ASL | Tom Loves Ruth Narrative | American Sign Language

IN THIS COURSE, you're going to use American Sign Language (ASL) to sign a narrative about a unique situation. To achieve this, we’ll learn the ABCs, review fingerspelling rules, learn individual vocabulary words, see English translated into ASL, create complete sentences, and learn to sign the entire narrative. Along the way, there will be tests to review your ability to sign correctly and understand what I’m signing. We’ll also use a timer to improve your signing speed.

*** This course is designed to INCLUDE complete beginners without any prior knowledge of ASL. Previous ASL skills are welcome but NOT required.

IN THIS COURSE:

• Students will learn the complete alphabet in ASL including the four (4) fingerspelling rules

• Students will learn to correctly fingerspell the first and last names of the characters in the narrative

• Students will learn to sign fifteen (15) vocabulary words: A-LOT, ALREADY, CRAZY, EASY, FALL-IN-LOVE, FLOWERS, HAVE, IMPOSSIBLE, LOVE, MARRY/MARRIED, MAYBE, SINGLE, STILL, THINK, WILL

• Students will see English sentences translated into ASL using ASL grammar rules

• Students will learn to combine vocabulary signs with fingerspelled names to create complete sentences

• Students will learn the correct facial expressions and head movements to communicate a question

• Students will use complete sentences to sign an entire narrative about a unique situation

• Students will race a timer as they sign vocabulary words, sentences, and the complete narrative

• Each individual sign will be taught step by step to ensure comprehension, correct hand shape, and hand position

• Students will be tested on their ability to sign and recognize ALL material taught in the course

AFTER TAKING THIS COURSE:

• Students will know the complete ASL alphabet and be able to fingerspell

• Students will be able to sign and understand ASL vocabulary, sentences, and an entire narrative

• Students will have a larger vocabulary and understand the mechanics of each sign taught in the course

• Students will feel more confident as they continue their journey of ASL improvement

QUESTIONS

What is the main focus of this course?

• This course focuses on learning the necessary skills to sign a complete narrative describing an interesting situation. Students will learn to fingerspell, sign vocabulary words, sign complete sentences, and sign a complete narrative.

Do I need to have prior knowledge or experience with ASL before taking this class?

• No. This course is designed for complete beginners without any prior knowledge of ASL. All necessary signs are taught step by step in the course.

Will this course test me on what is taught?

• Yes. This course contains multiple sections of review and testing where you have the opportunity to demonstrate your ASL signing and recognition skills.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:

• Hello! My name is Michael. When I was three years old, my younger brother became sick with spinal meningitis. In the process, my brother became deaf with an almost complete hearing loss. This difficult situation provided a unique opportunity for my family and I to become fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). Unlike some deaf children, my brother was not sent away to a deaf or hard of hearing school. He grew up with us, his hearing family, and we were active in the deaf community.

• As a police officer and federal investigator, I often used ASL to communicate with and interpret for witnesses, victims, and perpetrators. I decided to create ASL courses because it’s a useful and practical skill to have. Like learning any language, it opens your mind and creates the ability to communicate with a whole new group of people.