IN THIS COURSE, our goal is to learn to sign mini-dialogues in American Sign Language (ASL) like “YOU HANDSOME. SHE BEAUTIFUL. THEY WHO? SHE MY BEAUTIFUL AUNT. HE YOUR PARTNER.” To achieve this, we’ll learn family words, pronouns, adjectives for describing people, ASL grammar, and how to use the question word “who”. We’ll combine what we’ve learned to create phrases, complete sentences, questions, and mini-dialogues. Along the way, I’ll frequently test you to see if you’re able to sign correctly and understand what I’m signing.
*** This course is designed to INCLUDE complete beginners without any prior knowledge of ASL. Previous ASL skills are welcome but NOT required.
THE TARGET SIGN LANGUAGE SKILLS ARE:
Expanding vocabulary skills with twenty-four (24) family signs in ASL
Signing, recognizing, and understanding personal and possessive pronouns in ASL
Learning to correctly sign and recognize ten (10) adjectives for describing people
Learning correct ASL grammar and facial expressions for creating “WHO” questions
Signing and understanding phrases, sentences, questions, and dialogues in ASL
IN THIS COURSE:
Students will learn to sign twenty-four (24) family signs in ASL: FATHER, MOTHER, PARENTS, BROTHER, SISTER, DAUGHTER, SON, CHILDREN, KIDS, GRANDMA, GRANDPA, GRANDPARENTS, AUNT, UNCLE, FAMILY, GRANDSON, GRANDDAUGHTER, GRANDCHILDREN, HUSBAND, WIFE, PARTNER, COUSIN, NIECE, NEPHEW.
Students will learn to sign personal pronouns in ASL: I, YOU, HE/SHE, WE, THEY, YOU (plural)
Students will learn to sign possessive pronouns in ASL: MY, YOUR, HIS/HER, OUR, THEIR, YOUR (plural)
Students will learn to sign ten (10) adjectives for describing people: BEAUTIFUL, FAT, HANDSOME, OLD, PREGNANT, SHORT, SKINNY, TALL, UGLY, YOUNG
Students will learn correct ASL grammar and facial expressions for asking questions with WHO.
Students will learn to sign and understand phrases, sentences, questions, and dialogues.
Each individual sign will be taught step by step 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 including phrases, sentences, questions, and mini-dialogues.
AFTER TAKING THIS COURSE:
Students will be confident using family signs, pronouns, and adjectives in ASL
Students will be able to sign and understand phrases, sentences, WHO questions, and mini-dialogues
Students will have a larger vocabulary and 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 learning the necessary skills to sign and understand phrases, sentences, questions, and dialogues using family words, pronouns, descriptive adjectives, and the question word “who” in ASL.
Do I need to have prior knowledge or experience with ASL before taking this class?
Will this course test me on what is taught?
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.
