ASL

The signs are divided into twelve groups of ten words. Each individual word has its own video lesson where students can learn and practice. Each group has its own review and testing where students can demonstrate their signing and recognition skills. As the course progresses, the review becomes more advanced and includes testing for three (3) groups at once. At the end, students are tested on ALL one hundred and twenty (120) signs learned throughout the course.

This course is designed to INCLUDE complete beginners without any prior knowledge of ASL. Previous ASL skills are welcome but NOT required.

Students will be able to understand and recognize all of the one hundred and twenty (120) signs.

Students will have a larger vocabulary of signs to use when interacting with the Deaf community.

Students will feel more confident as they continue improving their ASL skills.

QUESTIONS:

What is the main focus of this course?

This course focuses on learning many basic but essential signs in American Sign Language. Students will learn one hundred and twenty (120) of the most common signs used in ASL.

Do I need to have prior knowledge or experience with ASL before taking this class?

No. This course is designed to include complete beginners without any prior knowledge of ASL. All necessary signs are taught step by step in the course.

Will this course test me on what is taught?

Yes. This course contains multiple review and testing sections where students have the opportunity to demonstrate their ASL signing and recognition skills.

My name is Michael. When I was three years old, my younger brother became sick with spinal meningitis. In the process, my brother became deaf with an almost complete hearing loss. This difficult situation provided a unique opportunity for my family and I to become fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). My brother was not sent away to a deaf or hard of hearing school. He grew up with us, his hearing family, and we were active in the deaf community.

As a police officer and federal investigator, I often used ASL to communicate with and interpret for witnesses, victims, and perpetrators. I decided to create ASL courses because it’s a useful and practical skill to have. Like learning any language, it opens your mind and creates the ability to communicate with a whole new group of people.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Students will learn to sign and understand 120 fundamental signs in american sign language (asl).
Students will learn signs individually to ensure comprehension, correct hand shape, and hand position.

Students will be tested on their ability to sign and understand all material taught in the course.

Students will learn to sign and understand 120 fundamental signs in american sign language (asl).
Students will learn signs individually to ensure comprehension, correct hand shape, and hand position.
Students will be tested on their ability to sign and understand all material taught in the course.

Syllabus

Introduction

Course Introduction

Group 1 Signs

Explore - Group 1 Signs

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a foundation in American Sign Language by teaching 120 basic signs, which is a great starting point for beginners

Focuses on practical communication skills, which can be immediately applied when interacting with members of the Deaf community

Employs a structured approach with signs divided into groups, individual lessons, and progressive reviews, which is ideal for structured learning

Includes review and testing sections for each group of signs, which reinforces learning and helps students retain new vocabulary

Teaches signs individually with video lessons, allowing students to learn at their own pace and focus on areas where they need more practice

Instructor's background as a police officer and federal investigator highlights the practical applications of ASL in professional settings

Reviews summary

Effective beginner asl basic sign learning

According to learners, this course is a highly effective way to learn the second set of 120 basic signs in American Sign Language. Students appreciate the clear video lessons for each sign and the structured approach that breaks down signs into manageable groups. The practice and testing sections are frequently highlighted as being particularly helpful for reinforcing learning and retention. While designed for complete beginners, it also serves as a great continuation for those with some prior knowledge, building a solid foundation for further ASL studies.

Provides a solid base for continued study.

"This course gave me a really strong set of basic signs that I feel confident using and building upon."

"I finished feeling ready to move on to more complex ASL concepts and vocabulary."

"It's a great stepping stone after learning the first 120 signs, adding essential words to my vocabulary."

"Completing this has made me enthusiastic about continuing my journey in learning ASL."

Ideal for those new to American Sign Language.

"As a complete beginner, I found this course very accessible. It truly starts from the ground up."

"You really don't need any prior ASL knowledge to succeed in this course, just willingness to learn."

"It's great that they designed this to be beginner-friendly, unlike some other language courses."

"The pace is perfect for someone just starting out in ASL."

Signs are grouped for logical progression.

"Breaking the 120 signs into groups of ten made it feel much less overwhelming and easier to digest."

"The way the course is structured, moving from single groups to reviewing multiple, is really effective for building vocabulary."

"I liked the progression through the groups, it felt like a logical way to build upon previously learned signs."

"The organization of the syllabus by groups makes practice sessions very focused and productive."

Practice and tests aid sign retention.

"The practice and testing sections are invaluable. Actually having to recall and sign reinforces what you've learned."

"I wasn't sure about the timed signing tests at first, but they really push you to remember the signs quickly."

"The review sections covering multiple groups are perfect for ensuring you don't forget earlier signs as you progress."

