IN THIS COURSE, we’re going to boost your vocabulary skills in American Sign Language (ASL). You’ll learn a total of sixty (60) vocabulary words and be tested on what you've learned. The words are divided into six (6) groups and further sectioned into antonym word pairs. We'll learn each sign step by step and review what we’ve learned in each group as we progress. At the end, there are multiple tests covering all words from all word groups. We’ll test your ability to sign the words and understand what the instructor is signing to you.

*** This course is designed to INCLUDE complete beginners without any prior knowledge of ASL. Previous ASL skills are welcome but NOT required.

IN THIS COURSE:

• Students will learn sixty (60) vocabulary words individually, step by step

• Groups 1-2 words: ABOVE, BELOW, ADD, SUBTRACT, ALIVE, DEAD, ALL, NONE, ARRIVE, LEAVE, BEST, WORST, BUSY, IDLE, CAREFUL, CARELESS, CORRECT, INCORRECT, DEFEND, ATTACK

• Groups 3-4 words: EARLY, LATE, FREEDOM, SLAVERY, FRIEND, ENEMY, GENEROUS, SELFISH, HARD, SOFT, HELLO, GOODBYE, IMPOSSIBLE, POSSIBLE, KID, ADULT, LAUGH, CRY, LOUD, QUIET

• Groups 5-6 words: MARRY, DIVORCE, NIGHT, DAY, PEACE, WAR, PROBLEM, SOLUTION, RICH, POOR, SAME, DIFFERENT, SHOW, HIDE, START, END, SUCCESS, FAILURE, TERRIBLE, WONDERFUL

• Each individual sign will be taught step by step to ensure comprehension, correct hand shape, and hand position

• Students will be repeatedly tested on their ability to sign and recognize ALL material taught in the course

AFTER TAKING THIS COURSE:

• Students will know how to sign (60) essential vocabulary words in ASL

• Students will be able to recognize and understand all vocabulary words in the course

• Students will understand the mechanics of each sign taught in the course

• Students will feel more confident as they continue their journey of ASL improvement

QUESTIONS:

What is the main focus of this course?

• This course focuses on using antonym word pairs to increase essential vocabulary skills in American Sign Language (ASL). Students will learn, review, and be tested on ALL vocabulary that is taught throughout the course.

Do I need to have prior knowledge or experience with ASL before taking this class?

• No. This course is designed for complete beginners without any prior knowledge of ASL. All necessary signs are taught step by step in the course.

Will this course test me on what is taught?

• Yes. This course contains multiple sections of review and testing where you have the opportunity to demonstrate your ASL signing and recognition skills.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:

• Hello! My name is Michael. When I was three years old, my younger brother became sick with spinal meningitis. In the process, my brother became deaf with an almost complete hearing loss. This difficult situation provided a unique opportunity for my family and I to become fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). Unlike some deaf children, my brother was not sent away to a deaf or hard of hearing school. He grew up with us, his hearing family, and we were active in the deaf community.

• As a police officer and federal investigator, I often used ASL to communicate with and interpret for witnesses, victims, and perpetrators. I decided to create ASL courses because it’s a useful and practical skill to have. Like learning any language, it opens your mind and creates the ability to communicate with a whole new group of people.