Update & Challenges

This past week, my ASL learning journey has definitely been an eye opener as it has brought many challenges and successes as I learn to navigate ASL and the beginning of my major learning project. I’ve run into one of my first challenges: there are SO many incredible ASL apps and resources available, but most of them require a monthly or yearly subscription to unlock the full content. While that shows how valuable and in demand ASL learning is, it can feel a bit overwhelming to sort through the options and make sure I’m using the best tools without breaking the bank.

That being said, I have really been enjoying the free version of ASL Pocket Sign. I’ve been keeping up with my daily sessions and I am proud to say that I am on a 6-day streak and currently at Level 9. Each day, I feel like I am slowly building my vocabulary and confidence with the basics. This past week I have been learning and working on some of the basics including greetings, colors, and some foods. In today’s lesson, I also began learning ASL possessions.

 

My wife and our 7-month old baby have also been attending their weekly sessions at the Stay ‘n’ Play Parenting Sign & Sign classes and come home afterwards to teach me what they have learned. Check out the video below to see them teaching me the ASL version of the “5 Little Monkeys” children’s nursery rhyme.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fVXYCDdyyFA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homework

I plan to continue my daily free lessons on the ASL Pocket Sign app as I continue to build my ASL vocabulary and knowledge. It is also my goal for this upcoming week is to branch out beyond the app that I am currently using by also watching some YouTube videos and exploring other free resources to continue practicing. Does anybody have any recommendations on any!? See the picture below of the book (My First Book of Baby Signs) that we bought on Amazon to help me learn some baby ASL signs to teach our daughter, Blakely.

Final Product 

As I shared in my introduction post for this project, my end goal is to create a baby sign video (inspired by Ms. Rachel’s style) to leave as a gift for our daughter, Blakely. This will be something special for her to watch on days when I’m away at work, while also showcasing the progress I’ve made in ASL over the next few months. To stay on track, I plan to begin drafting a video outline soon so I’m ready to start pulling everything together.

Overall, I am really encouraged by the progress that I’ve made so far and the new routines I’m building into my day. Learning ASL has already shown me the value of consistency and creativity in using different resources for learning new skills. I know there will be several challenges along the way, but I hope to remain motivated by both my role as an educator and as a dad to keep pushing forward in this learning journey!