How to Grow in ASL
Hello fellow parents!
I’m Brittany, a mom on the journey of raising a Deaf child, and today I want to share some practical tips for growing in American Sign Language (ASL). Drawing on personal experience and insights from our community, I’ve put together a guide using the R.A.I.S.E. acronym to help you enhance your ASL skills. Here’s how you can start making meaningful progress:
R – Related
Focus on learning ASL that is immediately useful in your daily life. For instance, rather than mastering the ASL alphabet, concentrate on phrases and signs that help with common situations like a child’s meltdown or meal times. You can use a First Words Checklist to start with essential vocabulary. Identify the situations where you struggle and seek guidance from Deaf mentors or ASL teachers to get practical phrases and methods.
A – Aim
Get a blank language assessment from your child’s school or early intervention services. This will help you identify where your child is in their ASL development and what concepts they need to master next. For example, learning how to use phrases like “two of us” or “three of us” can be crucial for children around ages 3-4. (Example Language Assessment)
I – Interwoven
Integrate ASL into your daily routines. Choose specific times for practice, such as during family dinners, car rides, or book time. Even if it’s just during one activity like folding laundry, consistency is key. You don’t need to go “voice off” for the entire day; start small and build up as you become more comfortable.
S – Sophisticated
Treat ASL as a full, sophisticated language. Engage in discussions with adults using ASL, even if you’re not fluent yet. Use resources like Atomic Hands and watch YouTube videos like this theology video of Deaf adults to see ASL used in complex contexts. This will help you understand and appreciate ASL’s depth and versatility.
E – Express
Practice signing in real-life situations. Attend Deaf events, join a Deaf church, or participate in Deaf social gatherings. This will help you become more comfortable and confident in using ASL. The more you immerse yourself, the better you’ll become.
Additional Resources:
- Rhymes When Signed Books: Great for teaching and learning ASL rhymes.
- Fingerspelling Practice Website: Enhance your fingerspelling skills with this interactive tool.
- My Family’s Story: To learn more about me and how my family learned ASL.
Learning ASL is a journey, and with consistent effort and the right resources, you and your child can make great strides. I hope these tips and resources make your journey a little easier and more enjoyable.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need support. Let’s continue to grow together!