This 30-week, 1 1/2 hour class is for 5th- 8th grade as an introduction to basic American Sign Language. Students will study the five parameters of signing: hand shape, palm orientation, movement, location, and expressive/non-manual markers.  Students will build basic conversational vocabulary, ASL sentence structure, and syntax.  This course also covers Deaf Culture and the daily life of the Deaf. The course goals are for students to demonstrate basic ASL skills and be able to communicate using everyday conversational signs.  Students will enjoy learning fingerspelling and everyday vocabulary through fun games and activities both in and outside the classroom. Students will also interpret a song together to present during our Night of the Arts in the spring.  

The curriculum is online and created by Deaf professor Bill G. Vicars. His curriculum offers an array of resources and games available to support ASL learning. 

Class Homework requirements:  15-30 minute daily review, at-home activities to reinforce classroom learning, and quizzes. 

Students must have access to the internet as some activities are online. 

Thursday

Time: 2:25 - 4:05
Grades: 5-8
Cost: $400
Supply Fee: $80 (covers curriculum access, copies, and resource access)
Tutor: Emily Gourley