American Sign Language I

American Sign Language I is the natural language used by deaf individuals and the Deaf community. This is an overview of American Sign Language (ASL), its basic vocabulary, structure, syntax, and grammar. Students will focus on mastering the basics of fingerspelling, numbers, colors, facial grammar, and sentence structure; students will also learn conversational/cultural behaviors necessary to hold a beginning-level conversation in ASL, with Deaf/hard-of-hearing native users of the language. Introductory information about deaf culture will also be presented, along with deaf humor, to provide students with a broad picture of language and culture. American Sign Language I is offered through Interactive Video Distance Learning, and will also incorporate the use of Google Classrooms as well as Schoology (online support). Due to the visual nature of the language of ASL, students will be required to provide and upload recorded video of sign language assignments as part of the course interaction. Live instruction will be recorded every day. This will give students and parents access to the interactive portions of the lessons. Through grants and investment in the video conferencing delivery method, we are able to provide each individual period of instruction with its own classroom recording of live instruction daily, this is then accessible via a web browser. All World languages through the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center focus on the targets of language instruction set forth by ACTFL standards; Communication, Culture, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities. We strive for teaching the 2nd language through native, real-world practices and experiences; most class periods spend a target of 90% or more of the instructional time in the target language. Unlike world language classrooms of old, where grammar and vocabulary drills dominated instruction, our world language program focuses on learning language for proficiency. In our language programs, students and teachers are engaged in the target language through authentic learning experiences, producing proficient speakers in the language.

Curriculum is varied and no specific textbook is required for the student.

Chromebook, laptop, or iPad capable of connecting daily to Zoom, with headphones, camera and microphone enabled.

We connect using Zoom.