Classroom Teacher Integrated

Name of Activity: Body Sign Language

Academic content: Multicultural/Language Arts

Purpose of Activity: To introduce students to the use of Sign Language (and some language arts).

Prerequisites: Introduction to the concept of sign language and the ASL alphabet.

Suggested Grade Level: 2-4

Materials Needed: Flash cards with sign language alphabet letters on each card and a diagram of the correct sign, poster with entire sign language alphabet

Physical activity: Non-locomotor skills (bending, stretching, leaning, etc.)

Description of Idea

Variations:

Take down the poster with the sign language alphabet on it to make the activity more challenging for older grades or more skilled students.

Assessment Ideas:

Have students try to sign the entire ASL alphabet using their hands to see how well they remember it.

Teaching Suggestions:

This activity can be used from children as young as kindergartners all the way up through high school. The level of difficulty can vary depending on how available you make the sign language alphabet poster for reference during the activity.

Adaptations for Students with Disabilities:

Students with physical disabilities can use any body parts they can to form letters.