Learning American Sign Language provides your child with an opportunity to explore a new culture filled with talented individuals and different perspectives. In addition, being bilingual enhances mental development. It increases the flexibility of the mind and boosts your child's awareness of her first language. Learning any new language takes time, practice and daily use. Frequent practice and searching out opportunities to learn more about deaf culture will help you learn ASL faster.
Step 1
Take out the ASL alphabet chart. Copy each sign with your dominant hand, starting at the beginning of the alphabet. Check the position of your fingers and match them to those on the chart. Repeat until the finger shapes begin to feel less awkward. Spell your name and other short words. Practice the alphabet daily until you no longer need the chart. Do the same with the number chart.
Step 2
Select 10 of the basic ASL flashcards and copy each of the hand descriptions shown. Practice until the movements feel comfortable. Add another 10 cards and repeat. Do this daily until the movements come naturally and you've memorized the entire deck.
Step 3
Look for local opportunities to begin using sign language. The World Deaf Directory lists schools by U.S. state and Canadian province. Contact local schools that have programs for individuals with hearing impairments and also state schools for the deaf. Ask if they offer sign language classes either on site or online. Begin attending classes.
Step 4
Investigate state resources for people with hearing impairments and locate calendars of social events in the deaf community. Look up the signs for introducing yourself in your ASL dictionary. Practice the signs until you're comfortable with them. Put together a few more short sentences using the same method. Begin attending social events where ASL will be used. Introduce yourself when there's an opportunity and sign that you are trying to learn ASL.
Step 5
Watch videos that contain sign language and practice your receptive skills. Replay as needed, picking out the signs you understand and practicing those you don't. Note hand positions and transitioning. Attempt to mimic this relaxed flow of signs.
Step 6
Begin to sign as you speak with your child and family, building fluency with repetition. Leave out words you don't know. Look up common words in your ASL dictionary as you go along to build your vocabulary.
Step 7
Search for an online ASL dictionary and practice resources on the Internet. ASLPro.com provides interactive games, printable work sheets and a video dictionary.
Tips and Warnings
- When purchasing supplies, look for child-focused materials that your child can enjoy too. Practice is more important than perfection, especially in the beginning. ASL grammar and sentence structure is different than English. Many small words, like "a" and "the" are not used. When signing in ASL, focus more on conveying your message, not translating every single word from English into ASL. While ASL basics can be learned on your own, advanced skills and grammar development are better accomplished in a classroom setting.
Things You'll Need
- Basic ASL flashcards
- ASL videos
- ASL alphabet chart
- ASL number chart
