ASL | First 500+ Basic Signs | American Sign Language
The 500+ signs are divided into the following fourteen (14) useful categories:
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The 500+ signs are divided into the following fourteen (14) useful categories:
The 500+ signs are divided into the following fourteen (14) useful categories:
Starter Signs (32)
Family Signs (40)
Emotion Signs (40)
Color Signs (30)
Home Signs (40)
Personality Signs (40)
Question Signs (20)
Verb Signs (50)
Common Things (40)
Place Signs (50)
Time Signs (52)
Occupation Signs (50)
Number Signs (#s 0-100)
Food Signs (50)
WITHIN each category, you’ll learn the signs in groups of ten. Each vocabulary sign is taught individually in its own video lesson. We’ll thoroughly explore handshape, hand position, and hand motion for each sign.
AFTER you’ve learned ten signs, we’ll do a two-part review: 1) Signing 2) Understanding. We’ll repeat this cycle of learning ten signs + two part review until all of the signs in the category have been learned.
ONCE you’ve learned all of the signs in a category, we’ll have a nice, big, juicy test covering everything. Just like the review lessons, you’ll be tested in two parts: 1) Signing 2) Understanding. It’s a great opportunity to show off your new skills.
AFTER the big, juicy test, you’ll have fun signing dialogues using what you’ve already learned in the course. You’ll learn to combine signs to form complete questions, statements, and mini-dialogues.
This course is designed to INCLUDE beginners without any prior knowledge of ASL.
Students will learn handshape, hand position, and hand motion for each individual sign.
Students will be tested on their signing and understanding ability for all 500+ signs in the course.
Students will guarantee improvement with lots of practice, review, and comprehensive tests.
Students will learn to sign question and answer dialogues using vocabulary from the course.
Students will learn basic sentence structures which can be used over and over in unique contexts.
Students will be able to understand and recognize over five hundred (500+) signs.
Students will know how to correctly sign and understand YES/NO and WH questions in ASL.
Students will be able to use vocabulary and sentence structures to create their own ASL sentences.
Students will be more confident signing and understanding with other signers and the Deaf community.
QUESTIONS:
What is the main focus of this course?
This course focuses on learning many basic but essential signs in American Sign Language. After taking this course, students will be able to sign and understand over five hundred vocabulary signs, sign WH and YES/NO questions, create ASL statements and questions, and sign mini dialogues.
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 serve the Deaf community. 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.
Sign. Smile. Be Delighted.
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Students will learn how to sign and understand over five hundred (500+) basic signs in asl.
- Students will learn handshape, hand position, and hand movement for each individual vocabulary sign.
- Students will guarantee improvement with frequent practice and review lessons throughout the course.
- Students will be tested on their signing and understanding ability for all 500+ signs in the course.
- Students will learn basic sentence structures which can be used over and over in unique contexts.
- Students will learn to sign dialogues with yes/no and wh questions using signs learned in the course.
- Students will learn how to sign and understand over five hundred (500+) basic signs in asl.
- Students will learn handshape, hand position, and hand movement for each individual vocabulary sign.
- Students will guarantee improvement with frequent practice and review lessons throughout the course.
- Students will be tested on their signing and understanding ability for all 500+ signs in the course.
- Students will learn basic sentence structures which can be used over and over in unique contexts.
- Students will learn to sign dialogues with yes/no and wh questions using signs learned in the course.
Syllabus
Introduction
Course Introduction
ASL Tip - Lesson Format
Starter Signs 1
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Syllabus
Good to know
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Activities
Read and review 'ASL: The Deaf Way' by Bernard Bragg
Show steps
Gain a comprehensive understanding of ASL history and culture by reading this foundational text.
Show steps
-
Purchase or borrow a copy of the book.
-
Read and take notes on the chapters.
-
Reflect on the book's insights and apply them to your ASL learning.
-
Consider discussing the book with a mentor or in a study group.
Refine signing skills
Show steps
Practice and refine your signing skills before starting the course to enhance your proficiency in ASL.
Browse courses on
American Sign Language
Show steps
-
Review basic handshapes, hand positions, and hand movements.
-
Sign individual vocabulary signs.
-
Practice signing in front of a mirror or with a partner.
Seek guidance from experienced signers
Show steps
Connect with experienced signers who can provide valuable insights and support on your ASL learning journey.
Browse courses on
American Sign Language
Show steps
-
Identify Deaf or hard of hearing individuals in your community or online.
-
Approach them respectfully and express your interest in learning from their experiences.
-
Arrange regular meetings or conversations to receive guidance and feedback on your ASL skills.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Explore ASL online resources
Show steps
Complement course content by exploring online resources for additional ASL learning materials and tutorials.
Browse courses on
American Sign Language
Show steps
-
Search for reputable ASL websites or YouTube channels.
-
Identify tutorials that align with course topics.
-
Watch and follow the tutorials to reinforce your ASL skills.
5 Words a Day
Show steps
Practice and improve your vocabulary by learning 5 new signs each day.
Browse courses on
Vocabulary
Show steps
-
Choose 5 new signs to learn.
-
Write down the signs and their meanings.
-
Practice signing the words several times.
-
Test yourself by trying to sign the words without looking at your notes.
