ASL language is a great language course option for homeschooling and students. We’ll discuss the best resources for learning ASL colors and alphabet and more! FREE asl alphabet flashcards that will help you teach American Sign Language even if you don’t know ASL. Great resources, tips, lessons and videos for American Sign Language for preschool and up (and even ASL for babies)!
ASL Language Learning For Kids
Learning how to teach my child sign language when you don’t know the language is actually easier than you think!
How do I teach my child sign language?
How do you introduce sign language to a child:
- Use ASL flashcards for short lessons
- Sign to songs
- Learn a few signs (and sign language basics) and practice those first
- Use online ASL videos (or ASL DVDs)
- Speak when you are signing the words
- Read books that show the sign for the words
- Take an online ASL class
- Practice sign language words for beginners when doing everyday tasks
- Use an ASL chart to give a visual
- Join a sign language group
- Watch shows with interpreters
- Find a fun ASL app (search American Sign Language translator app online)
- Practice regularly and find fun activities for teaching American Sign Language
(Don’t miss the free American Sign Language for kids printable flashcards below!)
At what age can a child learn sign language?
A child can be taught American Sign Language as early as two years old (and earlier in some cases). It’s not difficult to teach a toddler ASL, especially if you do it on a daily basis with fun ASL activities, games, songs and stories.
Hearing parents are sometimes apprehensive about teaching their children sign language, thinking it might be too difficult for them to learn or that they might confuse American Sign Language with gestures and signs they already use such as “bye-bye” or “please” while speaking English.
A lot of hearing parents think their kids are too young to pick up sign language and they should wait until the children are older, but even babies can learn ASL words to help them communicate.
Is it easy for kids to learn ASL?
It’s actually very easy for kids to learn ASL. It all depends on the age of your child, how much attention you invest in learning American Sign language with your kids, and if your kids have an interest in learning ASL.
If kids are 3 or 4 years old already showing an interest, the best way to get started is by creating a fun environment for them to learn. Find a book that has pictures of that your child likes, buy or make flash cards and be creative about how to get them excited for learning.
Best Resources for Learning ASL
There are many resources available to learn American Sign Language at home with your kids!
Resource #1: ASL Online Classes
Online classes for sign language are great for kids because they can hear and see an ASL teacher as they are learning.
Try:
(*We actually use Wondrium, previously Great Courses Plus, for a ton of different homeschool learning. It’s super affordable for a variety of classes and documentaries. You can read our review about Wondrium here.)
Resource #2: American Sign Language Translator
I love this free online text to sign language translator because you can type in the text you want to say and it gives you the sign language pictures that spell the words.
It’s also a fun way for kids to see their names spelled in sign language (or if you’re looking to spell a specific word).
USE THE ONLINE TRANSLATOR HERE
Resource #3: Sign Language Hand Chart
Posting a sign language handshape chart in your playroom, homeschool room, or any area where your kids will see it regularly will help them get used to the signs and remember them.
(And, may even inspire them to use the signs during the day!)
Resource #4: ASL Reference Guide
An ASL Reference Guide is good for older kids because it has quick study tips. It’s in a laminated chart form that they can put in their school binders to reference as needed.
GET AN ASL REFERENCE GUIDE HERE
Resource #5: ASL Apps
There are many different ASL apps. Be sure to search the internet for apps for American Sign Language that fit your device!
Here are some to get you started:
- The ASL app (Android and iOS)
- ASL American Sign Language(Android and iOS)
- My Smart Hands Baby Sign Language Dictionary (iOS)
Resource #6: ASL Shows for Kids and ASL Videos
These videos and shows about sign language are fun for kids and give them experience with signing:
Resource #7: ASL Books
Here are good ASL books — sign language books for preschoolers and up!
Resource #8: ASL Flashcards
ASL flash cards are a fun and effective way to learn American Sign Language because kids of all ages can play with them (or even quiz themselves!).
GET BASIC VOCABULARY ASL FLASHCARDS
Don’t miss our FREE ASL flash cards for alphabet and numbers below!
ASL For Babies
Why do parents use baby sign language?
American Sign Language is considered one of the most effective languages for teaching children at home, especially babies who don’t yet have the words to communicate. American Sign Language is used by literacy experts, teachers and parents to develop communication skills in their kids. ASL teaches the child how to sign and also allows them to learn basic reading and writing skills as they become older.
Children learn language through a variety of means, such as audio-visual stimulation, social interaction and play. Learning a new language, like ASL, can be fun if done in an entertaining way through games, songs, and stories… even for babies!
What age can you teach baby sign language?
A good age to start teaching a baby sign language is around 8-12 months, or when they start showing interest in what you’re doing. ASL language learning for kids is an activity that any family can do at home to enjoy and have fun. ASL (American Sign Language) is a wonderful way of communicating with your child by using hand movements, facial expressions, and body gestures to convey the message.
Signing Resources for Babies
Free Printable ASL Flash Cards Printable
CLICK TO GET THE FREE PRINTABLE SIGN LANGUAGE CHARTS FLASH CARDS
ASL is something kids will use their entire life so it’s definitely worth the time and effort you put into teaching them how to sign!
DO YOU INCLUDE ASL LANGUAGE IN LEARNING?
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