sign for homework in asl

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This is how you sign Homework in American Sign Language.

Description.

To sign "Homework" in American Sign Language (ASL), you are going to make an O handshape, put it next to your mouth and then bring it up on top of your cheek and whack your non-dominant hand just once.

ASL signbank

Sign Distribution

• unspecified

STUDY in sign language

Have you studied ASL lately? Learn a lot?

ASL signs for STUDY

How do you say 'study' in ASL? There are two common variants which may be used in particular contexts. Sometimes they are interchangeable, and not in other contexts.

Meaning: The act of making an effort to learn by reading, practicing, or memorizing; a careful investigation or examination of something.

Pronunciation (sign description): The fingeers of dominant "5" hand with its palm down in front of the non-dominant flat hand/palm wiggle.

Context or usage examples: "Did you study for the LSF test tomorrow?", "According to a recent study...", "Sipping espresso, he enjoyed studying passersby" (inflect the verb STUDY), "a study group".

Contextual variation: Dominant "5" hand with its palm down in front of the non-dominant flat hand/palm moves toward the non-dominant palm a couple of times. The fingers of the dominant hand may touch the palm or not.

Context or usage examples: "a study group", "study for a test tomorrow".

" Study -- Hold open left hand as the page of a book; point all fingers of right hand at it; push fingers toward and draw away several times the while they are worked with a vibrating motion." (1910) Ref

Beyond basics: verb inflections

Suitable for ASL level 200+. Watch the videos that show you how to modulate the verb 'study' using temporal aspects (continuous and recurring).

Regular verb.

E.g. He doesn't like to write homework but he likes to study .

Recurring temporal aspect.

E.g. He regularly studies at the library over there. / He studies his math every night. / He studies hard.

Continuous temporal aspect.

E.g. He has been studying all night and day for the exam.

Related signs: LEARN , READ , WORK at, RESEARCH .

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[Note: ASL writing is not an official standard. This sign language writing remains in a state of open space to allow room for experiment, evolution, and improvement.]

Meaning "study hard". Written by Aaron Sither, January 2017.

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Home » Homework » Learning Homework Signs: How to Express Homework in ASL

Learning Homework Signs: How to Express Homework in ASL

May 12, 2024 5 min read

• 1.1 Introduction to ASL Homework
• 1.2 Key Signs for Homework
• 1.3 Common Mistakes
• 2.1 Setting a Routine
• 2.2 Using Online Resources
• 2.3 Engaging with the Deaf Community
• 3.1 Using Facial Expressions
• 3.2 Incorporating Body Language
• 3.3 Contextual Variations
• 4.1 Recommended Books and Videos
• 4.2 Online Courses and Workshops
• 4.3 Interactive Learning Tools
• 5.1 Overcoming Common Barriers
• 5.2 Seeking Help from Experts
• 5.3 Practice Strategies
• 6.1 Importance of Regular Practice
• 6.2 Feedback and Assessment
• 6.3 Collaborative Learning Opportunities
• 7.1 Role-playing Scenarios
• 7.2 Group Activities
• 7.3 Feedback Sessions
• 8.1 Self-assessment Techniques
• 8.2 Teacher Evaluations
• 8.3 Peer Reviews
• 9 Conclusion
• 10.1 What are the basic signs to express homework in ASL?
• 10.2 How can I practice ASL homework signs daily?
• 10.3 What are some common mistakes when signing ‘homework’ in ASL?
• 10.4 Are there any recommended resources for learning ASL homework signs?
• 10.5 How can I get feedback on my homework signs in ASL?
• 10.6 What advanced techniques can enhance my ability to sign ‘homework’ in ASL?

Understanding the Basics of Homework in ASL

Introduction to asl homework.

Learning American Sign Language (ASL) homework begins with understanding its unique structure and requirements.  Homework in ASL often involves practicing signs , watching videos, and completing worksheets like the  TWA 5.2 Worksheet  to reinforce learning.

