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Able Lingo ASL

You’ll learn each individual sign step by step with clear explanations and examples of hand shape formation. The signs will be combined to form phrases, sentences, and questions. Along the way, we’ll experiment with extra vocabulary and practice switching between statements and questions. You’ll begin signing immediately and get lots of hands-on practice. There are multiple testing and review sections to guarantee improvement of your signing and recognition skills.

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

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You’ll learn each individual sign step by step with clear explanations and examples of hand shape formation. The signs will be combined to form phrases, sentences, and questions. Along the way, we’ll experiment with extra vocabulary and practice switching between statements and questions. You’ll begin signing immediately and get lots of hands-on practice. There are multiple testing and review sections to guarantee improvement of your signing and recognition skills.

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

  • Students will begin signing immediately with clear, step by step instructions of hand shape and hand placement.

  • Students will learn correct facial expressions for asking “YES/NO” and “Wh” questions in American Sign Language.

  • Students will get lots of practice using appropriate facial expressions to ensure clear ASL communication.

  • Students will race a timer to improve proficiency as they review essential phrases and complete sentences.

  • Students will see English sentences translated into ASL using ASL grammar rules.

  • Students will learn signs individually to ensure comprehension, correct hand shape, and hand position.

  • Students will be tested on their ability to sign and recognize material taught in the lessons.

  • Students will be able to appropriately switch between statements and questions.

  • Students will be confident using facial expressions to boost their communication.

  • Students will be more proficient as they continue improving their ASL skills.

  • QUESTIONS:

    What is the main focus of this course?

    • This course focuses on learning to sign and understand useful phrases and expressions commonly used in parent/child environments. Students will learn useful phrases, sign complete sentences, and communicate questions in ASL with appropriate facial expressions.

    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). Unlike some deaf children, 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.

  • Enroll now

    What's inside

    Learning objectives

    • Students will learn how to sign and understand essential parent and child phrases, expressions, and questions.
    • Students will begin signing immediately with clear, step by step instructions of hand shape and hand placement.
    • Students will learn correct facial expressions for asking “yes/no” and “wh” questions in american sign language.
    • Students will get lots of practice using appropriate facial expressions to ensure clear asl communication.
    • Students will race a timer to improve proficiency as they review essential phrases and complete sentences.
    • Students will see english sentences translated into asl using asl grammar rules.

    Syllabus

    Introduction
    Group 1 Baby & Child Phrases
    Explore - Group 1 Phrases
    Learn - Yes. That’s good. No. That’s bad.
    Read more
    Learn - I like it. I don’t like it.
    Learn - I understand. I don’t understand.
    Learn - Thank you. You’re welcome.
    Learn - All done. Are you finished?
    Learn - Are you crying? Are you sad?
    Learn - Are you hungry? Do you want to eat?
    Learn - Are you tired? Do you want to sleep?
    Review Group 1 Phrases
    Practice - Group 1 Phrases
    Sign - Group 1 Phrases ⏲ 5s
    Understand - Group 1 Phrases
    Group 2 Baby & Child Phrases
    Explore - Group 2 Phrases
    Learn - Be gentle. Be nice.
    Learn - Time to clean up. Put away the toys.
    Learn - Come to Mommy. Come to Daddy.
    Did you hit your brother?
    Drink your milk. Eat your apple.
    Do you want more food?
    Learn - Don’t bite. Don’t hit.
    Hey. Pay attention to me.
    Review Group 2 Phrases
    Sign - Group 2 Phrases ⏲ 5s
    Understand - Group 2 Phrases
    Group 3 Baby & Child Phrases
    Explore - Group 3 Phrases
    Learn - Please pay attention to Grandpa.
    Learn - ILY. Mommy loves you.
    Learn - It’s naptime. It’s bedtime.
    Learn - Sorry. I’m busy right now.
    Learn - Stop! Sit down! Play nice!
    Learn - That’s hot. Don’t touch it.
    Learn - Wait. You have to be patient.
    Learn - Are you okay? Where does it hurt?
    Review Group 3 Phrases
    Sign - Group 3 Phrases ⏲ 5s
    Understand - Group 3 Phrases
    Review ALL Baby & Child Phrases
    Practice - Testing All Phrases
    Sign - All Phrases ⏲ 5s
    Understand - All Phrases
    Conclusion
    Conclusion & Thank You
    Bonus Lecture

    Good to know

    Know what's good
    , what to watch for
    , and possible dealbreakers
    Focuses on practical phrases and expressions used in parent-child interactions, which is helpful for immediate communication
    Starts with step-by-step instructions on hand shapes and placement, which builds a strong foundation for learning ASL
    Provides an introduction to ASL grammar rules and facial expressions, which are essential for clear and effective communication
    Includes review and testing sections to reinforce learning and assess comprehension of signing and recognition skills
    Emphasizes hands-on practice and visual learning through demonstrations of hand shapes and ASL grammar, which enhances retention
    Incorporates timed practice sessions to improve signing speed and fluency, which builds confidence in ASL communication

