How to Learn ASL for Free With Printables & Worksheets

Signing is easy when you begin with the basics.

American Sign Language (ASL) is spoken by up to 2 million individuals in the U.S. and abroad. Speaking through signs is a challenging goal to master, but you'll find it easy to begin your education with these simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Printer
• Copy paper
• Card stock
• Scissors
• Study buddy

Instructions

1. 

   Cut your flashcards for easy use.

   Make alphabet flash cards. The alphabet is spelled out in ASL using "finger spelling", a series of signs that represent each individual letter. Search on the Internet with the key words "finger spell flashcards". Find a style of card you like and print the free flashcards onto your card stock paper. Use the scissors to create easy-to-use flashcards. Write each sign's corresponding letter on the other side the card.

2. 

   Studying with a friend helps you stay on task.

   Practice the basics with a study buddy every day. Working with a study buddy, go through each card in alphabetical order, scramble their order to challenge yourself, and then flip the cards over to the letter-only side to really test your memory. Developing speed in finger spelling is essential to fluent signing.

3. 

   Practice your ASL skills with worksheets.

   Expand your vocabulary with basic words. Simple everyday words are not spelled out. Instead there are signs that represent the word. Search on the Internet with the key words "asl words worksheet" and choose from free skills testers, word searches and flashcard resources. Print out worksheets onto copy paper and begin to refine your skills.

4. 

   Use your new language skills. As with any new language, daily use helps you improve your abilities and retain what you're learning each day. Continue to use the Internet to discover free resources that you can print. Work with your study buddy regularly and find opportunities to practice and apply ASL in your daily life.

References

• Gallaudet University Library: Deaf Research FAQs