"Testing both signing and recognition skills is a comprehensive way to check understanding."

Videos clearly demonstrate how to sign.

"The video lessons for each sign are very clear and easy to follow. Seeing the sign demonstrated makes a huge difference."

"I found the video format excellent for visually learning the signs. The instructor is easy to understand."

"Each sign having its own video was super helpful. I could pause and practice until I got it right."

"The quality of the video demonstrations is top-notch, making complex signs easy to replicate."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in ASL | Second 120 Basic Signs | American Sign Language with these activities:

Review 'The American Sign Language Handshape Dictionary'

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Reinforce understanding of ASL handshapes, a crucial element for accurate signing and comprehension.

View The American Sign Language Handshape Flash... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'The American Sign Language Handshape Dictionary'.
Study the different handshapes and their variations.
Practice forming the handshapes correctly.

Practice ASL Fingerspelling

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Improve fingerspelling recognition and production, which is essential for spelling names and words not in the standard sign vocabulary.

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Use online resources to practice fingerspelling the alphabet.
Practice fingerspelling common words and names.
Ask a friend to fingerspell words for you to interpret.

Practice with a Study Partner

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Enhance learning through collaborative practice and mutual feedback with a peer.

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Find a study partner who is also learning ASL.
Take turns signing and interpreting signs with your partner.
Provide each other with feedback on your signing.

Four other activities

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Create Flashcards for ASL Signs

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Reinforce memory of the 120 signs by creating visual aids that can be used for self-testing and review.

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Create flashcards with the sign on one side and the English word on the other.
Use the flashcards to quiz yourself on the signs.
Share the flashcards with other students for collaborative learning.

Record Yourself Signing

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Improve signing fluency and identify areas for improvement by recording and reviewing your own signing.

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Choose a set of signs from the course.
Record yourself signing the chosen signs.
Review the recording and identify areas where you can improve.

Review 'Signing Naturally, Units 1-6'

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Expand knowledge of ASL grammar and cultural context beyond the specific signs taught in the course.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Signing Naturally, Units 1-6'.
Read the chapters related to basic vocabulary and grammar.
Complete the exercises and activities in the book.

Volunteer at a Deaf Community Event

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Gain real-world experience using ASL in a practical setting and immerse yourself in Deaf culture.

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Research local Deaf community events or organizations.
Contact the organization and offer to volunteer your time.
Participate in the event and practice your ASL skills.

Career center

Learners who complete ASL | Second 120 Basic Signs | American Sign Language will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sign Language Interpreter

A sign language interpreter facilitates communication between deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals and hearing individuals. This role requires a solid understanding of American Sign Language. Learning the 120 basic signs in this course may significantly help on the path to becoming a sign language interpreter. The ability to understand and produce these signs is a foundational step towards more advanced interpreting work. This course also tests signing and recognition skills, which is valuable for a sign language interpreter. The course can help build a base for more proficient and accurate interpretation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sign Language Interpreter

Special Education Teacher

A special education teacher works with students with a range of disabilities, and some may use sign language. This course on American Sign Language may be valuable for special education teachers who want to better communicate with students who use sign language as their primary mode of communication. This course teaches 120 basic signs, which helps a special education teacher provide a more inclusive and accessible learning environment for their students. This is especially true for hearing impaired students. The course may help teachers develop a more empathetic and understanding approach to teaching.

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Social Worker

A social worker might interact with people who are deaf or hard of hearing. This course in American Sign Language may assist them in communicating with a wider range of clients. This role often involves advocating for and assisting individuals from diverse backgrounds. The ability to understand and use 120 essential signs can help social workers build rapport and trust with clients. This course offers a structured approach to learning basic ASL signs, which could be beneficial to a social worker in their work with the community.

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Rehabilitation Counselor

A rehabilitation counselor supports individuals with disabilities. Some clients they serve may be deaf or hard of hearing. This course in American Sign Language may be valuable for a rehabilitation counselor aiming to better help their clients. This is especially true if clients use sign language as their main mode of communication. This course teaches 120 essential signs and can improve the effectiveness of a rehabilitation counselor’s work. The course's focus on both signing and understanding signs ensures a practical approach to learning ASL.

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Speech-Language Pathologist

A speech language pathologist helps individuals with communication disorders. This role involves a deep understanding of language and communication development. Whilst this course focuses on American Sign Language rather than spoken language, it may be useful to a speech language pathologist who works with clients who use nonverbal forms of communication. The course's systematic approach to learning 120 fundamental signs can help a speech language pathologist appreciate a different form of communication. It is also useful to demonstrate that a professional can empathize and adapt to the communication needs of their clients.

