ASL Basics: Learn your ABCs and Alphabet Song! Beginner Friendly (Ages 7-12)

This is an introductory beginner class. No prior ASL knowledge needed. 

In this one-time 30-minute class students will learn the alphabet in ASL! This is a fun and interactive class that will have learners engaged and work and retain their skills and knowledge of the ASL letters. Learners will interact with peers and the teacher, showing the correct letter sign being given and games to help with knowledge fluency. 

What to expect in class and in what order:
1) I will teach them the ABCs.  They will learn beneficial details while signing their ABCs, such as needing to keep their hand as still as possible when signing and the difference between signing with your left or right hand
2) We will play either “Simon Says” using letters. Example: Simon says “show me the letter K” or play a game of “Guess that Sign” where I will sign a letter and students will have to guess the letter
3) We will learn and sing the ASL alphabet song. If there is time we will learn the last section of the song “now I know my ABC’s next time wont you sing with me” 

I am so excited to be teaching this class and cannot wait to learn with your child!

🧠Why learn ASL? Benefits of Learning American Sign Language 
•Develops gross and fine motor skills
•Foster early language development
•Assists with letter recognition
•Helps build vocabulary
•Promotes better awareness and sensitivity to the deaf and hard of hearing community
•Develops focus and concentration 
•Boosts self-confidence
•Supports letter and word recall
•Strengthen memory and problem-solving skills 
•Strengthen teacher/caregiver bonding
•Fosters a love of learning

📓Class policy: Since ASL is a visual language each student must have their camera on during this class so that I can help them with the correct hand forms and locations, this is an essential part of learning in this course. Students will also be engaging and practicing their ASL signs and their hands must be seen for this.

Additional Notes: 
Many signs have multiple versions, similar to regional words in English. In this class, I will teach the versions that I was taught, but you may see a different sign for the same word in classes with other teachers.
While I have significant knowledge of ASL, I am a part of the hearing community and have different experiences than those of the deaf community. If you are seeking a truly immersive ASL learning experience, I highly encourage you to learn with Deaf teachers on Outschool or in your community.