Signing Naturally Units 1-6 provides foundational ASL skills, focusing on practical communication. Designed for beginners, it emphasizes vocabulary, grammar, and real-life conversations through structured lessons and activities.
Overview of the Curriculum
The Signing Naturally curriculum for Units 1-6 is designed to teach American Sign Language (ASL) as a second language. It focuses on practical communication skills, emphasizing vocabulary, grammar, and real-life conversations. The curriculum is divided into six units, each addressing specific themes such as introductions, basic vocabulary, living situations, family, and everyday activities. Lessons are structured to promote active learning through dialogues, flashcards, and interactive exercises. This approach encourages learners to apply their skills naturally, fostering confidence and fluency in ASL communication.
Importance of ASL Acquisition
Acquiring American Sign Language (ASL) is essential for effective communication with the Deaf community. It fosters cultural understanding and bridges gaps between hearing and Deaf individuals. ASL is a visual language with its own grammar and syntax, offering a unique cognitive benefit. Learning ASL enhances career opportunities in fields like education, healthcare, and interpretation. The Signing Naturally curriculum supports this acquisition by emphasizing practical, real-life applications, enabling learners to connect authentically with the Deaf community and appreciate its rich cultural heritage. This skill not only enriches personal relationships but also promotes inclusivity and diversity in society.
Units Overview
Units 1-6 cover essential ASL skills, progressing from introductions to complex conversations. Each unit builds on the previous, ensuring a structured learning path for mastering practical communication and cultural insights.
Unit 1: Introducing Oneself
Unit 1 focuses on basic ASL skills for self-introduction, including greetings, names, and simple questions. Students learn essential signs like HELLO, NAME, and WHAT, enabling them to communicate their identity and engage in introductory conversations. This unit is designed to build confidence and familiarity with ASL fundamentals, providing a solid foundation for further learning. Through practical exercises and dialogues, learners master the basics of signing about themselves and others, making it an essential starting point for ASL acquisition.
Unit 2: Basic Vocabulary and Grammar
Unit 2 expands on foundational ASL skills, introducing essential vocabulary and grammar. Learners acquire common signs for everyday interactions, such as food, family, and simple questions. The unit emphasizes correct handshapes, facial expressions, and sentence structure. Students practice forming basic sentences and understanding ASL grammar rules. Activities include minidialogues and flashcards to reinforce memorization. This unit builds on Unit 1, helping students transition from introductions to more complex conversations. Mastery of these skills enhances communication and sets the stage for advanced topics in subsequent units.
Unit 3: Discussing Living Situations
Unit 3 focuses on discussing living situations, enabling students to communicate about where and how they live. Vocabulary includes signs for rooms, furniture, and household items. Students learn to describe their homes, neighborhoods, and daily routines. Activities involve role-playing scenarios, such as giving directions or describing a typical day. Flashcards and dialogues reinforce key signs and phrases. This unit builds on earlier lessons, helping learners apply ASL in practical, real-life contexts. It emphasizes storytelling and spatial descriptions, enhancing comprehension and expression skills.
Unit 4: Family and Relationships
Unit 4 delves into family and relationships, teaching students to identify and sign family members, such as parents, siblings, and grandparents. Vocabulary includes possessive pronouns and relationship titles. Activities involve minidialogues about family structures and using possessive signs correctly. Students learn to express relationships and discuss family dynamics. Flashcards and exercises reinforce key signs and phrases, helping learners communicate about their personal connections. This unit builds on earlier lessons, enhancing the ability to engage in meaningful conversations about family and relationships in ASL.
Unit 5: Everyday Activities
Unit 5 focuses on signs and phrases related to daily routines and tasks. Students learn to describe their morning and evening routines, discuss meals, and engage in conversations about shopping and errands. Vocabulary includes signs for cooking, cleaning, and leisure activities. Practice exercises involve role-playing scenarios, such as ordering food or discussing weekend plans. Flashcards and interactive activities help reinforce memorization. This unit emphasizes practical communication, enabling learners to discuss their schedules and preferences in ASL confidently. It bridges classroom learning with real-life application.
Unit 6: Advanced Vocabulary and Conversations
Unit 6 builds on previous lessons, introducing advanced ASL vocabulary and complex conversations. Students explore storytelling techniques, nuanced expressions, and detailed descriptions. Topics include discussing emotions, sharing experiences, and engaging in deeper dialogues. Activities focus on refining signing skills through interactive dialogues and narrative practice. Flashcards and exercises reinforce advanced signs, while role-playing scenarios simulate real-life interactions. This unit prepares learners for more fluent and natural conversations, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively in various social settings. It culminates in a comprehensive review of Units 1-6.
Vocabulary and Grammar
Key signs and phrases are introduced systematically, focusing on correct handshapes and non-manual markers. Gender signs are explored, emphasizing their proper usage in ASL structure and communication.
Key Signs and Phrases
The curriculum introduces essential ASL signs and phrases, starting with greetings, introductions, and basic questions. Students learn numbers, common verbs, and nouns relevant to daily life. Key signs focus on clear handshapes and non-manual markers, ensuring effective communication. Phrases are taught in context, promoting natural conversations. Dialogues and exercises reinforce retention, helping learners apply signs in practical situations. This structured approach builds a strong foundation for further ASL development, emphasizing clarity and correctness in expression.