ASL Dialogue
Show steps
Create an ASL dialogue to practice your signing skills and improve your fluency.
Browse courses on
Conversation
Show steps
-
Choose a topic for your dialogue.
-
Write out the dialogue in English.
-
Translate the dialogue into ASL.
-
Practice signing the dialogue several times.
-
Record yourself signing the dialogue.
Participate in ASL signing groups
Show steps
Engage with other learners in ASL signing groups to practice conversation and improve your fluency.
Browse courses on
American Sign Language
Show steps
-
Locate ASL signing groups in your community or online.
-
Attend group meetings and participate in conversations.
-
Ask for feedback and provide support to other group members.
Engage in regular ASL practice
Show steps
Consistency is crucial for language acquisition. Dedicate time to regular ASL practice to enhance your fluency and retention of vocabulary.
Browse courses on
American Sign Language
Show steps
-
Allocate specific time slots for ASL practice each day.
-
Use online or offline resources for practice exercises.
-
Review previous lessons and practice signing the vocabulary.
-
Set realistic goals and track your progress.
Explore ASL grammar and sentence structure
Show steps
Understanding ASL grammar and sentence structure will enable you to construct meaningful and accurate ASL sentences.
Browse courses on
American Sign Language
Show steps
-
Review the rules of ASL grammar and sentence formation.
-
Practice forming ASL sentences using different grammar structures.
-
Analyze ASL dialogues and identify how grammar is used in context.
Create an ASL video presentation
Show steps
Apply your ASL skills by creating a video presentation that showcases your signing ability and understanding of course concepts.
Browse courses on
American Sign Language
Show steps
-
Choose a topic related to the course material.
-
Write a script for your presentation in ASL.
-
Practice signing your presentation multiple times.
-
Record and edit your video presentation.
-
Share your presentation with your instructor or classmates for feedback.
Read and review 'ASL: The Deaf Way' by Bernard Bragg
Show steps
Gain a comprehensive understanding of ASL history and culture by reading this foundational text.
Show steps
- Purchase or borrow a copy of the book.
- Read and take notes on the chapters.
- Reflect on the book's insights and apply them to your ASL learning.
- Consider discussing the book with a mentor or in a study group.
Refine signing skills
Show steps
Practice and refine your signing skills before starting the course to enhance your proficiency in ASL.
Browse courses on
American Sign Language
Show steps
- Review basic handshapes, hand positions, and hand movements.
- Sign individual vocabulary signs.
- Practice signing in front of a mirror or with a partner.
Seek guidance from experienced signers
Show steps
Connect with experienced signers who can provide valuable insights and support on your ASL learning journey.
Browse courses on
American Sign Language
Show steps
- Identify Deaf or hard of hearing individuals in your community or online.
- Approach them respectfully and express your interest in learning from their experiences.
- Arrange regular meetings or conversations to receive guidance and feedback on your ASL skills.
Explore ASL online resources
Show steps
Complement course content by exploring online resources for additional ASL learning materials and tutorials.
Browse courses on
American Sign Language
Show steps
- Search for reputable ASL websites or YouTube channels.
- Identify tutorials that align with course topics.
- Watch and follow the tutorials to reinforce your ASL skills.
5 Words a Day
Show steps
Practice and improve your vocabulary by learning 5 new signs each day.
Browse courses on
Vocabulary
Show steps
- Choose 5 new signs to learn.
- Write down the signs and their meanings.
- Practice signing the words several times.
- Test yourself by trying to sign the words without looking at your notes.
ASL Dialogue
Show steps
Create an ASL dialogue to practice your signing skills and improve your fluency.
Browse courses on
Conversation
Show steps
- Choose a topic for your dialogue.
- Write out the dialogue in English.
- Translate the dialogue into ASL.
- Practice signing the dialogue several times.
- Record yourself signing the dialogue.
Participate in ASL signing groups
Show steps
Engage with other learners in ASL signing groups to practice conversation and improve your fluency.
Browse courses on
American Sign Language
Show steps
- Locate ASL signing groups in your community or online.
- Attend group meetings and participate in conversations.
- Ask for feedback and provide support to other group members.
Engage in regular ASL practice
Show steps
Consistency is crucial for language acquisition. Dedicate time to regular ASL practice to enhance your fluency and retention of vocabulary.
Browse courses on
American Sign Language
Show steps
- Allocate specific time slots for ASL practice each day.
- Use online or offline resources for practice exercises.
- Review previous lessons and practice signing the vocabulary.
- Set realistic goals and track your progress.
Explore ASL grammar and sentence structure
Show steps
Understanding ASL grammar and sentence structure will enable you to construct meaningful and accurate ASL sentences.
Browse courses on
American Sign Language
Show steps
- Review the rules of ASL grammar and sentence formation.
- Practice forming ASL sentences using different grammar structures.
- Analyze ASL dialogues and identify how grammar is used in context.
Create an ASL video presentation
Show steps
Apply your ASL skills by creating a video presentation that showcases your signing ability and understanding of course concepts.
Browse courses on
American Sign Language
Show steps
- Choose a topic related to the course material.
- Write a script for your presentation in ASL.
- Practice signing your presentation multiple times.
- Record and edit your video presentation.
- Share your presentation with your instructor or classmates for feedback.
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