American Sign Language Chat Club

This on going class will give current American Sign Language students an opportunity to practice their skills in conversation with others.  Learners are not required to be my students to enter the class, as long as they are actively learning ASL and have a solid foundation in the language.

Very often, while learning this language, the emphasis is on the student learning how to produce the signs appropriately.  However, learning how to read other people who sign is just as valuable as learning how to sign.  This social club will give students that opportunity to improve their receptive skills while also practicing their expressive skills.  
 
CHAT CLUB will be learner-directed, as the conversation will depend upon each learner's skill level.  Each week, the room will be open to any ASL learners who wish to join us and practice their conversational skills.

The class format will be as follows:
Learners will be encouraged to be voice off as much as possible.
Learners will enter the class and introduce themselves in ASL, providing their first name and an interesting fact about themselves.  After introductions, I will provide a conversation starter, either through a short story or a question, or even a short video, and encourage the learners to discuss.  If necessary, we will utilize the break out rooms to create smaller groups of 2-3 students based upon skill level. I will assist with vocabulary words or techniques or just keep the conversation going as necessary.  It will also be a time to answer any language questions students may have.  This will be a casual environment, allowing the students to interact with each other as they are comfortable doing and improving their sign language skills.  

Conversation will remain age appropriate and respectful.