Sign Language, Beginning I
Instructor: Shiner Antiorio
Description: American Sign Language (ASL) is quickly becoming one of the most widely used
languages in the United States. In this beginning class, be introduced to finger spelling and ASL
signs, grammar, terminology and communication processes. Leave the class with a signing
vocabulary of over 200 words. The textbook, Signing Illustrated, can be purchased at the Asheville
Campus or Enka Center Bookstore. Assignments given at end of each class.
Course Outline
Week 1: Introduction to basics of language,
manual alphabet, vocabulary for family and
basic sentence structure. Students create
sentences in class using signs learned.
Week 2: Review of previous week vocabulary
and manual alphabet. I sign 10 sentences
using vocabulary and sentence structure
learned last week, students write out as best
they can what I sign. Vocabulary includes
colors and numbers 1-1, as well as other signs
for basic and concepts communication. Each
student signs their sentences for others in the
class.
Week 3: Review of previous week vocabulary. I
sign 10 sentences using vocabulary and
sentence structure learned thus far, students
write out as best as they can what I sign.
Vocabulary includes numbers 11-20 and time
signs and concepts as well as other signs for
basic communication.
Week 4: Review of previous week vocabulary. I
sign 10 sentences using vocabulary and
sentence structure learned thus far, students
write out as best as they can what I sign.
Vocabulary includes numbers 21-30, signs
pertaining to home and additional time signs as
well as other signs and concepts for basic
communication. Students partner with
someone they do not know and are given 2-3
questions to ask each other in sign which they
share with the class.
Week 5: Review of previous week vocabulary. I
sign 10 sentences using vocabulary and
sentence structure learned thus far, students
write out as best as they can what I sign.
Vocabulary includes numbers 31-100 and
signs pertaining to home and food as well as
other signs and concepts for basic
communication.
Week 6: Review of previous week vocabulary. I
sign 10 sentences using vocabulary and
sentence structure learned thus far, students
write out as best as they can what I sign. Bingo
in sign as a number review. Vocabulary
includes signs pertaining to food as well as
other signs and concepts for basic
communication. Students partner with
someone they do not know and are given 2-3
questions to ask each other in sign, answers
are then shared with the class.
Week 7: Review of previous week vocabulary. I
sign 10 sentences using vocabulary and
sentence structure learned thus far, students
write out as best as they can what I sign.
Vocabulary includes action and time signs as
well as other signs and concepts for basic
communication. Students exchange stories
created as homework and execute the other’s
story for class.
Week 8: Review of previous week vocabulary. I
sign 10 sentences using vocabulary and
sentence structure learned thus far, students
write out as best as they can what I sign.
Vocabulary includes money and clothes as well
as other signs and concepts for basic
communication.
Week 9: Review of previous week vocabulary. I
sign 10 sentences using vocabulary and
sentence structure learned thus far, students
write out as best as they can what I sign.
Vocabulary includes emotions and clothes as
well as other signs and concepts for basic
communication. Students ask their homework
“questions” and another student answers them.
That student then asks their questions, etc.
Week 10: Review of previous week vocabulary.
A vocabulary list for the past 9 weeks is
distributed. Students ask for clarification of
signs from homework assignment and any
signs they feel would assist them that have not
been covered. Students may share what they
have learned.