I.

Title/Topic and Grade Level

Utilizing the visual modality of American Sign Language (ASL) to establish an
understanding of one-to-one letter-sound knowledge, Kindergarten

II.

Lesson Essential Question:

How does ASL enhance a students understanding of one-to-one letter-sound knowledge?

III.

Standard:
Phonics and Word Recognition: Demonstrate basic knowledge of one-to-one letter-sound
correspondences by producing the primary sound or many of the most frequent sounds
for each consonant.

IV.

Objectives and Assessments:

V.

Learning Objectives

Assessments

SWBAT demonstrate understanding of oneto-one letter-sound correspondences by using

ASL to visually spell out words in a
classroom game.

TWBAT assess students acquired knowledge

by observing students during an ELA and
ASL game to determine if students
understand one-to-one letter-sound
correspondences

Materials:
Students Hands
Students Voices
Large Carpet

VI.

Pre-Lesson Assignments and/or Prior Knowledge:

The class has been learning the basics of American Sign Language throughout the school
year and understand the alphabet in ASL. The students use ASL to help visualize letters
and it allows for better communication skills. They have also learned about the deaf
community and how ASL helps those who are deaf to communicate. They utilize the
visual modality of sign language to enhance their understanding of letters and words. The
students have been practicing reading and writing the words the, and, like.

VII.

Lesson Beginning:
Review the ASL alphabet with the students, while also saying the alphabet out loud.
Review how to spell the words the, and, like using sign language and vocally. Remind
the students about why we use ASL even though we can speak and hear. In order to create
a better understanding of the words and letters we use in the classroom, we use the visual
nature of ASL. Remind them about aspects of deaf culture. Let them know we are going
to play a game using ASL!

VIII.

Instructional Plan:
1. Ask the students to create a circle on the carpet.
2. Explain to the students the rules of the game and the importance of paying attention
to others
3. The rules of the game are:
Each student will have a turn to make a sentence involving the, and or like
Show them an example of a sentence, I like cats
The students should only say out loud I and Cats (or the words other than the, and,
like) and use ASL ONLY to say like, and or the
The sentence would be as follows I ([SIGNED] L-I-K-E) cats
The other students will have to determine what word the student signed by
watching the student sign the individual letters of the word and say the letters out
loud as the other student signs the individual letters
If the other students are correct, we will move on to the next student
If the students are incorrect, the student will again sign the, and or like while also
saying the individual letters.
4. After each student has a turn, I will ask if anyone would like to make up a sentence
using other words in ASL
5. With guidance, the students can connect the individual letter sounds to the ASL
version of the letter
6. Before concluding the game, I will sign some words we have previous learned and
ask the students to say the letters I am signing, as an added challenge
7. To finish the game, each student will receive a handout of the ASL alphabet for
individual practice
8. The game will be concluded by letting the students know that they have just learned
about letter sounds by using ASL!

IX.

Conclusion:
Ask the students if they can recite the alphabet to me using ASL in addition to vocally
saying the letters. Ask them if they think that by signing the letters, do they better
understand what sounds the letters make? Would they like to help other students learn?
Lastly, let the students know that by learning these simple ASL signs, it can open the door
for them to learn in the future and they can communicate with those who are deaf!
Conclude that they are helping themselves become better learners by using ASL!

X.

Citations:
ASL Kids. (2015). How to Learn Sign Language - 6 Tips and Free Video Lesson.
Retrieved from http://asl-kids.com/how-to-learn-sign-language/
Common Core. (2016). English Language Arts Standards Speaking & Listening
Kindergarten | Common Core State Standards Initiative. Retrieved from
http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/SL/K/

Nelson, K. (n.d.). 8 days on Deafness and ASL - Language Arts Lesson Plan, Thematic
Unit, Activity, Worksheet, or Teaching Idea. Retrieved from
http://lessonplanspage.com/mdlamathssmusicartdeafnessandsignlanguageunit24htm-2/