ASL Alphabet

ASL ALPHABET

Signing the ASL Alphabet

Imagine you're learning American Sign Language (ASL) and want to start with the basics. The ASL alphabet is an essential foundation for fingerspelling names, places, and words that don’t have specific signs. Let’s go over it!

How to Sign the ASL Alphabet

Each letter in the ASL alphabet has a unique handshape. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started:

• A – Make a fist with your thumb resting on the side of your fingers.

• B – Extend all four fingers straight up with your thumb folded across your palm.

• C – Curve your fingers and thumb to form the shape of the letter 'C'.

• D – Extend your index finger straight up while curling the remaining fingers to touch your thumb.

• E – Curl all your fingers towards your palm, touching your thumb.

• F – Touch the tip of your index finger to your thumb, forming a small circle, while the other three fingers are extended.

• G – Extend your index finger and thumb, keeping them parallel, while the other fingers stay curled.

• H – Extend both your index and middle fingers together while keeping the rest curled.

• I – Extend your pinky finger while the rest of your fingers stay curled in a fist.

• J – Start with the 'I' handshape and draw a 'J' in the air with your pinky.

• K – Extend your index and middle fingers apart like a 'V' while placing your thumb in between.

• L – Extend your index finger and thumb at a right angle to form the letter 'L'.

• M – Curl your fingers over your thumb, covering it with three fingers.

• N – Similar to 'M', but cover your thumb with only two fingers.

• O – Form an 'O' shape with all your fingers and thumb touching.

• P – Make the 'K' sign and tilt it downward.

• Q – Make the 'G' sign and tilt it downward.

• R – Cross your index and middle fingers while keeping the rest curled.

• S – Make a fist with your thumb resting across the front of your fingers.

• T – Tuck your thumb between your index and middle fingers.

• U – Extend your index and middle fingers together while keeping the rest curled.

• V – Extend your index and middle fingers apart in a 'V' shape.

• W – Extend your index, middle, and ring fingers apart, forming a 'W'.

• X – Curl your index finger into a hooked shape while keeping the rest curled.

• Y – Extend your thumb and pinky out while keeping the middle fingers folded.

• Z – Use your index finger to trace a 'Z' shape in the air.

Tips for Practicing the ASL Alphabet

• Practice fingerspelling simple words like your name.

• Watch ASL alphabet videos and follow along.

• Use a mirror to check your handshapes.

• Play games like spelling common words using ASL letters.

Learning the ASL alphabet is the first step to becoming more fluent in sign language. What word will you fingerspell first? 😊

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Give your child a fun and engaging way to learn American Sign Language while improving their handwriting skills. This downloadable ASL workbook is perfect for early learners, homeschoolers, and classrooms. Start building strong ASL and writing foundations today! 🚀✍️

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