ASL | First 500+ Basic Signs | American Sign Language Course Syllabus

Overview (80-120 words) describing structure and time commitment.

Module 1: Starter Signs

Estimated time: 0.25 hours

• Learn foundational greetings and courtesies (hello, thank you, please)
• Practice handshape, hand position, and motion for basic signs
• Review sets of ten essential starter signs
• Complete signing and comprehension tests for retention

Module 2: Family Signs

Estimated time: 0.25 hours

• Sign 40 family member terms (mother, father, sibling, cousin, etc.)
• Understand relationships through signed descriptions
• Drill sign-and-comprehension cycles
• Apply vocabulary in simple 'My family' dialogues

Module 3: Emotion Signs

Estimated time: 0.25 hours

• Learn 40 emotion-related signs (happy, sad, angry, excited)
• Use facial expressions and body language with emotional context
• Practice paired sign-and-interpret review exercises
• Receive simulated peer feedback for improvement

Module 4: Color Signs

Estimated time: 0.25 hours

• Master 30 color vocabulary signs
• Identify colors through interactive quizzes
• Participate in rapid-fire sign drills
• Reinforce color recognition and recall accuracy

Module 5: Home & Personality Signs

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Learn 40 home-related signs (bed, kitchen, door)
• Learn 40 personality trait signs (kind, shy, funny, serious)
• Combine vocabulary into descriptive phrases
• Build and present 'Describe Yourself' mini-presentations in ASL

Module 6: Question & Verb Signs

Estimated time: 0.33 hours

• Master 20 question words (who, what, where, when, why)
• Learn and practice 50 common verb signs (go, eat, sleep, want)
• Form YES/NO and WH-questions using correct grammar
• Engage in short question-and-answer exchanges

Module 7: Common Things & Place Signs

Estimated time: 0.42 hours

• Sign 40 everyday object names (book, phone, chair)
• Learn 50 location and place signs (school, store, park, home)
• Practice location-based identification
• Complete interactive 'What’s Here?' signing exercises

Module 8: Time & Occupation Signs

Estimated time: 0.42 hours

• Sign time-related concepts (days, months, hours, seasons)
• Learn 52 time vocabulary signs
• Master 50 occupation and job title signs (teacher, doctor, chef)
• Engage in schedule-planning role-plays and job-title drills

Module 9: Number & Food Signs

Estimated time: 0.42 hours

• Sign numbers 0–100 with correct handshapes
• Learn 50 food-related signs (apple, bread, water, coffee)
• Practice mock restaurant ordering dialogues
• Combine numbers and food in real-world contexts

Module 10: Comprehensive Reviews

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Take cumulative signing and comprehension tests
• Review all 500+ signs across 14 categories
• Participate in two-part review exercises (signing + understanding)
• Practice full-dialogue scenarios incorporating all learned vocabulary

Prerequisites

• No prior knowledge of ASL required
• Basic understanding of English for instruction comprehension
• Access to a quiet space for practice and recording (optional)

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Sign over 500 essential vocabulary items with correct handshape and motion
• Formulate YES/NO and WH-questions in natural ASL structure
• Engage in basic conversations about family, emotions, home, and food
• Describe people, places, schedules, and personal traits in ASL
• Build confidence through real-world dialogue practice and review exercises