Teaching Kids American Sign Language

Are you or your child interested in learning American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate with a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing friend or family member, or just for fun? ASL is a multidimensional manual language used by approximately 500,000 people in the United States. There are many valuable benefits to learning ASL; research shows sign language promotes strong literacy and communication skills, and is used by individuals with other communication, learning or developmental disabilities.

ASL is a visual language, meaning the optimal way to learn the language is in a manner that can be clearly seen from all angles and in real time.

Another Reason Why Reading Is Important

One of the best ways to learn is through reading as literacy opportunities provide a wealth of content that increase a child’s knowledge and awareness about the world around them. Taking the time to read books with Deaf characters is another excellent way to build literacy while exploring the facets of the Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing community and ASL.

The OCALI Outreach Center for Deafness and Blindness offers a book list designed to encourage others to learn about deafness and the variety of experiences within the Deaf/Hard of Hearing community. Their “Books Featuring Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Blind/Visually Impaired Characters” list includes books for all ages. You should preview books to make sure you feel comfortable sharing them with your child.

The American Society for Deaf Children has an ASL Stories Directory complete with videos of popular children’s books told in ASL for children 5-11 years of age and an ASL Acquisition Activity Playlist complete with activities to foster ASL proficiency and development. 

Ideas to Include ASL Into Your Daily Life

The more you and your child can practice ASL, the more competent and comfortable you will become. The following suggestions are activities you can enjoy together.

• Play a game: “Uno” or “Go Fish” are great games to practice ASL production and comprehension while enjoying quality family time. Invite a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing friend or family member join in the fun too.
• Turn your voices off: When learning about a specific topic (ex. food/meals) swap out the English word for a particular food item for the ASL sign. For teenagers and pre-teens try “turning off your voices” for about 15 minutes or so and practice communicating using signs, facial expressions and body movement. The Deaf community and ASL users alike incorporate all those components to express a thought or idea in ASL. As your confidence builds, increase your time.
• Go online: There are plenty of fun and beneficial ASL resources on YouTube. You can easily search for videos that teach essential signs for a variety of settings such as home and school, as well as ASL Phrases and conversational lessons appropriate for beginners or advanced signers wanting to refresh their skills. Other resources on YouTube include fingerspelling practice and quizzes, as well as short ASL videos about colors, days of the week, and so much more.
• Take classes: Look for in-person ASL instruction for adults and children in your local area.

Learn about upcoming ASL classes at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.