Ways to introduce ASL to my Preschool Classroom
As a preschool teacher, for part of my learning project, I would love to not only learn American Sign language myself but also introduce it and teach it to my little ones in the classroom! I have been thinking ALOT about how that might look, how I might be able to explain to them in a way that they understand but are also interested in learning it! I have been non-stop researching ways other teachers, educators, schools, and even communities include and teach ASL.
Photo by Chris Gorges
Located at Griffith Park in LA
Photo by mandybri on Pinterest
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One of the most common way I have noticed American Sign Language included in communities during my many hours of research is on playgrounds and parks! Unfortunately, none of the parks that I have knowledge of here in Regina have any type of resource such as an ASL board or sign located at them… common! I would love to start seeing simple, yet effective ways of sign language brought into communities here, such as simple boards added onto playgrounds, or signs with the proper sign language picture attached to them!
One way that I have begun to introduce sign language to my preschoolers is through a t-shirt found on Amazon! A few of the students noticed that there were hands on my shirt and asked me what they were there for. I thought this was a great place to start talking to them about sign language and explaining how it is another language we can learn, just like learning french (or any other language)! I had my students sit and have a conversation regarding different languages they might know and the ways they have heard these other languages whether it be through technology, in person, or other experiences.
While I was in my deep rabbit hole of researching ways to teach and introduce ASL to my preschoolers, I found a few great websites that talked about the benefits of teaching, ways to teach in a fun and entertaining way, and gave video options, free posters for the classroom, and tips on getting started! I also found many free ASL stories on Youtube that I will for sure be using in the classroom during storytime once the children are more introduced!
Next week’s goals:
- continue to work on simple greetings
- test myself on the ASL alphabet (without video or image help)
- introduce more ASL into my preschool classroom
Hi Jasmin!
I love this post and the goals you are trying to incorporate into your classroom. I think it is so important to introduce students to ASL at an early age that way they can be familiar with it and have this knowledge for the rest of their life. I have seen a lot of different schools, teachers, and classroom incorporate ASL into their school and classrooms. One thing I see a lot as a sub, is kids signing O Canada! It’s amazing, actually. At school I interned at, the grade 1 class signed O Canada for their Remembrance Day performance. I also see alphabet posters in lots of classrooms with the letter sign on it. Another way I see ASL incorporated into the classroom, is kids using different signs to ask to go to the bathroom or get a drink, etc. I think little ways like that and what you are doing is a great way to start!
Hi Jasmine
I love your idea of wearing a sign language Tshirt to make little minds curious. In preschools kids learn a lot of things through visuals and wearing a shirt will definitely help them to learn ASL. My 4 year old knows a lot of his ASL alphabets and i am so thankful to his Pre-k teacher for working hard with her students. I really like the progress of your project and looking forward to see the greeting in ASL next week.
Hi Jasmin
It’s great to see you incorporating your learning project into your classroom environment!
My family used “Signing Time!” to learn ASL when my little sister was three years old. If you haven’t heard of it I think it would be a great way to introduce more ASL into your preschool classroom. The episodes are very much tailored to children and have lots of fun songs! (https://youtu.be/tjeYpjCMc-M)
It does require a subscription to view full episodes but I believe you can start a free trial on their website.
Hi Jasmin!
I worked with preschool children for many years and I love that you are incorporating sign language into your program. Children love to learn so this would be a perfect time to teach them. Young children love to do songs with actions, have you thought about teaching them songs and having sign language as the “actions” to go along with the song?