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    Save ASL | Useful Parent & Child Phrases | American Sign Language to your list so you can find it easily later:
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    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 | Useful Parent & Child Phrases | American Sign Language with these activities:
    Review Basic Fingerspelling
    Familiarize yourself with the ASL alphabet to improve comprehension of fingerspelled words, which can supplement signed phrases.
    Show steps
    • Watch a video demonstrating the ASL alphabet.
    • Practice fingerspelling your name and common words.
    • Quiz yourself on recognizing fingerspelled letters.
    Explore 'Signing Time!' Series
    Enhance your understanding of parent-child communication in ASL through a fun and engaging resource.
    View The Child Eater on Amazon
    Show steps
    • Find 'Signing Time!' resources (books, videos, etc.).
    • Watch or read the materials, focusing on parent-child interactions.
    • Practice the signs and phrases with a child or another learner.
    Read 'The Joy of Signing'
    Expand your ASL vocabulary and understanding of grammar beyond the specific phrases taught in the course.
    Show steps
    • Obtain a copy of 'The Joy of Signing'.
    • Review the introductory chapters on ASL grammar and culture.
    • Practice signing new vocabulary words from the book.
    Four other activities
    Expand to see all activities and additional details
    Show all seven activities
    Create Flashcards for Phrases
    Reinforce your memory of the phrases learned in the course by creating physical or digital flashcards.
    Show steps
    • Write each phrase on one side of a flashcard.
    • Draw or find an image representing the sign on the other side.
    • Review the flashcards regularly to improve recall.
    Practice with a Study Partner
    Improve your signing fluency and comprehension by practicing with a friend or fellow student.
    Show steps
    • Find a study partner who is also learning ASL.
    • Take turns signing phrases and interpreting each other.
    • Provide constructive feedback on each other's signing.
    Record Yourself Signing
    Analyze your signing technique and identify areas for improvement by recording and reviewing yourself.
    Show steps
    • Record yourself signing the phrases learned in the course.
    • Watch the recording and evaluate your handshapes, movements, and facial expressions.
    • Identify areas where you can improve your signing.
    Volunteer at a Deaf Event
    Immerse yourself in the Deaf community and practice your ASL skills in a real-world setting.
    Show steps
    • Research local Deaf events or organizations.
    • Contact the organization and offer your volunteer services.
    • Attend the event and interact with Deaf individuals using ASL.

