Skip to main content

Culture and Language

Print

Benefits of Using American Sign Language in Early Childhood

A teacher and child using American Sign Language to communicate with one another.American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language that uses hand signs, facial expressions, and body language to communicate. It is a complete, natural language that has its own grammar and syntax. ASL is separate from English. It's a living, evolving language, just like any other. 

ASL is used in the United States by a variety of people, including deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing people. It can also benefit children of any age. Using ASL signs with nonverbal infants and toddlers allows them to communicate their needs before frustration sets in. For preschoolers, incorporating signs and the ASL alphabet into learning environments has been shown to increase vocabulary and pre-literacy skills. ASL can also act as a communication support for children who are dual language learners or children who struggle with verbal communication. 

Explore the videos and resources below to find out what makes ASL such an amazing developmental support for all infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Learn ASL signs, gain insights on its benefits for children’s development, and discover strategies for integrating ASL into your learning environments.

Loading...

Basic ASL Signs

Basic ASL Signs

Download the video [MP4, 152MB] Download the transcript
View the transcript

Learn American Sign Language: Basic Signs

Sam Sanders: [communicating in ASL] 

Interpreter: Hello. Milk. Yes. No. Hurt. Eat. Thirsty. Clean up. Bottle. Stop. Drink. Sit down. Hungry. Come here. My name is ... Wash hands. Rest. What is this? More. Bathroom. Help. Play. Thank you. Goodbye.

Close

Learn key words in ASL to support daily routines and everyday interactions with young children.

Basic ASL Signs
Basic ASL Signs
Basic ASL Phrases
Basic ASL Phrases
The Benefits of Learning ASL
The Benefits of Learning ASL
What Is ASL?
What Is ASL?
Who Uses ASL?
Who Uses ASL?
Teacher and child using ASL to communicate.

ASL Users Are Dual Language Learners

Children who use ASL at home or who are learning ASL are considered dual language learners. Being a dual language learner comes with increased cognitive and linguistic skill. Learn more about the amazing benefits of being a dual language learner and how to intentionally support their everyday learning.

You can learn ASL on the go! Download the Ready DLL App to learn 23 ASL words and phrases that support everyday communication with young children.

Toddler with a hearing device attached via a white band to her head and ear.

Hearing Loss in Young Children

ASL benefits all children, but especially children who are deaf or hard of hearing. If a child you serve a child who has been identified with a permanent hearing loss, explore these tips to support their participation in Head Start programs. If you’re an educator or work with parents and need strategies for accommodating a child’s hearing loss in their educational environment check out these suggestions. If you’re curious about hearing screenings and want to learn more, review these quick facts about hearing screenings for young children.

Children playing outside in a minuature playhouse.

Children with Disabilities

The goal for all children in Head Start programs, including children with disabilities, is to be successful learners. It’s important to understand what services are available to your team to coordinate support for children and their families. Learn new strategies to ensure children with disabilities and hearing loss are provided with equal learning opportunities, for infants and toddlers, as well as preschool-age children.

A home visitor and mother helping her child read a book.

Home Visitors and ASL

As a home visitor, you may serve families who use ASL at home or who are interested in learning ASL to support their child. If a family uses ASL at home, learning a few signs to assist in communicating with them is a great way to build rapport and trust with families. Learn basic signs and phrases in the video section on this page. During home visits and group socializations, there are many opportunities to support the involvement of these young dual language learners.

Read more:

,  Culture and Language