Lesson Plan: Basic Sign Language - School Vocabulary Review

Objective:

Students will review and practice American Sign Language (ASL) signs for common school-related words, including places, people, activities, and objects.

Vocabulary Organized by Category:

1. School Locations

  1. School

    • Sign Description: Clap your hands twice, one on top of the other, with palms facing each other as if signaling "school."

  2. Class

    • Sign Description: Form "C" shapes with both hands. Start with both hands in front of your chest, palms facing out, then bring them together to form a circle in front of you, as if you're outlining a group of people.

  3. Classroom

    • Sign Description: Start by signing "class" (using two "C" handshapes), then bring both hands together to form a rectangular shape (indicating the room), as if you're outlining the walls of the classroom.

  4. Library

    • Sign Description: Form an "L" with your dominant hand and make small circles in the air in front of you.

  5. Bathroom

    • Sign Description: Make a "T" shape (thumb between index and middle fingers), then shake your hand side to side near your body.

2. People in School

  1. Teacher

    • Sign Description: Form flat "O" shapes with both hands, place them near your forehead (indicating knowledge), then bring your hands down as if giving out information. After that, place your flat hands in front of you, palms down, to represent the person.

  2. Friend

    • Sign Description: Hook the index fingers of both hands together, then switch and hook them again in the opposite direction.

3. Activities in School

  1. Learn

    • Sign Description: Place your dominant hand flat on your non-dominant palm (like a book). Then, bring your dominant hand up to your forehead in a closed "O" shape, as if pulling information from a book to your head.

  2. Read

    • Sign Description: Hold your non-dominant hand flat as a "page." Use the "V" shape of your dominant hand to move your fingers downward as if you're scanning the page.

  3. Write

    • Sign Description: Use your dominant hand in a modified "X" shape (as if holding a pencil) and pretend to write on the palm of your non-dominant hand.

  4. Recess

    • Sign Description: Use both hands to make an "R" shape and gently move them in a downward arc away from the body.

  5. Break Time

    • Sign Description: Place the side of your dominant hand in the gap between the thumb and index finger of your non-dominant hand, like "breaking" something apart. Then, sign "time" by tapping your wrist as if wearing a watch.

  6. Question

    • Sign Description: Draw a question mark in the air with your index finger, starting with an upward motion and curving down.

  7. Answer

    • Sign Description: Point with both index fingers (dominant hand starting at your mouth), then move them both forward and down in a smooth motion, as if delivering an answer.

4. School Objects

  1. Computer

    • Sign Description: Form a "C" shape with your dominant hand and circle it around your forearm, mimicking typing on a computer.

  2. Pencil

    • Sign Description: Use your dominant hand to pretend to hold a pencil and bring it to your mouth (as if you're licking it) and then write on the palm of your non-dominant hand.

  3. Pen

    • Sign Description: Similar to "pencil," but without the motion to the mouth. Just pretend to write on the palm of your non-dominant hand.

  4. Lunch

    • Sign Description: Sign "eat" (bring a flat "O" shape to your mouth), followed by "noon" (place your dominant arm perpendicular over your non-dominant arm, with your non-dominant hand facing down).

Activity 1: Introduction & Warm-Up

  • Objective: Review the signs and make sure students are comfortable with each movement.

  • Instructions: The teacher will demonstrate each sign, asking students to mirror the actions. Start with simpler signs (e.g., "read," "write") and build up to more complex ones (e.g., "classroom," "question").

Activity 2: Word Practice

  • Objective: Students will practice singing the words to each other.

  • Instructions: Pair students up. Give them a set of flashcards with the vocabulary words. Each student takes turns signing the word, while the other guesses and then signs it back.

Activity 3: School Day Scenario

  • Objective: Reinforce vocabulary through a simulated school day.

  • Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Assign each group a scenario (e.g., going to class, going to lunch, answering a question in class). The groups will role-play using only ASL, acting out the vocabulary from the lesson.

Homework:

Students will create a short video signing at least 5 words from the lesson. They can choose words from any category and submit it for review.

This lesson plan, organized by category, will help students associate similar words and practice using the signs in real-world school situations.