Flashcards
- ASL ABC Worksheet Pack
- Learn ASL: Months Edition
- 16 Most Common Foods Flashcards
- My First ASL Words Book
This bundle has over 40 flashcards, 2 books, and 30+ worksheets!