How can ASL Help LEARNERS with Reading?
American Sign Language (ASL) and English are completely different languages. American Sign Language is a full language with its own grammar and vocabulary. Here’s a short video about this: 5 ways ASL and English are Different
When we teach reading, we need to translate back and forth between English and ASL. Trying to match one English word to one ASL sign will not make sense. We need to connect concepts, not words.
When you read to deaf children, “show the story” instead of signing each word. This brings reading to life!
The American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC) has an ASL story directory with many children’s books presented in ASL! Find it here: deafchildren.org/knowledge-center/asl-resources/sign-language-stories/
Give background information about the text and explain it as you go along. Help readers understand that one word can represent different concepts in different sentences. The Read with ASL YouTube channel uses real-world clips to show multiple-meaning words: Read with ASL - YouTube
Encourage learners to read a sentence, paragraph, or longer passage, and then stop to summarize and discuss it.
Teach a three-step process: Read something. Think about it. Translate it to ASL or write the meaning.