American Sign Language

Price: $95 per Class | Duration: 45 - 60 Minutes

Unlock the door to a new way of communicating with our dynamic and engaging American Sign Language (ASL) class! Whether you're a beginner or looking to refresh your skills, this course is the perfect opportunity to dive into the rich and expressive world of ASL.

Taught by Smart Start Instructors

5 Unit Course

Master ASL through immersive practice and cultural insights

 5/5

Rated 4.9 by Families

Hybrid Learning Available

Classes are available in person and on zoom

Beginner to Advanced

Student can test into higher levels

Languages

Instructors available in English, Spanish & Chinese

Skills

evel Up Your Mind: Where Every Move Matters.

Structured Curriculum: A well-organized course covering the history, principles, and practical applications of American Sign Language (ASL), including its evolution, structure, and real-life use.

Flexible Learning: Tailored content for both beginners and advanced learners, ensuring valuable insights and skill development for all levels.

Interactive Engagement: Engaging activities and practice sessions that enhance communication skills and cultural understanding in ASL.

curriculum

Note: All time durations are approximations and subject to change according to needs, availability and ability.

Unit 1

Dive into ASL Fundamentals

1-2 months

ASL Alphabet Mastery

Finger Spelling Basics: Learn the ASL alphabet and practice spelling names and simple words.
Numbers and Counting: Master number signs and practice counting in ASL for various contexts.
Simple Greetings and Introductions: Use basic signs to greet others and introduce yourself in different scenarios.

Essential Vocabulary Building

Common Phrases and Expressions: Acquire and practice frequently used phrases for everyday communication.
Family and Relationships: Learn signs for family members and relationships to enhance personal interactions.
Everyday Objects and Activities: Sign common items and daily activities to broaden your vocabulary for routine conversations.

Basic Sentence Formation

Constructing Simple Sentences: Create basic ASL sentences using fundamental grammar rules.
Asking Simple Questions: Formulate and ask straightforward questions in ASL to gather information.
Using Contextual Clues: Apply context to improve understanding and clarity in your ASL communication.

Unit 2

Master ASL Grammar and Structure

1-2 months

Understanding ASL Grammar

Sentence Structure Basics: Learn the subject-object-verb (SOV) order and its application in ASL.
Non-Manual Signals and Facial Expressions: Practice incorporating facial expressions and body language for effective communication.
Forming Negations and Affirmations: Understand how to express negations and affirmations clearly in ASL.

Enhancing Sentence Complexity

Using Conjunctions: Connect ideas using ASL conjunctions to form compound and complex sentences.
Employing Classifiers: Use classifiers to describe shapes, sizes, and movements accurately.
Incorporating Time and Location: Learn to indicate time and location in ASL to provide context and detail.

Refining Communication Skills

Conveying Emotions and Tone: Use non-manual signals to express emotions and tone, enhancing your communication.
Applying ASL Idioms: Recognize and use common idiomatic expressions to enrich your ASL vocabulary.
Role of Context in Understanding: Learn to interpret and use context to improve your ASL comprehension and signing accuracy.

Unit 3

Engage in Conversational ASL

3-4 months

Everyday Conversations

Initiating and Maintaining Dialogues: Develop skills to start and sustain conversations in ASL.
Discussing Daily Activities: Practice talking about your daily routines and activities using ASL.
Expressing Preferences and Opinions: Share your likes, dislikes, and opinions effectively in ASL.

Descriptive Signing

Describing People: Use ASL to convey physical characteristics and personal attributes of individuals.
Depicting Places and Environments: Sign about different locations and environments with clarity.
Talking About Objects and Actions: Describe objects, their uses, and related actions in detail.

Interactive Practice

Simulated Conversations: Engage in role-playing exercises to practice ASL in real-life scenarios.
Asking for and Giving Directions: Learn and practice signs for providing and requesting directions effectively.
Handling Common Situations: Prepare for and practice common ASL scenarios like shopping or attending events.

Unit 4

Advance Your ASL Skills

3-4 months

Complex Sentence Formation

Constructing Compound Sentences: Practice combining multiple ideas into compound sentences using ASL.
Using Conditional Statements: Create if-then statements to express conditions and consequences in ASL.
Employing Advanced Classifiers: Master advanced classifiers for more detailed descriptions and narratives.

Cultural Integration

Understanding Cultural Nuances: Gain insights into cultural practices and social norms within the ASL community.
Interpreting ASL Humor and Idioms: Learn to recognize and use humor and idiomatic expressions specific to ASL.
Participating in Cultural Events: Explore how ASL is used in various cultural and community events for deeper understanding.

Specialized ASL Applications

Workplace Communication: Learn vocabulary and signs relevant to professional settings and workplace interactions.
Educational Settings: Practice ASL used in academic environments and educational discussions.
Healthcare and Emergency Situations: Acquire signs for discussing health-related topics and handling emergency scenarios.

Unit 4

Advance Your ASL Skills

5 months

Apply ASL in Real-Life Scenarios

Constructing Compound Sentences: Practice combining multiple ideas into compound sentences using ASL.
Using Conditional Statements: Create if-then statements to express conditions and consequences in ASL.
Employing Advanced Classifiers: Master advanced classifiers for more detailed descriptions and narratives.

Cultural Integration

Understanding Cultural Nuances: Gain insights into cultural practices and social norms within the ASL community.
Interpreting ASL Humor and Idioms: Learn to recognize and use humor and idiomatic expressions specific to ASL.
Participating in Cultural Events: Explore how ASL is used in various cultural and community events for deeper understanding.

Specialized ASL Applications

Workplace Communication: Learn vocabulary and signs relevant to professional settings and workplace interactions.
Educational Settings: Practice ASL used in academic environments and educational discussions.
Healthcare and Emergency Situations: Acquire signs for discussing health-related topics and handling emergency scenarios.

"Learning ASL through this course was an amazing experience! The structured curriculum was perfectly tailored to all skill levels, making it accessible for beginners and enriching for those with prior knowledge. I gained not only fluency in ASL but also a deep understanding of its cultural significance. The interactive practice sessions and real-life applications were both engaging and invaluable. I highly recommend this course to anyone eager to master ASL and connect with the community on a deeper level."

Jessica M.

Smart Start Student Graduate

Frequently Asked Questions

Most frequent questions and answers

Who is this ASL course suitable for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in learning American Sign Language, from complete beginners to those with some prior knowledge looking to deepen their skills.

Do I need any prior experience with ASL to join this course?

No prior experience is necessary! The course starts with foundational skills and gradually progresses to more advanced topics, accommodating all learning levels.

How can I enroll in the course?

You can enroll by visiting our website smartstartcenters and following the registration instructions. Early registration is recommended to secure your spot.

How is the course structured?

The course includes theoretical lessons, practical gaming sessions, in-game exercises, team-based challenges, and a final project. It’s divided into sections that progressively build your skills and knowledge.

What will I learn in this ASL course?

You will learn essential ASL skills, including finger spelling, vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, non-manual signals, conversational fluency, and cultural awareness. The course also emphasizes expressive communication and receptive skills.

Is there any support available if I need help during the course?

Yes, our instructors are available to provide guidance and feedback throughout the course. You’ll also have opportunities to collaborate and receive support from your peers.