Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to recognize and understand basic American Sign Language (ASL) signs related to reading and language arts.

Materials and Prep

• ASL alphabet chart
• Printed pictures of common objects related to reading (book, pencil, paper, etc.)
• Knowledge of the ASL alphabet and basic ASL signs

Activities

1. Introduce the ASL alphabet using the ASL alphabet chart. Practice fingerspelling the student's name and simple words.

2. Show the printed pictures of common reading-related objects and demonstrate the ASL signs for each object. Have the student practice signing the words.

3. Play a game of "ASL Charades" where the student signs the name of an object related to reading and the parent guesses the word.

First Grade Talking Points

• "Today we are going to learn a new way to talk using our hands. It's called American Sign Language, and it's a special way for people who can't hear to communicate. We can use it to talk about things we read and write."
• "Let's learn the ASL alphabet. A is for Apple, B is for Ball, and so on. We can spell our names and other words using these signs."
• "Now, let's learn some ASL signs for things we use when we read and write. This is the sign for book. Can you make the sign for book?"
• "Great job! Now let's practice signing other things we use for reading, like pencil and paper."
• "Now it's time to play a fun game. I will show you a picture of something related to reading, and you will use ASL to sign the word. I will try to guess what you are signing."