In this class, learners will learn to form the handshapes of the American Sign Language alphabet. A solid foundation in the manual alphabet (that's ABC's on the hands) is essential in learning to communicate in ASL. While learning the alphabet is necessary, it can also feel time consuming and monotonous. After all, your learner is excited to dive into ASL communicate with real signs, not by fingerspelling every word. As an avid language learner myself, I empathize with these sentiments, but also understand the value and necessity of learning the basics. For this reason, I combine the task of learning the manual alphabet with the learning of complete signs in a way that appeals to student's desire to jump into vocabulary, but also get a handle of the basics. Your student will learn not only the handshapes for each letter, but the several vocabulary signs that correspond with that particular handshape. Learning signs that pertain to each letter will aid in the retention of the manual alphabet's handshapes, serving as point of reference when students can't recall a specific letter. For instance, the letters "H" and "U" somewhat resemble each other in ASL, but learning signs that accompany the letters, "horse" and "uncle" will help students to differentiate between the two.  

This class provides 4 weeks' worth of material, but if purchased upfront, students can complete the course in less than four weeks. The first three weeks will consist of learning the handshapes for the manual alphabet, and the last week will focus on review. Each week will also conclude with a short reviewing activity which may include, Kahoot's, or rapid fingerspelling challenges found on YouTube. Please see below for the weekly breakdown for this course. Remember that students can complete this course in less than the allotted time if paid for upfront.

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Weekly Breakdown

Week 1 - Students will learn the basic rules of ASL fingerspelling and the fingerspelled alphabet from "A" to "H" along with signs corresponding to each letter handshape. Students will review with an interactive activity or challenge.

Week 2 - Students will learn the third set of fingerspelled letters from "I" to "P" along with signs corresponding to each letter handshape.  Students will review with an interactive activity or challenge.
Week 3 - We will learn the last set of letters from "Q" to "Z" along with signs corresponding to each letter handshape. Students will review with an interactive activity or challenge.

Week 4 - Students will play engage in several review activities to conclude the and reinforce their knowledge of the manual alphabet. These games will include rapid fingerspelling reading challenges, and Kahoot's.
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*Please Note* This class can stand as a prerequisite to my ASL Game Time classes.