Like last week, this week I kept stumbling into more and more problems with my learning journey. Finding motivation, taking the time to learn new lessons, and even finding lessons that I won’t be relearning or have to pay for. With every app that I download, it’s the same thing; standard lessons, dictionaries, videos, etc.
At this point, I realized that I had everything in my hands that I possibly could in order to learn ASL on my own. This is where I decided to venture off and think about other people. I think it’s incredibly important for everyone to at least learn the sign language alphabet. We have an increasing number of people who need alternate methods of communication, and sign language could be great in daily interactions and emergency situations. I decided to focus on finding something to start teaching others ASL, specifically children.
ASL-kids
ASL-kids is an ASL teaching app. Although the resources through the app are incredibly limited without pay, there are basic signs in different categories that would be perfect in teaching a lesson set to elementary level students. Along with the categories with corresponding signs, there is a quiz section, a quick reference to the alphabet, and a section to reset the app in case you want to relearn again. The reset option would be great in an elementary class because I could give a child a few minutes to learn signs/quiz them, and then reset the app for the next child.
Even though the app is limited in accessibility, there are many features that I love. The first is the colour scheme, designed for children to keep them interested. All the videos are also recorded by children and are slow enough for easy learning. I also love how the lesson sets appear like checklists. I f you remember the Me+ app I mentioned near the start of the semester, it is quite similar to that formatting.
Overall, despite the limited signs available, this would be a fantastic app to use at an elementary level, and I have set it aside to reintroduce in my teaching career in hopes of using it with my students.
On with my Learning Video
Over the weekend I had the honor of working at the SCA Cheerleading Provincials competition. As a former coach, this was an incredible opportunity and I got to see all my old athletes. I decided to keep it simple and demonstrate the sentence “I worked a cheerleading competition” which translates to “I work cheer competition” in ASL.
Thank you for joining me on my learning journey this week!
I liked how you mentioned your struggles because I think almost everyone can to relate to that. The ASL app for kids sounds interesting and sounds like students would be able to learn from this app.
Yes absolutely. I think at this point in the semester that everyone is having some trouble so I thought I’d keep it real haha.
Thanks for your post and i loved demonstration in video.ASL-kids sounds like a great resource for introducing young learners to sign language, even if it’s limited without payment.
Also, how amazing that you got to reconnect with your former athletes at the cheer competition! It must have been such a rewarding experience. Keep going on your ASL journey—I’m excited to see what new resources or insights you find next!
Thank you! I would definitely use the app for an independent lesson and quiz the students on a few signs. And my athletes were so excited they wanted me to quit school and go back to coaching!