Class Descriptions
Welcome to the Basic Sign Language Series, a dynamic and interactive program designed to introduce you to the essential signs for everyday needs based on American Sign Language (ASL).
Our program is tailored for a diverse audience, including parents, caregivers, teachers, and anyone interested in learning basic signs for everyday needs. Each week you will participate in live, virtual sessions led by an experienced early childhood educator with a Deaf studies background who will guide you through the learning process with patience. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to cover a wide range of topics, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.
Join us for the Basic Sign Language Series and take the first step towards communicating effectively with your children. Whether you are looking to enhance your communication skills, support a loved one, or simply explore a new language, this program offers a valuable and enriching experience for all participants.
Audience
Hearing parents/caregivers and their babies or toddlers (approx. 9–24 months). The preschool program is coming soon!
Goal
Introduce families to foundational signs based on American Sign Language (ASL) through themed play, songs, and everyday routines, creating meaningful communication and strong early language skills.
Format
Three 6-Class Series – Red, Blue, Purple. Each series consists of 6 classes. You can attend the series in any order. Registering for a series allows you to enroll in any class within the series.
Red Series
Class 1: Mealtime 1
Learn the signs for common foods, drinks, and mealtime phrases to make dining experiences more inclusive and enjoyable.
Class 2: Mealtime 2
Continuation of Mealtime 1. Learn additional signs for common foods, drinks, and mealtime phrases to make dining experiences more inclusive and enjoyable.
Class 3: Colors
Master the signs for various colors, enhancing your ability to describe and discuss the world around you.
Class 4: Things That Go
Discover the signs for different modes of transportation, from cars and buses to airplanes and bicycles.
Class 5: Baby Animals
A variety of animals.
Class 6: Feelings and Emotions
Understand how to express a wide range of emotions and feelings through a signed language, fostering better communication and empathy.
Blue Series
Class 1: Family
Signs for family members: mom, dad, baby, brother, sister, grandma, grandpa, aunt, uncle, family. Learn to use these signs during greetings, family photo time, and everyday conversations.
Class 2: Signs for Safety – Fire
Learn crucial safety signs to ensure you can communicate effectively in emergencies and promote a safe environment.
Class 3: Signs for Safety – Water
Learn crucial safety signs to ensure you can communicate effectively in emergencies and promote a safe environment.
Class 4: Clothing
Introduce signs for shirt, pants, socks, shoes, hat, coat, and diaper. Use dressing routines, songs, and pretend play to strengthen memory and usage.
Class 5: At the Playground
Signs for slide, swing, climb, run, jump, sand, water, friend, and play. Learn to pair signs with movement, outdoor play, and social moments.
Class 6: Farm Animals
Signs for a variety of animals you’ll find on a farm.
Purple Series
Class 1: Bugs
Learn signs for common bugs: butterfly, bee, ant, spider, worm, caterpillar. Explore movement, sounds, and habitats through sign-enhanced stories and fingerplays.
Class 2: Things Found at the Beach
Learn signs like shell, sand, water, sun, rock, crab, and bucket. Engage in playful activities using real-world objects or images to reinforce understanding.
Class 3: Ocean Animals
Dive into signs for fish, whale, dolphin, shark, octopus, seal, and jellyfish. Combine signing with ocean-themed songs and storybooks.
Class 4: Bedtime
Practice signs for night, sleep, blanket, book, bear, light, and dream. Focus on calming, predictable routines, and bedtime communication.
Class 5: Toys
Signs for favorite playthings: ball, doll, blocks, car, teddy bear, book, puzzle, and play. Practice using signs during floor play and story time.
Class 6: What do you see outside?
Signs for things you see when you look outside – flowers, birds, rocks, clouds, stars, etc.