Introduction to American Sign Language for Grades 1-3 (1:00)

Course Name: Introduction to American Sign Language for Grades 1-3
Grade Range: 1st - 3rd Grade
Instructor: Danielle Jones
Email: dwolter11@gmail.com
Price: $200 for 28 weeks
Course Description: 
When we talk, most people naturally talk with their hands. You might use your hands to point in a specific direction or to an item. You might use your hands to help express an emotion. For instance when you throw your hands in the air when you’re excited, placing your hands on your stomach when you’re hungry, or covering your face when you’re embarrassed. We naturally use these motions in everyday life without even thinking about it. But some people use ONLY their hands to communicate. 
 
In Introduction to American Sign Language (ASL), we will cover a short history about how Sign Language came to be, and how it’s different from Speaking English. You might be surprised by how different they can be! Students will leave the class having learned the ASL alphabet, colors, animals, conversation starters, and a short song, and more!. We will also explore and learn how to create their own unique sign name! That name will then be used throughout the year for the student.
 
A variety of learning materials will be used throughout the year such as: in person learning, activity pages, games, and videos to help facilitate learning.

This will be a light and fun class as we explore American Sign Language together! You might even find yourself using it in everyday life without realizing it! 
 
Week 1 Focus: Get to know you day. What’s your sign name?
Week 2 Focus: What is ASL? Who uses it? Where did ASL come from? How is it different from English?
Week 3 Focus: Alphabet: A-M
Week 4 Focus: Alphabet: N-Z
Week 5 Focus: Review Whole Alphabet
Week 6 Focus: Home and Family
Week 7 Focus: Food and Drinks
Week 8 Focus: Colors 
Week 9 Focus: Numbers 1-10
Week 10 Focus: Review Home, Food, Drink and Colors
Week 11 Focus: Pets 
Week 12 Focus: Farm animals 
Week 13 Focus: Facial Expressions 
Week 14 Focus: Feelings and Thoughts
Week 15 Focus: Manners
Week 16 Focus: School and Learning
Week 17 Focus: Activities 
Week 18 Focus: Outdoors/Weather 
Week 19 Focus: Action Words
Week 20 Focus: Descriptive Words
Week 21 Focus: Conversation Basics
Week 22 Focus: Learn First Third of Song
Week 23 Focus: Learn Second Third of Song
Week 24 Focus: Learn Third Part of Song
Week 25 - 28 Focus: Review song and other signs learned throughout the year
Course Prerequisites: N/A
Curriculum used by Instructor: We will use various resources and curriculum which will include, but are not limited to: We Can Sign by Tara Adams, Fun in Speech, and possibly YouTube videos as needed.  
Books & Supplies required for purchase by families: No curriculum book is required to purchase. But please bring a designated 1 inch binder to keep worksheets in for the year. Also have on hand scissors, pencils, eraser, and erasable colored pencils. 
Homework Requirements: No official homework will be required for this class. However, children will be asked to practice what they learned in class at home to help facilitate learning. Additional worksheets may also be sent home that will be optional for the student to complete.
Duration: 28 weeks
Grading: This class won’t be graded. 
Course Credit: N/A
Teacher Bio: Danielle has a degree in Early Childhood Education, as well as her certificate to be an Early Childhood Administrator. Danielle has taught Preschool, Kindergarten and 1st grade in public schools. However, for the past eleven years, she has worked at her church as an assistant to the Children's Pastor. For the past three years, Danielle has also been teaching a girls class at her local church. Danielle has been homeschooling her own children for the past six years and her family has been a part of Friendly Home Educators now for four years.
Min/Max # of Students: 10 min / 15 max
Method and Frequency of communication: Weekly emails will be sent out to families that will explain what we went over in class that week. Attachments will be added to the emails as needed for students that might not have been in class that week.