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Community Outreach Coordinator

A community outreach coordinator engages with diverse populations. This role often requires communicating effectively with various groups. This course may be useful for a community outreach coordinator who wants to better serve the deaf or hard of hearing community. The course helps to build a basic sign language vocabulary. This may assist a community outreach coordinator in fostering more inclusive programs and services. This course could help bridge communication barriers and build stronger connections within the community.

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Healthcare Professional

A healthcare professional, such as a nurse or doctor, may interact with patients who are deaf or hard of hearing. This course in American Sign Language may help improve communication between healthcare professionals and these patients. The course’s 120 signs build a basic vocabulary needed to ask basic questions. This could lead to safer and more effective healthcare delivery. The course may assist healthcare professionals in providing more patient-centered care by helping them communicate clearly with a wider range of patients.

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Human Resources Specialist

A human resources specialist handles workplace communication and employee relations. This role could benefit from an awareness of diverse communication needs. This course in American Sign Language may be beneficial to a human resources specialist who needs to work with employees who are deaf or hard of hearing. The course provides a base of one hundred and twenty essential signs. This course may help a human resources specialist foster a more inclusive and accessible work environment. The course could help promote better communication within the organization.

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Customer Service Representative

A customer service representative could encounter customers who use sign language. This role requires clear and effective communication with all types of people. This course in American Sign Language may be helpful for a customer service representative seeking to improve their ability to assist deaf or hard of hearing customers. The course’s systematic approach to learning 120 basic signs may enable more inclusive and equitable customer interactions. This may improve customer satisfaction and loyalty for an organization.

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Volunteer Coordinator

A volunteer coordinator works with various volunteers. Some of these volunteers may be deaf or hard of hearing. This course in American Sign Language may help a volunteer coordinator better communicate with their volunteers. This course teaches one hundred and twenty essential signs. This can help a volunteer coordinator create a more inclusive and accessible environment. The course’s focus on testing both signing and recognition skills may lead to confident and effective communication.

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Camp Counselor

A camp counselor is in a position to work with children of diverse backgrounds. Some of these children may be deaf or hard of hearing. This course may help a camp counselor who wants to communicate more effectively with the children they supervise. This course systematically teaches one hundred and twenty basic signs. This may make a camp counselor better able to connect with and assist children with hearing impairments. The course may help a camp counselor provide a more inclusive environment.

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Librarian

A librarian engages with diverse members of the community. Some of these members may be deaf or hard of hearing. This course in American Sign Language may help a librarian who wants to better serve the needs of all members of the community. This course offers a systematic and structured approach to learning many basic signs. This may help a librarian to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all patrons. The course's testing and review could help make the librarian more confident.

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Translator

A translator typically works with written language, but may also work in other fields. This course in American Sign Language may be helpful to a translator looking to broaden their skill set to include non-spoken languages. This course teaches 120 essential signs and may help build a foundation for more advanced work with sign language. A translator with knowledge of ASL may be better able to translate for a wider community. This may help them diversify their professional profile.

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Tutor

A tutor might work with different students, some who may have hearing impairments. This course in American Sign Language may help a tutor who wants to better assist their students. This course teaches basic signs that may enable better communication between a tutor and their deaf students. The course also tests sign comprehension and recognition which is valuable for more effective tutoring. This may help a tutor create a more inclusive and effective learning environment.

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Tour Guide

A tour guide interacts with people from all walks of life, and some of these individuals may be deaf or hard of hearing. This course in American Sign Language may be valuable for a tour guide that wants to be more inclusive and offer everyone better access to their tours. This course provides a structured approach to learning one hundred and twenty fundamental signs. This may empower a tour guide to better address the needs of a diverse audience. This may make a tour guide a more effective and compassionate communicator.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in ASL | Second 120 Basic Signs | American Sign Language.

The American Sign Language Handshape Flash Cards

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This dictionary focuses on handshapes, a fundamental element of ASL. It provides detailed illustrations and explanations of various handshapes used in ASL signs. Reviewing this book will help students master the correct hand formations, leading to clearer and more accurate signing. It useful reference for beginners and intermediate learners alike.

The American Sign Language Handshape Flash Cards...

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Putting Knowledge to Work

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Widely used textbook for introductory ASL courses. It provides a comprehensive introduction to ASL grammar, vocabulary, and culture. While the course focuses on 120 signs, 'Signing Naturally' offers a broader context and deeper understanding of ASL. It is more valuable as additional reading to supplement the course material.

Putting Knowledge to Work

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Putting Knowledge to Work

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Second 120 Basic Signs | American Sign Language

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Effective beginner asl basic sign learning

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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