    Career center

    Learners who complete ASL | Useful Parent & Child Phrases | 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, often in a variety of settings. This course, which focuses on American Sign Language, provides a foundation in the vocabulary and grammar of ASL. This includes practical applications such as parent/child phrases and the use of facial expressions, which are crucial for conveying the nuances of ASL. The course's emphasis on learning signs step-by-step and practicing through timed reviews helps build the core skills needed for accurate and effective interpretation. Those interested in becoming a sign language interpreter should take this course because it presents a targeted focus on ASL grammar and vocabulary pertinent to daily conversation, which is critical for developing competence as an interpreter.
    Special Education Teacher
    Special education teachers often work with students who have diverse learning needs, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. This course can be useful for educators as it teaches how to use American Sign Language, especially useful phrases and expressions, to communicate with young learners. The focus on parent/child phrases and questions is particularly relevant, as is the practice in using facial expressions to ensure clear communication. The course ensures that learners can translate English into ASL, which will be useful to teachers who need to present subject matter in ASL. For an educator looking to grow their skillset, this course provides an introduction to the language and also offers an immediate opportunity to put it into practice.
    Early Childhood Educator
    Early childhood educators often work with young children at a critical stage of language development. This course, with its focus on American Sign Language phrases used between parents and children, will be very helpful to those who work in early childhood education. The course's design to teach step by step and provide hands-on practice will assist educators to learn the fundamentals of ASL. The emphasis on facial expressions and practice switching between statements and questions will support the educator in developing clear communication skills. Educators should take this course to broaden their capability to engage with nonverbal children, or children with hearing impairments.
    Childcare Provider
    Childcare providers are responsible for the care and development of young children, requiring them to communicate effectively with nonverbal children. The course, which concentrates on American Sign Language and common phrases used between parents and children, will help child care providers. The course's step-by-step methodology will provide a solid basis for understanding new vocabulary. Practicing with statements, questions, and facial expressions will help child care providers to become more confident communicators. A childcare provider should take this course because it will help them to communicate with the children in their care using ASL.
    Family Support Specialist
    Family support specialists work with families to provide resources and support, and may encounter situations where communication with deaf or hard of hearing family members is necessary. This course, focusing on American Sign Language, offers training in the vocabulary of daily interactions, particularly useful phrases between parents and children. The course also emphasizes use of facial expressions, which are critical for clear communication in ASL. The practical applications of ASL, including the ability to switch between statements and questions, will be beneficial to working with families. This course may be useful to a family support specialist as it introduces them to ASL and provides real world applications.
    Speech-Language Pathologist
    Speech language pathologists assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders. This course can be valuable for any speech language pathologist who would like to learn American Sign Language and work with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The course focuses on establishing phrases and questions commonly used by parents and children and provides instruction on hand shape formation. The inclusion of testing and timed review sections helps reinforce learning, which is helpful for a professional tasked with helping others. A speech language pathologist should take this course if they want to gain fundamental knowledge of ASL and provide sign language for their patients.
    Social Worker
    Social workers often interact with diverse populations, and may encounter clients who are deaf or hard of hearing. This course may be useful for a social worker as it provides a foundation in American Sign Language and how to use it with parents and children. The understanding of appropriate facial expressions and how to ask questions using ASL will allow the social worker to communicate more effectively. The course’s introduction to sentence structure and grammar of ASL is also invaluable to someone who will be interacting with the deaf community. Social workers looking to create a more equitable experience for their clients may benefit from this course.
    Pediatric Nurse
    Pediatric nurses often interact with children of all ages, some of whom may be deaf or hard of hearing. This course, which provides an introduction to American Sign Language, may be useful for a pediatric nurse. The focus on parent and child phrases will be especially relevant. The course’s emphasis on using facial expressions for questions when using ASL will help pediatric nurses communicate with their patients and their families. The course focuses on the kind of interaction that a pediatric nurse may encounter. This course may be useful to pediatric nurses who want to expand their communication skills.
    Recreational Therapist
    Recreational therapists use activities to help patients recover and develop skills. This course, which teaches American Sign Language, may be useful to a recreational therapist, especially one working with children. The material in this course provides a starting point for building communication with those who are deaf or hard of hearing. The emphasis on parent/child phrases will be useful for working with children. The course includes review and testing to ensure improvement of learned skills. This course can help recreational therapists to include more people in recreational therapy and provide better outcomes.
    Librarian
    Librarians serve a diverse community, and sometimes this includes members of the deaf and hard-of-hearing population. This course, focusing on American Sign Language, may be useful to librarians who wish to create a more inclusive environment. The course begins with vocabulary for parents and children, and also teaches how to form questions and sentences in ASL. Practicing these skills using a timer helps the learner gain proficiency. Librarians who want to communicate with more members of the community may find this course to be a good foundation in ASL.
    Behavioral Therapist
    Behavioral therapists work with individuals to address behavioral challenges, sometimes focusing on children. This course, as it teaches American Sign Language, may be useful for a behavioral therapist who wants to communicate with deaf or hard-of-hearing clients. The focus on parent and child phrases will be especially helpful for therapists who work with children. The course includes practice with appropriate facial expressions, which will improve communication. A behavioral therapist should take this course as it provides the fundamentals of ASL and provides examples in daily settings.
    Customer Service Representative
    Customer service representatives must be able to communicate with a wide variety of people, sometimes including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. This course, focused on American Sign Language, may be useful for customer service representatives who want to communicate with more of their clientele. By learning ASL, the representative can be more effective and responsive. The course moves from individual signs to complete phrases and sentences, ensuring a solid foundation of ASL. The inclusion of practice and review provides a way for the representative to improve their skills. This course may be useful to a customer service representative as it introduces them to the language of the deaf community.
    Camp Counselor
    Camp counselors work with children of different ages, and sometimes will need to communicate with those who use sign language. This course, which introduces American Sign Language, may be useful for a camp counselor. The course includes learning useful phrases which can be used in a care setting. The course stresses the importance of facial expressions for clear communication in ASL. The course tests the learner on their sign recognition and recall, which will aid the camp counselor as they work. A camp counselor may find this course useful as it helps them to open their communication skills to a wider range of campers.
    Volunteer Coordinator
    Volunteer coordinators work with diverse groups, and may find this course useful as it introduces American Sign Language. This is because they may need to communicate with those who use sign language. The course emphasizes the use of facial expressions, which is critical for clear communication in ASL. This course focuses on parent and child phrases, which may be relevant to their work. Learning the basics of ASL may be helpful to a volunteer coordinator, and this course may be useful in this context.
    Translator
    Translators convert written or spoken language from one language to another. While the primary focus here is for written work, a translator who has a foundation in American Sign Language may find this course helpful for expanding their ability to convert ASL to English and vice versa. The course provides the basic grammatical and syntactical foundations of ASL, as well as vocabulary that is useful in typical conversations. The student is required to develop skills in understanding ASL and also in producing it. A translator who works in verbal media may find this course may be useful in expanding their skill set.

    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 | Useful Parent & Child Phrases | American Sign Language.
    The 'Signing Time!' series is specifically designed for teaching sign language to children and their parents. It uses engaging visuals and songs to make learning fun and accessible. This series directly complements the course's focus on parent-child phrases and provides a wealth of additional vocabulary and signing practice.
    Comprehensive guide to American Sign Language, covering a wide range of vocabulary and grammar. It provides a strong foundation for understanding ASL structure and expands upon the phrases learned in the course. While not specifically focused on parent-child communication, it offers valuable context and additional signs.

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