American sign Language 

Building Connection Through Language, Culture, and Empathy

Our ASL program for grades 1–8 offers students a rich experience in both American Sign Language and Deaf culture, while also nurturing social and emotional growth.

Each ASL class begins with our signature verse, spoken and signed together. This practice sets a grounding and unifying tone for every student, every week.

What to Expect Each Month

3 ASL + Deaf Culture Classes


Students explore new ASL signs grouped by subject. Through songs, storytelling, books, and visual art, students learn and internalize vocabulary in fun and meaningful ways.

1 SEL Class (Social and Emotional Learning)

One class per month is focused on emotional development, communication, and community building—using books, art, and games.

Learning Through Creativity


Each grade-level class uses a blend of:

  • Games for movement and repetition of signs

  • Art to illustrate vocabulary or class themes

  • Books and stories to make connections between language and real life

  • Personal storytelling in ASL

Curriculum Overview

  • 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

Ms. Pam Leimberer

With a deep commitment to communication and inclusion, Ms. Leimberer brings a unique blend of experience in American Sign Language, counseling, and holistic education. She became fluent in ASL while working closely with a Deaf instructor and later served as a professional interpreter for Deaf and DeafBlind students across elementary and high schools. Her interpreting work—spanning both the classroom and one-on-one settings—included the specialized practice of tactile signing for a DeafBlind student.

Between earning her undergraduate and graduate degrees, she continued interpreting while pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a professional background in therapeutic support and disability advocacy. Her work has always reflected a deep respect for the diverse ways people experience the world, and she remains passionate about fostering disability awareness and inclusive education.

Now a parent of two children enrolled at the school, Ms. Leimberer is an enthusiastic supporter of the Waldorf approach. She values its emphasis on holistic development, reduced screen time, and deep connection to nature—ideals that have enriched her family’s life both at home and in the community.