Key Signs for Homework

To effectively communicate homework in ASL, it’s crucial to master key signs. These include signs for ‘homework’, ‘study’, ‘read’, ‘write’, and ‘due’. Practicing these signs regularly helps in building fluency.

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes when learning homework signs in ASL include confusing similar signs, incorrect handshapes, and improper facial expressions. It’s important to get feedback from experienced ASL users to correct these errors early in the learning process.

Incorporating ASL Homework into Daily Practice

Setting a routine.

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Using Online Resources

The internet is a treasure trove of resources for learning ASL. Utilize online lessons, videos, and interactive tools to enhance your learning. Websites like ASLU offer comprehensive lesson plans and practice tools that can be integrated into your daily practice routine. Engaging with these resources regularly can significantly improve your ASL skills.

Engaging with the Deaf Community

One of the most effective ways to practice ASL homework is by engaging with the Deaf community. Attend local events, workshops, and meet-ups to practice your skills in real-world settings. This exposure not only helps in practical application of the language but also enriches your understanding of the Deaf culture.

Advanced Techniques for Expressing Homework in ASL

Using facial expressions.

Facial expressions play a crucial role in conveying the nuances of ASL, especially when expressing concepts related to homework.  Mastering the subtleties  of facial cues can significantly enhance communication effectiveness . It’s important to practice mirroring emotions that align with the homework’s context, such as concentration or confusion.

Incorporating Body Language

Body language adds depth to the signs used in ASL. By integrating gestures that complement the verbal signs, you can provide a fuller picture of the intended message. Practice using your posture, arm movements, and hand shapes to reflect the seriousness or ease of the homework topic.

Contextual Variations

Understanding the context in which homework signs are used can greatly affect interpretation. Different settings may require variations in the intensity and formality of signs. For instance, a casual study session at home might allow for more relaxed signs compared to a formal academic presentation.

Emphasizing the right context in your signs can lead to more accurate and effective communication.

Resources and Tools for Learning Homework in ASL

Recommended books and videos.

To effectively learn ASL homework signs, a variety of books and videos are available that cater specifically to learning sign language. These resources often include visual aids and step-by-step guides which are crucial for understanding the nuances of sign language.

Online Courses and Workshops

Online courses and workshops provide interactive and structured learning environments. These platforms often feature  engaging tools  for learning, such as live sessions with experts and peer interaction, which are essential for practical learning and immediate feedback.

Interactive Learning Tools

Leveraging interactive learning tools such as apps and websites can significantly enhance the learning experience. These tools often include features like quizzes, flashcards, and minidialogues that help reinforce learning through repetition and active engagement.

Challenges and Solutions in Learning Homework Signs in ASL

Overcoming common barriers.

Learning ASL, especially the signs related to homework, can be daunting due to its unique linguistic structure and abstract nature.  Many learners find the  transition from their native language  to ASL challenging , as ASL is not simply a gestural form of English. To effectively overcome these barriers, it’s crucial to immerse oneself in the language through consistent practice and exposure to native signers.

Seeking Help from Experts

The guidance of experienced ASL instructors can significantly enhance the learning process. Engaging with teachers who are proficient in ASL can provide learners with the necessary feedback and tailored learning strategies to improve their sign language skills. This personalized approach helps in addressing specific difficulties and accelerates the learning curve.

Practice Strategies

Developing a structured practice routine is essential for mastering ASL homework signs. Regular practice sessions, combined with self-assessment and peer reviews, ensure that learners can track their progress and identify areas for improvement. Utilizing resources like online courses, interactive tools, and community engagement further enriches the learning experience and aids in the retention of signs.

The Role of Homework in ASL Education

Importance of regular practice.

Regular practice through homework is crucial in mastering ASL. It helps in reinforcing the signs learned in class and improving fluency over time.  Consistent daily practice  can significantly enhance one’s ability to communicate using ASL.

Feedback and Assessment

Homework provides a vital opportunity for receiving feedback. Teachers can assess a student’s progress and pinpoint areas that need improvement, ensuring that learning is on the right track.

