Sign Language Words Printable Worksheets

What does ASL stand for?

The abbreviation stands for American Sign Language. It is a natural language that has similar linguistic features to the spoken language with distinct grammar from English. The sign is represented with hands and facial gestures to help deaf or hard-of-hearing and is also being used for hearing individuals overcome the communication gap between both.

American Sign Language does not stand as a universal sign language, despite some other countries also featuring ASL as their sign language. In the United Kingdom, they have their own gesture and stand as British Sign Language (BSL).

When did ASL emerge as a language?

It is actually no exact record of how American Sign Language was created. However, there is a suggestion that dates back from 200 years ago the sign was actually adapted and blended local sign languages with Langue des Signes Française or French Sign Language. Then as time goes by, there is more development to make it more mature as a language but still, both were noted as two different sign languages.

What is the difference between American Sign Language and the spoken language?

Since the basis of sign language is unique and different from English, by means to have its own basic properties of language, rules, pronunciation, word creation, and order. The difference was explained further below:

1. While every language has ways of signaling different functions, such as asking a question rather than making a statement, the manner in which this is done varies between languages. English speakers, for example, may ask a question by increasing the pitch of their voices and changing the word order; ASL users may ask a question by lifting their brows, widening their eyes, and leaning their bodies forward.
   
   
2. Specific ways of expressing ideas in ASL, like in other languages, vary as much as ASL users themselves. ASL includes regional accents and dialects, much as some English words are spoken differently in different regions of the country; similarly, ASL has regional variations in the rhythm of signing, pronunciation, slang, and signs employed.
   
   
3. As with spoken languages, other sociological factors such as age and gender can influence ASL usage and contribute to its diversity.
   
4. ASL includes fingerspelling, which is used to sign out English words. Each letter in the fingerspelled alphabet corresponds to a different handshape. Fingerspelling is frequently employed to signify proper names or the English term for anything.

How Do Parents Take Roles to Teach American Sign Language?

Usually, parents play a significant role in a child's early language learning. However, when it comes to deaf children, other individuals can also serve as language models. When the case is both parents and the child is deaf and already commonly use American Sign Language, children will learn the language naturally.

However, 90% of deaf children were born to hearing parents. This makes the process of language acquisition may differ as the hearing parents have no exposure to American Sign Language.

Some hearing parents choose to teach their deaf children sign language. These parents often learn sign language alongside their children. Deaf children with hearing parents often learn sign language from deaf peers, which helps them become proficient in signing.

Why is Early ASL Learning Important?

Deaf or hard-of-hearing kids should be exposed to language (spoken or signed) as soon as feasible. The earlier a kid is exposed to and begins to acquire language, the better his or her verbal, cognitive, and social development.

According to research, the first few years of a child's existence are critical for the development of language abilities, and even the first few months of life might be vital for establishing successful communication with caretakers.

Newborns are tested for hearing before they leave the hospital, thanks to screening programs in practically all hospitals in the United States and its territories. If a newborn has a hearing loss, this exam allows parents to learn about communication choices. During this critical early stage of development, parents can then begin their child's language-learning process.

How to start teaching ASL in Classroom?

1. Introductions and reactions

Greetings are an excellent location to begin teaching basic signals because they occur on a daily basis and are frequently the first words we speak to someone when we meet them. This involves saying hello and goodbye, as well as inquiring about someone's name.

It may be beneficial for students to consider cultural practices while meeting someone from the deaf/hard-of-hearing population. Getting the individual's attention before signing, shifting postures to make it easier to view signs, and taking turns in talks so only one person is signing at a time are all examples.

2. Songs

Songs, because of their rhythmic and repeated structure, are an excellent medium for language learning. On YouTube, there are several nursery rhymes, kids' tunes, and pop songs that have been converted into sign language. Learning the same song over a few weeks will allow pupils to see and practice the signs several times.

Remember that you may slow down the song's replay, which might assist pupils' study. You may also enable subtitles so that pupils are exposed to the written word alongside the sign, which can aid comprehension. Sharing the song in an assembly or music video promotes the usage of sign language on a larger scale and allows your kids to share what they have learned.

3. Alphabet symbols

Fingerspelling for the alphabet is an excellent approach to assist pupils during literacy courses. When kids want assistance with spelling, teachers can sign the letter they require without interfering with other pupils who are studying alongside them.

When students know all of the letters, they can communicate a broader range of words. Start with the initial letters of each of your pupils' names.

4. Interactive Worksheet

The worksheet may include pictures of various signs and set a theme such as family or name of fruits. The images in the worksheet can help children to see the right way on doing the sign and when to use it.

Teaching sign language in the classroom is a great practice to share about diversity and how to respect each other as human beings to be kind to each other. Make it fun and create a good vibe with respect!