In 1st grade, students are gently introduced to American Sign Language through fun, hands-on learning. Signing helps children connect words to movement, making language easier to understand. It also supports fine motor skills—important for writing and coordination—and encourages expressive communication by using both hands and facial expressions. ASL helps children not only learn new words, but also feel more connected to what they’re saying, making language come alive in both heart and mind.

• Focus: Basic everyday vocabulary (family, colors, animals, feelings)

• Skills: Expressing emotions, introducing self, recognizing Deaf culture

• SEL Themes: Kindness, identifying feelings, classroom community

In 2nd grade, students continue building their ASL skills through movement, expression, and play. Signing helps children understand language by linking words to visual and physical actions. It also supports fine motor development, which is important for writing and coordination. As students learn to use facial expressions along with their signs, they grow more confident in expressing feelings and ideas. ASL encourages meaningful communication—helping children connect with language in both thoughtful and heartfelt ways.

• Focus: Days of the week, weather, school-related signs, food

• Skills: Simple sentence structure, basic conversation

• SEL Themes: Friendship, empathy, taking turns, listening

In 3rd grade, students continue to deepen their understanding of ASL through movement, expression, and connection. Signing helps children link words with actions, making language more memorable and meaningful. It also strengthens fine motor skills and coordination—important tools for writing and learning. By using facial expressions along with hand signs, students build emotional awareness and develop clearer, more expressive communication. ASL supports not just language skills, but a deeper connection to the words they use—with both mind and heart.

• Focus: Home, clothing, action verbs, routines

• Skills: Story retelling, describing daily activities

• SEL Themes: Self-awareness, inclusion, emotional expression

In 4th grade, students deepen their understanding of ASL by learning how English words and phrases match ASL signs and grammar. As their vocabulary grows, they also begin to explore how ASL has its own unique structure. Students continue to practice using clear hand signs and expressive facial movements to communicate with more fluency and confidence.

Alongside language learning, students also discuss the importance of respecting and including people of all abilities. They explore both visible and invisible disabilities and are encouraged to ask thoughtful, respectful questions. These conversations help build empathy, awareness, and a strong sense of community.

• Focus: Deaf culture, places in the community, hobbies

• Skills: Asking and answering questions in ASL, expressive signing

• SEL Themes: Respect, teamwork, emotional regulation

In 5th grade, students continue to grow in their understanding of ASL by exploring how English vocabulary connects with ASL signs and grammar. They expand their signing skills, learn more ASL-specific sentence structure, and practice using expressive facial movements to help convey meaning clearly and naturally.

Beyond language skills, students also engage in meaningful conversations about disabilities and inclusion. They learn about both visible and invisible disabilities and are encouraged to ask respectful, thoughtful questions. These discussions help students build empathy and gain a deeper understanding of the many ways people experience the world.

• Focus: Health, body, transportation, feelings in depth

• Skills: Signing short stories, presenting information in ASL

• SEL Themes: Self-esteem, conflict resolution, peer support

In middle school, students deepen their skills in American Sign Language by expanding their vocabulary, refining their expressive signing, and exploring the unique grammar and structure of ASL. They continue to build fluency by practicing full conversations—often with their voices off—to strengthen nonverbal communication and confidence in signing.

In addition to language development, students engage in thoughtful discussions about disabilities, both visible and invisible. They learn the importance of empathy, respect, and inclusion, and are encouraged to ask questions in a respectful and curious way. These lessons help students better understand and appreciate diverse perspectives and experiences.

• Focus: Time, sports, occupations, descriptive signs

• Skills: Sequential storytelling, expressive and receptive accuracy

• SEL Themes: Identity, belonging, positive decision-making