IN THIS COURSE, we’re going to focus on signing common vocabulary and sentences in American Sign Language (ASL). We’ll see how English sentences are signed in ASL and learn each vocabulary word individually. Then, we’ll put the words back together and sign the complete sentence. We’ll go even further and learn extra vocabulary words to replace words in the original sentence. Along the way, we’ll do lots of review to guarantee your ability to sign correctly and understand what is signed 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 to sign twenty-eight (28) words in ASL: ALRIGHT, ANNOYED, BABY, BATHROOM, BOSS, CAR, CHURCH, COUCH, DOCTOR, FEEL, FORK, FRIEND, HAVE, HOSPITAL, HOTEL, I, LONELY, LOUSY, MEET, NEIGHBOR, NERVOUS, PET, PRIEST, SCHOOL, WE, WHERE, YESTERDAY, YOUR.

• Students will learn to sign twenty (20) complete sentences in ASL including correct facial expressions and head movements for “YES/NO” and “WH” questions.

• Students will race a timer to help improve their proficiency as they sign vocabulary words and complete sentences.

• Students will see English sentences translated into ASL using ASL grammar rules.

• Students will learn signs individually to ensure comprehension, correct hand shape, and hand position.

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

AFTER TAKING THIS COURSE:

• Students will be able to sign and understand common, everyday ASL vocabulary, statements, and questions.

• Students will have learned how to sign twenty-eight (28) words and twenty (20) complete sentences in ASL.

• Students will have a strong understanding of how to communicate “YES/NO” and “WH” questions.

• Students will feel more confident as they continue improving their ASL skills.

QUESTIONS:

What is the main focus of this course?

• This course focuses on learning the necessary skills to sign common ASL vocabulary, statements, and questions. Students will learn useful words, sign complete sentences, and communicate questions in ASL with correct facial expressions.

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 review and testing sections where students have the opportunity to demonstrate their 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.