All students should be reviewing their ASL vocabulary signs and grammar on a daily basis. For each
class day attended, a minimum of 20-40 minutes is necessary to ensure retention. Currently, ASL 1
students should have an approximate sign vocabulary of 400 signs. We have also learned the manual
alphabet and numbers 1-20.
Tutoring for ASL 1 Monday, Wednesday and Thursday morning from 8:10-8:40. See me if this is not
possible or if after school times are needed.
Also, do not forget your Flash Cards. The Unit 6 Flash cards are due on April 28/29. The directions,
along with examples are included below.
FLASH CARDS********** DUE April 28/29
For each unit, students will be responsible for making flash cards using the "vocabulary packets". You
will receive three homework grades on the date each individual unit is due, as well as a major project
grade for the three units due at the end of the semester.
The flash cards must be done on 3 x 5 or 4 x 6 note cards. Directions are as follows:
Cut out and glue the sign illustration (no pictures) on the front of each index card. The word cannot be
on the front. The word representing the sign is written in large letters on the back of the card. Under
the word, indicate whether the sign is two-handed (2h). If it is two-handed, state if it is symmetrical
or non-symmetrical (s or ns). This should look like 2h-s or 2h-ns. Skip a few spaces and then list the 5
sign parameters for that sign.
The 5 parameters for each sign are:
handshape(H) - describe the handshape of the sign (these include most of the manual alphabet shapes
and a few additional ones included in the handout).
palm orientation (P) - which way the palm is facing (up, down, in, out, left or right).
location (L) - where the sign is located on the body (head, cheek, front of body, side, stomach, lips,
etc.)
movement (M) - explain the movement of the sign (ex. - "moves from mouth to ear" or "bent fingers
interlock").
repetition (R) - indicate if the movement is repeated or not (this is a simple "yes" or "no" response).
Example for back of each index card for a one-handed sign:
I,me
Handshape (H)-index finger
Palm Orientation (PO)-in
Location (L)-front of body
Movement (M)-point to middle of chest
Repetition (R)-no
You may use the initials for each parameter, but remember if it is a 2-handed sign you must indicate
whether it is a 2-handed symmetrical or non-symmetrical sign. You can use the initials for this (2h-s or
2h-ns). If it is a 2-handed, non symmetrical sign, you must indicate what the dominant hand (dh) and
the non-dominant hand (nd) are doing.
Example for back of each index card for a 2-handed, non-symmetrical sign:
(dh=dominant hand and nd=non-dominant hand)
practice
2h-ns
H- dh-"a" handshape nd-index finger points left
PO- dh-down nd-in
L-front of body
M-dh rubs back and forth over nd
R-yes