Collaborative Learning Opportunities

Homework often involves group projects or interactions with peers, which are excellent for practicing ASL in real-life scenarios. Engaging with others helps to build confidence and fosters a supportive learning environment.

Homework not only reinforces learning but also provides essential feedback and collaborative opportunities that are vital for mastering ASL.

Interactive Exercises for Mastering Homework in ASL

Role-playing scenarios.

Role-playing scenarios are a dynamic way to practice ASL homework signs in a simulated real-life context. Participants can take turns acting out various roles, such as student and teacher, to enhance their understanding and use of ASL in educational settings.  This method not only reinforces learning but also boosts confidence in using ASL actively.

Group Activities

Group activities encourage collaboration and communication among learners. These activities can range from simple sign language games to complex group projects that require the use of specific ASL homework signs. Engaging in these exercises helps to solidify the signs learned and promotes a sense of community among participants.

Feedback Sessions

Feedback sessions are crucial for refining ASL skills. After participating in role-playing or group activities, receiving feedback from peers or instructors can provide valuable insights into areas of improvement. These sessions often involve discussions about the effectiveness of the signs used and suggestions for enhancing clarity and accuracy in communication.

Evaluating Progress in Homework Sign Proficiency

Self-assessment techniques.

Self-assessment is a crucial tool for students learning ASL homework signs. It allows learners to reflect on their progress and identify areas needing improvement.  Students should regularly review their sign language skills , using checklists or video recordings to self-evaluate their proficiency and comfort with various signs.

Teacher Evaluations

Teacher evaluations provide  structured feedback  and are essential for measuring student progress in ASL. Educators can use rubrics and performance assessments to gauge how well students understand and use homework signs in context.

Peer Reviews

Peer reviews encourage students to engage with one another, offering insights and feedback on each other’s use of ASL homework signs. This collaborative approach helps learners see different perspectives and improves their sign language skills through constructive criticism.

In this article, we explored various aspects of expressing homework in American Sign Language (ASL), providing a comprehensive guide for both students and educators. From understanding basic signs to integrating ASL into homework practices, the insights shared aim to enhance communication and learning experiences in educational settings. Embracing ASL not only aids in effective communication but also promotes inclusivity, ensuring that deaf or hard-of-hearing students can fully participate in academic activities. As we continue to advocate for accessible education, incorporating ASL into homework is a step towards a more inclusive and understanding educational environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic signs to express homework in asl.

The basic signs involve the combination of signs for ‘HOME’ and ‘WORK’. However, it’s important to understand the context and variations depending on the sentence structure in ASL.

How can I practice ASL homework signs daily?

Set a routine incorporating daily sign practice, use online resources, and engage with the Deaf community to improve fluency and understanding.

What are some common mistakes when signing ‘homework’ in ASL?

Common mistakes include incorrect handshape, movement, or orientation, and confusing similar signs like ‘WORK’ and ‘JOB’.

Are there any recommended resources for learning ASL homework signs?

Yes, there are several books, online courses, and video tutorials specifically focused on educational signs in ASL, including homework-related signs.

How can I get feedback on my homework signs in ASL?

You can seek feedback through ASL classes, workshops, or online communities. Engaging in peer review sessions and teacher evaluations are also beneficial.

What advanced techniques can enhance my ability to sign ‘homework’ in ASL?

Incorporate facial expressions and body language to convey the context better. Also, understanding the variations in signs based on different contexts can help in more accurate communication.

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ASL Signs for Teachers to Use in the Classroom

• April 30, 2024

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Whether you’re an educator looking to incorporate ASL into your teaching or a student eager to communicate more effectively, this video is your go-to resource. Learn more than 50 signs and phrases that can be used in your classroom. We cover essential signs that will transform your educational experience.

🤟The signs are broken into 4 topical categories: 1. Classroom Management 2. Instructional Commands 3. Communication and Interaction 4. School Locations and Needs

By the end of this video, you’ll not only have a set of valuable ASL tools for classroom management but also the confidence to use them daily. Don’t forget to hit ‘Like’ if you find this video helpful and ‘Subscribe’ for more ASL educational content!

