How to Teach Finger spelling

Finger spelling is a component of American Sign Language where words are spelled out using hand shapes. There are 22 hand shapes that represent the 26 letters of the alphabet. Finger spelling is used for names, places, brands, or anything that does not have a sign. Sometimes finger spelling is used to abbreviate.

Instructions

1. Face your student(s), and place your hand in the finger spelled shape of an "A." Local bookstores have American Sign Language books that show the hand shapes for each letter of the alphabet.

2. Demonstrate the hand shape for the letter "A."

3. Encourage your student to imitate the hand shape for the letter "A." If your student/s are having difficulty with hand shapes, gently guide their hands to form the shape of the alphabet.

4. Repeat the above steps with each letter of the alphabet using the corresponding hand shape for each letter.

5. Practice the alphabet by finger spelling each letter of the alphabet in order. Distribute a copy of the finger spelling alphabet to your student as a guide for practice.

6. Review finger spelling by practicing various word combinations. Encourage student/s to improve both their receptive (understanding finger spelling) and expressive (demonstrating finger spelling) skills with daily practice.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your finger spelling hand just below shoulder level and in front of you. Do not finger spell far away from your body.

• Avoid bouncing while finger spelling. If you have trouble with bouncing, place your opposite hand under the elbow of the hand you are finger spelling with and keep the arm steady while you practice.

• If you are right handed, finger spell from left to right. If you are left handed, finger spell from right to left.

• The best way to increase finger spelling skills is to interact with persons from the Deaf Community.

• Avoid bouncing or flashing each letter when finger spelling. Form each letter smoothly.

Resources

• Practice finger spelling using the American Sign Language site.