Hi this week for my free inquiry project I set out on how to learn the alphabet in ASL. I have attached a TikTok of me demonstrating the alphabet in ASL. I encourage you to watch the video and follow along with me!

@ashlynpatterson

The alphabet in ASL #ASL #learning

♬ Summer day – TimTaj

Learning The ASL Alphabet – Personal Reflection: It took me a couple of weeks to successfully learn the alphabet in ASL. I learned all the letters of alphabet at the same time but looking back I think it would have been easier to learn if I would have broke it up into sections of letters for learning. I found that practicing in the mirror really helped my learning and using the app ASL Bloom.

Here is another resource you may find helpful!

Why Should You Teach Kids The Alphabet In ASL?

  1. It Is Easy To Learn

Sign language is one of the fastest and easiest languages to learn. Many of the signs are easy gestures that are easy to remember. Children in particular pick up on signs quickly and are eager to learn them. Teaching them sign language helps encourage further learning. 

  1. Classroom management

In one of my other inquiry posts, I talk about how you can use ASL in the class the help manage the classroom atmosphere. Using sign language in the class helps the noise levels drop to an appropriate noise level so it’s not distracting levels of talking. It also helps minimize interruptions during lessons.

  1. It Is A Useful Skill To Have

Teaching your students an extra skill that they can use in everyday life is great. This gives them a head start when applying to jobs or just life in general. Here are some examples of how you can use sign language. On the phone and need to communicate with someone in the room without interrupting the call you can use sign language, or in a loud room and want to talk to someone without shouting you can use sign language. 

  1. You Will Most Likely Use It At Some Point

At some point at either the workplace or elsewhere, you will meet someone who is deaf and who communicates through sign language. My first job was a cashier position at Walmart and I had a regular customer who was deaf. I knew a little bit of sign language and was able to help the customer when checking out. His face lit up when I first signed to him it was a very sweet moment. 

Here are some printable worksheets to use with your students when teaching them the alphabet in ASL!

printable-sign-language-for-kidsDownload

References:

Sign Language Alphabet | 6 Free Downloads to Learn it Fast | Start ASL 
5 Important Reasons For Learning Sign Language – eLearning Industry