Gender Signs and Their Usage
Gender signs in ASL are specific handshapes and placements used to indicate male or female references. They are essential for clarifying roles in conversations, particularly in storytelling. These signs are typically placed near the forehead or shoulder and are used at the beginning of sentences to set context. Correct usage enhances communication clarity and authenticity. Mastering gender signs is crucial for effective ASL expression, allowing learners to convey ideas accurately. Regular practice helps build comfort and accuracy in using these signs appropriately in various situations.
Exercises and Activities
Interactive exercises, including minidialogues and flashcards, reinforce ASL learning. These tools help students practice vocabulary and grammar, enhancing retention and conversational fluency effectively through active engagement.
Minidialogues and Practice Scenarios
Minidialogues and practice scenarios in Signing Naturally Units 1-6 are designed to immerse students in real-life ASL conversations. These interactive exercises focus on practical communication, such as introducing oneself, asking questions, and discussing everyday topics. Examples include dialogues like “Where’s the name Tom?” and “Who is Sue?” to practice name signs and basic interactions. Additionally, scenarios involving numbers and letters, such as “What number comes after 5?” or “What letter comes after D?” reinforce cognitive skills while promoting conversational fluency in a natural, engaging way.
Flashcard Sets for Memorization
Flashcard sets in Signing Naturally Units 1-6 are essential for memorizing key ASL signs and phrases. Platforms like Quizlet offer digital flashcards covering terms such as “HELLO,” “NAME,” and “WHAT.” These tools allow students to practice vocabulary at their own pace, reinforcing retention of signs for everyday conversations. Flashcard sets are organized by unit, making it easy to focus on specific topics like introductions, family, or daily activities. Regular use of these flashcards helps build a strong foundation in ASL, ensuring students can communicate confidently and accurately.
Homework Assignments
Homework includes tasks like signing names, numbers, and common phrases, along with minidialogues. Students are encouraged to practice regularly and submit assignments as specified by instructors.
Specific Tasks and Requirements
Specific tasks include signing names, numbers, and common phrases, as well as participating in minidialogues. Students are required to complete exercises from the workbook, such as those on page 3Y7, where they write numbers and circle correct answers. Additionally, flashcard sets are provided for memorization of key signs and phrases. Assignments must be completed thoroughly and submitted as instructed by the teacher to ensure comprehension and progress in ASL skills.
Submission Guidelines
Assignments must be submitted as specified by the instructor, either in class or through designated online platforms. All work should be complete, with exercises from the workbook, such as those on page 3Y7, finished accurately. Submissions must be neat and legible, with answers clearly marked. Late assignments may incur penalties unless arranged in advance with the instructor. Ensure all materials, including flashcards and dialogues, are included for full credit.
Additional Resources
Supplement your learning with Quizlet flashcards for key terms and access materials from dawnsign.com. The Signing Naturally Student Workbook is also recommended for practice exercises and review.
Online Platforms for Supplementary Learning
Online platforms like Quizlet and ASL University offer supplementary learning tools for Signing Naturally Units 1-6. Quizlet provides flashcards for vocabulary practice, while ASL University offers video tutorials and interactive exercises. These resources complement the workbook by allowing learners to practice signs visually and reinforce grammar concepts. Additionally, platforms like YouTube host ASL tutorials and practice videos, aiding in pronunciation and conversational fluency. Utilizing these online resources enhances learning beyond the classroom, making ASL acquisition more accessible and engaging for students.
Recommended Study Materials
The Signing Naturally Student Workbook for Units 1-6 is the primary study material, offering structured lessons and exercises. Flashcard sets on platforms like Quizlet aid in memorizing key signs and phrases. Additionally, video resources from ASL University and YouTube provide visual learning support. The Signing Naturally video DVD complements the workbook, allowing students to see signs in action. These materials together create a comprehensive learning suite, ensuring mastery of ASL fundamentals through both visual and interactive practice;
Mastering Signing Naturally Units 1-6 builds a strong ASL foundation, enhancing communication skills and confidence. Continued practice and engagement with resources ensure lasting proficiency.
Final Thoughts on the Curriculum
Signing Naturally Units 1-6 offers a comprehensive and engaging approach to ASL learning, focusing on practical communication and cultural awareness. By emphasizing real-life scenarios and interactive exercises, the curriculum builds confidence and proficiency. Its structured design ensures learners progress smoothly, mastering essential vocabulary, grammar, and storytelling techniques. The inclusion of flashcards, dialogues, and homework assignments reinforces retention and application. As a foundational resource, it equips students with the tools to navigate everyday conversations and fosters a deeper appreciation for Deaf culture and community.
Encouragement for Continued Learning
Mastering ASL through Signing Naturally Units 1-6 is just the beginning of an enriching journey. Learners are encouraged to explore advanced materials, engage with the Deaf community, and practice consistently to refine their skills. Supplementary resources like online platforms and recommended study guides can enhance understanding. Embrace challenges, set achievable goals, and celebrate progress. The confidence gained from this curriculum will inspire further exploration of ASL and its vibrant culture, fostering lifelong learning and connection with the Deaf world.
