http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/using-american-sign-language-30598.html
Contribute to ReadWriteThink / RSS / FAQs / Site Demonstrations / Contact Us
- About IRA
- About NCTE
- About Verizon Thinkfinity
- Standards
- Our Advisors
- Our Authors
- Community Stories
- Promotional Materials
- News
ReadWriteThink couldn't publish all of this great content without literacy experts to write and review for us. If you've got lessons plans, activities, or other ideas you'd like to contribute, we'd love to hear from you.
Find the latest in professional publications, learn new techniques and strategies, and find out how you can connect with other literacy professionals.
Teacher Resources by Grade
| Kindergarten | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1st - 2nd | 3rd - 4th | |
| 5th - 6th | 7th - 8th | |
| 9th - 10th | 11th - 12th | |
Home › Classroom Resources › Lesson Plans
Lesson Plan
Using American Sign Language to Improve Comprehension and Vocabulary
E-mail
/
Share
/
Print This Page
/
Print All Materials (Note: Handouts must be printed separately)
| Grades | 1 – 3 |
| Lesson Plan Type | Standard Lesson |
| Estimated Time | One 60-minute session (or two 30-minute sessions) |
| Lesson Author |
Frederick, Maryland
Frederick, Maryland |
| Publisher |
|
OVERVIEW
Eight vocabulary words, all of which appear in the humorous picture book Sam’s Sandwich, are introduced through American Sign Language (ASL). First the sign for each word is presented, emphasizing the connection between the word’s meaning and the visual depiction of the concept. Then the text is read aloud, and students sign the vocabulary words when they hear them in the text. Students continue to practice the signs as they engage in a choral reading activity, which reinforces both comprehension and vocabulary. Extension activities increase students’ understanding of the vocabulary words and encourage them to learn additional ASL signs.
FEATURED RESOURCES
- Vocabulary Sign Sheet—Sam’s Sandwich: This printout provides a visual depiction of the signs for the vocabulary for the flap book Sam’s Sandwich. Students learn these signs to help them understand and remember the meaning of the words in the book.
- Signing Savvy: This link is for an online ASL signing video dictionary that includes over 5000 words and phrases. There are many special features that work well in the classroom, including pause and speed controls, the ability to print signs for flash cards, and so on. Some features require a paid membership, but basic access requires only free registration.
FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE
Wurm, T. (1986). Teaching sight words with sign language. The Reading Teacher, 39(7), 744–745.
- Sign language increases sight word acquisition because it involves multiple modalities: kinesthetic, visual, and auditory.
- Sign language links abstract concepts with pictorial symbols to increase schema for vocabulary acquisition.
- Sign language is highly motivational, engaging, and interactive.
Hafer, J., & Wilson, R. (1986). Signing for reading success. Washington, DC: Kendall Green.
Learning vocabulary, especially sight vocabulary, can be enhanced by using sign language as part of the reading process.
Gardner, Howard. 1993. Multiple Intelligences: The Theory in Practice. Basic Books.
Learning is enhanced when more than one modality is incorporated in the learning task.