•
     
     
    Fingerspelling is a critical component of ASL. Names and proper nouns are spelled, some signs that are abstract require fingerspelling for clarification, and even though we do not want to rely on fingerspelling when a concept has a sign, it is the "fall back" when you aren't sure how to sign something. 
     
    We take weekly quizzes on fingerspelling, vocabulary, and numbers. If it is a full week, we have a quiz every Friday. If it is a short week, or we have Friday off due to a holiday, we do not test. If a student is absent for the Friday quiz, their next quiz grade will be doubled. 
     
    Students use the first 10 minutes of each class to practice fingerspelling, numbers, and vocabulary. The expectation is that they enter the room in silence and begin the warm-up. Students do not go anywhere during those 10 minutes unless there is a TRUE emergency. Students use the vocabulary they know to function during this activity with no-voice. For example: AGAIN, SLOW, YOUR-TURN, MY-TURN. If students are talking during this activity they are not using their class time well and are not preparing well for the Friday test. 
     
    Fingerspelling and numbers can only be mastered through practice, and that takes time. I am providing 30 minutes a week in class for that practice. For some students, that will be enough time and for others it will not... more time outside of class will be needed.  For these students, they can continue to use www.asl.ms to practice receptive fingerspelling skills and www.asl.bz to practice receptive number skills at home.
      
    		  
     

    Click to: Report a Problem | Email the Teacher