American Sign Language

[merle]

The ASL alphabet is a useful as a TPR activity, getting students physically involved in the task of spelling.  This does not have to be a topic that is studied once in class and never seen again.  It can be used in other classes to reinforce spelling, clarify pronunciation, a component in a variety of games, and as an tool for getting students attention (as only the ones paying attention to you will know what you are signing  ).

ASL can be used for all ages, from elementary and middle school onwards.  As long as students know their alphabet, they can easily pick up the signs for each letter.

The lesson can be customized however you feel is best for your students.  I have sometimes begun by introducing Helen Keller and soliciting student knowledge.  Then we move onto the topic of sign language, called 수화 in Korean.  It's possible some students in your class may know the Korean SL.  One of mine taught me how to say "annyeong haseyo" in sign language.  Trés cool.
After that it is time to introduce the ASL alphabet.  We practice as a class, in partners with the handout, and then I've thrown a "dictation" in to test them, as well.  If students are feeling adventurous, they can be the leaders of the dictation, using their own "secret words."

If you need some quiet time at the end of class, www.lifeprint.com has some cool "fingerseeks" (like word searches) that students can use as practice.  I've included one here.


Two things to note:

1.  Korean Sign Language and American Sign Language are, of course, not the same.  There are also actual word signs in ASL, but I haven't gotten into them at all.

2.  American Sign Language and British Sign Language are two completely different languages.  Even though both the U.S. and the U.K. use English, the sign languages are very different, so if you are British and you'd like to use BSL I've included a handout here, but I don't have an accompanying .ppt or fingerseek.  My apologies.

Hope you find this useful!