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*NAVIGATION* 0:00 – Intro

*Classroom Management* 0:54 – Pay Attention 1:03 – Quiet 1:20 – Sit 1:39 – Line Up 1:49 – Wait 1:58 – Break 2:10 – Please 2:18 – Clean 2:25 – Finish

*Instructional Commands* 2:37 – Help 3:01 – Focus (on Work) 3:16 – Work 3:27 – Read 3:40 – Write 3:46 – Draw 3:56 – Spell 4:05 – Show Me 4:24 – Repeat 4:34 – Understand 4:42 – Don’t Understand 4:51 – Question 4:59 – Math 5:08 – Science 5:20 – History 5:29 – Art 5:40 – Book 5:54 – Homework

*Communication and Interaction* 6:10 – Go 6:23 – Come Here 6:32 – Yes 6:43 – No 6:52 – Please 6:57 – Thank You 7:06 – Sorry 7:19 – Share 7:29 – Good

*School Locations and Needs* 7:44 – Bathroom 7:56 – Water 8:04 – Lunch 8:16 – Principal 8:32 – Counselor 8:47 – Teacher 9:00 – Secretary 9:14 – Nurse 9:26 – Office 9:35 – Cafeteria 9:55 – Gym 9:56 – Library 10:05 – Play 10:17 – Your Turn / My Turn

*ASL Phrases for the classroom* 10:32 – It’s time to clean up. 10:44 – Everyone quietly stand up and line up. 11:11 – Remember we are reading quietly. 11:31 – You are doing good. Keep going. 11:47 – Yes, you can go to the office. 12:02 – Encouragement

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Sign for Homework

I learned the sign for homework as a combined sign of 'home' and 'work'. Like this on lifeprint. I just saw another website have homework as an X-hand vertically moving down a flattened B-hand. Then the sign 'work'. This video is behind a paywall, which is why I'm not linking it. I am curious if this is a generally accepted sign for homework and what the X-hand means here.

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ASL Lessons | Bookstore | Library |  ASL University Main ►

SIGN: The American Sign Language (ASL) sign for " sign / signing / sign language "  If you mean "sign" sign as in a "display" or a "road sign" see " SIGN-[square / display] There is more than one common sign for "SIGN" (as in "signing or sign language.") SIGN:  "a sign," "sign this," "signed," "signing," "sign language," "signs": This version of "sign" is done using a quick open and close movement.   SIGNING-[advanced-signing, ASL-type-signing, skilled signing]   Sentence: Who in your family signs? Gloss: YOUR FAMILY SIGN, WHO?   A common sign for "sign / signing / sign language" that has been around for a long is done using your index fingers. Form both hands into "1" hand shapes.  Then draw a couple of large circles in the air with the tip of each index finger.  You can either circle the hands backwards or forwards (but pick a direction and stick with it).  The hands both move at the same time but one hand is half a circle ahead of the other hand).  I personally tend to do the movement as if pedaling a (stationary) bicycle backwards.  Both hands move at the same time. When the right hand is up, the left hand is down.  When the right hand is forward, the left hand is back.  However some signers prefer to "pedal" using a forward rotation.  At the time of this writing, one version is not more right than the other (but some people will try to tell you their version is right). SIGN-[a sign, signing-(basic), sign language-(general)]   Click this link to see a "gif" animation of this sign: "Sign Language" (.gif file)   Remember, many people do the sign with a forward, down, back, up movement -- as if pedaling a bicycle forwards.)   Note: The sign for "sign" as in "a roadway sign" or a billboard is different from "sign" as in "American Sign Language." If you want to talk about a road sign, billboard, blackboard, or square, see: SQUARE   Optional Reading (Not required) Student : For "SIGN," should the fingers be moving in towards the body at the top of the circle, or at the bottom of the circle?   Dr. Bill : Would you believe "either?"  It is done both ways in the Deaf Community.  I do it with the fingers moving in toward the body at the top of the circle. But lots of people do it the other way too. Out of curiosity, I just looked in a couple of the ASL dictionaries I have sitting here on my shelf and sure enough one shows the fingers moving back, the other shows them moving forward.      In a message dated 10/25/2005 4:24:51 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, january_june@___com writes: I can't seem to have each hand circling in different directions. My question is, is this a common mistake? Also, does it mean something completely different? In other words, if I signed 'sign' with my fingers both making circles in the same direction, would I end up offending someone or telling them I'm pregnant? Clumsy mistakes are no fun :P -Brittany

