Lesson Plan: Basic Sign Language - Review
Objective:
Students will review and practice American Sign Language (ASL) signs for common words and phrases related to daily activities, actions, personal pronouns, and transportation.
Vocabulary Organized by Category:
1. Actions
Walk
Sign Description: Hold both hands flat with palms facing down. Move them alternately as if your hands are the legs walking.
Hike
Sign Description: Use both hands, similar to "walk," but with a bent "3" handshape (thumb, index, and middle finger extended). Move hands alternately in front of your body as if you're hiking.
Run
Sign Description: Hook the index finger of your dominant hand around the thumb of your non-dominant hand. Extend both index fingers forward, and move your dominant hand as if it's running.
Jump
Sign Description: Use your non-dominant hand flat as the "ground," and your dominant hand as a "person" in a bent "V" shape (index and middle fingers). Bounce the "V" hand up and down as if the person is jumping.
Eat
Sign Description: Bring your hand in a flat "O" shape (fingertips touching) to your mouth repeatedly, as if you're placing food in your mouth.
Play
Sign Description: Form "Y" shapes with both hands (thumb and pinky extended, other fingers folded). Shake both "Y" hands side to side near the shoulders.
Hurry
Sign Description: Form an "H" handshape (index and middle fingers extended together). Shake both hands slightly outward and away from your body.
Late
Sign Description: Hold your dominant hand palm facing down and sweep it backward past your hip in a "swinging" motion.
2. Pronouns
They
Sign Description: Point to a group of people to your side (without looking at them) using an index finger. Sweep your hand outward.
Them
Sign Description: Similar to "they," but the movement is directed more specifically toward individuals in a group, using a slightly curved hand.
Their
Sign Description: Use a flat hand and gesture outward toward a group of people as if "pushing" something toward them. Your hand should be palm out and moving from left to right.
He/She
Sign Description: Point with your index finger to the person you're referring to, or in their general direction. For "he," move the hand forward. For "she," move it slightly downward.
We
Sign Description: Use your dominant hand's index finger and touch your chest on one side, then move it to touch the other side of your chest.
3. Transportation
Car
Sign Description: Form both hands into fists and move them like you're holding and turning a steering wheel.
Bike
Sign Description: Make fists with both hands and mimic pedaling in a circular motion in front of you, as if your fists are the pedals of a bike.
4. Phrases
See You Later
Sign Description:
"See": Use your dominant hand in a "V" shape, place your index and middle fingers near your eyes, and move the hand away.
"Later": Form an "L" with your dominant hand and point it forward in a slight downward arc.
Let's Go
Sign Description: Hold both hands open with palms facing up, then bring them together as if you're "gathering" something.
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., "eat," "play") and build up to more complex ones (e.g., "see you later," "hike").
Activity 2: Word Practice
Objective: Students will practice signing 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: Sign Language Charades
Objective: Enhance students' retention by having them act out the signs.
Instructions: One student picks a word from a hat and signs it without speaking. The rest of the class guesses which word it is.