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Course Description

Title: Introduction to American Sign Language (ASL): Communication Through Movement and Expression

Summary: This 6-week introductory ASL elective invites students in grades 4–8 to explore American Sign Language through games, movement, and creative activities. Each one-hour session introduces new vocabulary, signing techniques, and elements of Deaf culture in a fun, interactive environment designed for all learners—including those with dyslexia, ADHD, and related learning differences. The class emphasizes visual learning, communication, and self-expression through signing, without formal homework or assessments.

Intended Audience: Students in grades 4–8 who are curious about language, communication, and visual expression. This class welcomes beginners and encourages participation from students who enjoy hands-on, movement-based learning and peer interaction.

Prerequisites:

  • No prior ASL experience required.
  • Students should be comfortable participating in small group games and interactive activities.
  • A willingness to use facial expressions and body language as part of communication.

Learning Objectives (Based on Bloom’s 2005 Taxonomy)

Remember (Recall facts and basic concepts)

Students will be able to:

  • Recognize and recall ASL letters, numbers, and key vocabulary.
  • Identify basic conversational signs such as greetings, feelings, and family terms.
  • Recall etiquette and key facts about Deaf culture and communication norms.

Understand (Explain ideas or concepts)

Students will be able to:

  • Explain the importance of facial expression and body language in ASL.
  • Describe how ASL differs from English and why it is a complete language.
  • Summarize ways Deaf and hearing communities communicate effectively.

Apply (Use information in new situations)

Students will be able to:

  • Use ASL signs in short, real-life interactions (introductions, feelings, favorites).
  • Demonstrate ASL communication through skits, games, and partner activities.
  • Participate in group storytelling or expressive signing activities.

Analyze (Draw connections among ideas)

Students will be able to:

  • Compare spoken and signed communication.
  • Observe how visual-spatial language supports understanding and inclusion.
  • Recognize patterns in handshapes and movement that form categories of meaning.

Evaluate (Justify a decision or course of action)

Students will be able to:

  • Reflect on the importance of accessible communication and inclusion.
  • Discuss how learning ASL can help bridge communication differences.

Create (Produce original work)

Students will be able to:

  • Design and perform short ASL skits combining learned vocabulary.
  • Invent new ways to communicate emotions or ideas through sign.
  • Demonstrate expressive storytelling using signs, gestures, and facial expressions.

Concepts Covered

Foundational Concepts: ASL alphabet and fingerspelling, greetings, conversational basics, Deaf culture awareness. Core Concepts: Emotions and feelings, family and people, food and favorites, animals and nature, colors and descriptions. Extended Concepts: Expressive storytelling, skits, and signed dialogue.

Concepts Explicitly Excluded:

  • Advanced ASL grammar or sentence structure.
  • Formal assessment or graded performance.
  • Interpretation or translation between ASL and English.

Sample Class Activities (By Week)

  • Week 1: Silent Name Game & Fingerspelling Challenge
  • Week 2: Emotion Charades – signing how you feel
  • Week 3: Build-a-Family signing game
  • Week 4: ASL Café – ordering and signing favorite foods
  • Week 5: Animal Charades and storytelling
  • Week 6: Mini Showcase – perform a short ASL skit using learned signs

Optional Projects / Culminating Activities

Project Name: “My ASL Story” Description: Students create and perform a short, signed story using their favorite vocabulary. Skills Demonstrated: Visual communication, expressive signing, vocabulary application. Deliverable: Live performance or short recorded video of signed storytelling.

Project Name: “ASL in Action” Description: Students teach a friend or family member 5–10 ASL signs they’ve learned. Skills Demonstrated: Recall, explanation, and expressive use of ASL. Deliverable: Informal reflection or group share.