Hi, Dr. Bill, I haven't asked you a question in a long time, but have one now...What is the difference (in usage) between the sign for sign: as in sign language - one is the index fingers going around each other - and the other is "s" hands throwing forward into relaxed "c" or "5" hands? Thanks, Bill, hope all is well with you! Linda Wilt Easton, Md

Notes:  Also see:  STUDENT  

Neologism: Advanced one-handed version of:

SIGN-[sign-something-in-fluent-ASL, do-a-sign, sign-language]

The one-handed "S-Claw-S" version of "SIGN" can be seen in conversations in which one of the signers chooses to sign one handed (for example -- due to holding a phone during a video call).  

Notes: Question : Samantha ██████ commented / asked: Ok, I'm sure you're sick of my name popping up, but you have been the best sounding board. I spoke with my friends translator today and she corrected my sign for "sign". I've been using the index finger in the "1" position vertically and circling in toward myself. She corrected me to use the index finger in the one position horizontally circling inward. Obviously, I'll use that instead, but is the vertical representation wrong or just lesser used? Response from Dr. Bill: Samantha, I'm totally okay with your questions.  You might want to consider applying to join the Lifeprint-ASLU Facebook group and asking your questions there first to see what sort of answers you get. See: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Lifeprint.ASLU/ Then after getting their feedback if you are unsatisfied, feel free to contact me directly. My email is listed partway down the page at: https://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-layout/contact.htm A bit of homework for you in regard to your experience of being corrected to do the sign for "sign" by doing it with the fingers horizontally and circling backward. I would like you to first consider my "caterpillar" model of ASL Curriculum Development: https://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-layout/teachingasl/teachingasl-bill.htm

Then set a personal goal to observe how at least 20 different advanced signers do the sign for "sign" and note the handshapes, positions, orientations, movements, etc. Be aware that the sign for "SIGN" has actually evolved over the years. Many now do a loose "S>5>S" (or in other words start with fists, open them into loose five hands, and close them into fists again). I've even seen some people even do that version with just one hand (due to the influence of signing into video chat apps on phones). Changes in the speed, size, and intensity of the sign for "SIGN" can be used to indicate varying levels of fluency. So my response to you is that there is absolutely not just "one right way" to do the sign for "SIGN." In regard to the orientation or positioning of the "1" handshape version of the sign for "SIGN" -- my advice is that the orientation (as done by those who choose to do the 1-handshape version and for whom signing is their main method of daily face to face communication) is neither fully vertical nor horizontal but rather is at a comfortable angle influenced by the individual signer's joints, tendons, and muscles. The exact angle tends to vary depending on whatever is comfortable for each signer's own physical limbs but rather than vertical or horizontal the arms (and index fingers) tend to be at more of a 45 degree angle (in the 1-handshape version of the sign for SIGN). If someone around you decides to "correct" your signing, just smile, thank them for letting you know, and then try to remember to do the sign that way around that person but also to make an increased effort to see how the majority of native, adult, Deaf, socially-active, skilled signers do that sign in your area. This will necessitate going to local Deaf events and meetings. I encourage you to remove yourself from being at the mercy of or dependent on the opinions of individual "experts." You can empower yourself by increasing your exposure to a broad range of skilled signers. Do a Google search for, "Deaf events near me." Also search for any Deaf Centers and your state's association for the Deaf and start attending anything open to the public.

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You can learn American Sign Language (ASL) online at American Sign Language University ™  ASL resources by Lifeprint.com  ©  Dr. William Vicars