| American Sign Language is considered a natural | | | | sign in fun, interactive ways. A series titled, Signing |
| and true language. A person who is able to speak | | | | Time, consists of thirty-minute DVD programs |
| ASL in addition to another natural true language | | | | focused on a central theme. Children learn to sign |
| such as English, Spanish, French, etc. is considered | | | | while watching an engaging program on television. |
| to be bilingual, just like any other person who | | | | Technological advances have thrust ASL learning |
| speaks two languages. ASL classes are relatively | | | | opportunities into the Internet spotlight. Online |
| easy to find. They are taught at many schools | | | | websites offer free video dictionaries with models |
| and universities across the country. Classes are | | | | demonstrating each sign. Many sites offer |
| also frequently found at community centers, | | | | teaching resources such as downloadable guides |
| churches and in some workplaces. | | | | and worksheets and the ability to create |
| For people not able to attend sign language | | | | personalized quizzes for students, all of which can |
| courses, there are many tools available to help | | | | be printed for use in the classroom. Some |
| them learn ASL on their own. Books and DVDs | | | | websites offer complete printable workbooks, |
| are great initial resources for anyone interested in | | | | lessons plans, and practice cards. as well as |
| learning sign language. Books that teach about | | | | downloadable PowerPoint presentations. There are |
| ASL contain step-by-step photographs or | | | | online communities with the goal of helping people |
| illustrations detailing how to complete each sign. | | | | studying ASL to find mentors to guide them. |
| There are reference dictionaries with a multitude | | | | These sites have forums where people can |
| of hand signs, books written to help beginners | | | | discuss ASL learning methods, post information |
| learn to sign for the first time, as well as more | | | | about local classes being offered, and look for |
| advanced books for teachers and interpreters | | | | support. |
| who are familiar with signing but want to stay | | | | Each of the resources mentioned above can be |
| abreast of the most current teaching methods. | | | | easily obtained and utilized to help you learn to |
| Signing Illustrated, by Mickey Flodin, is a popular | | | | communicate using ASL. A superb supplement to |
| book of beginning sign language. Unlike a dictionary | | | | these resources is a set of flash cards. |
| of hand signs, this book is formatted by subject, | | | | Homemade or store bought, flash cards are one |
| not alphabetically. The idea is that it is simpler to | | | | more useful tool to further your ASL skills. Flash |
| learn new signs by category rather than learning | | | | cards can be used to help people of all ages |
| them in alphabetical order. The index at the back | | | | become more familiar with hand signs. Cards |
| of the book can be used to guide the reader to | | | | typically have a photo of a person demonstrating |
| specific words as necessary. | | | | an ASL sign on one side and the meaning and |
| Children often learn sign language more easily than | | | | description of the hand and arm motions on the |
| adults. There are many books written specifically | | | | reverse side. Practicing with flash cards is an |
| for children. These books typically contain finger | | | | excellent method to help commit signs to |
| signs for the alphabet and hand signs for | | | | memory. |
| everyday objects that are easily recognizable by | | | | For the tools you need to learn ASL, browse |
| the young reader. In addition to the many books | | | | through our online sign language resources, and |
| directed towards children, there is an entire | | | | begin or continue your journey through the |
| market of DVDs designed to help kids learn to | | | | wonderful world of ASL. |