Block 3 - ASL I S2

ASL I COURSE DESCRIPTION 

The American Sign Language level 1 course introduces the students to the language of the Deaf community and its culture. ASL is a unique language that is concept based and is visual-gestural in nature. It does not simply mimic English on the hands but is a complex language with its own grammar structure. As ASL does not have a written form, it challenges the students to develop metalinguistic skills. 

The ASL I program is guided by two principles: knowledge and function. The function principle refers to the cultural awareness and language acquisition needed in order to use ASL appropriately, such as knowing when to use formal or informal greetings, how to handle miscues, and attention-getting strategies. The Knowledge principle provides the students with a strong foundation in American Sign Language, fostering both life-long learning and advanced levels of language proficiency. Students will develop their skills in accordance with the state standards for presentational, interpersonal, and interpretive modes of communication. 

Children are engaged and thrive when they are a part of the learning process. The ASL classes are designed to incorporate conversations that are meaningful to the students’ everyday lives. The students will have opportunity to engage in drill practices for everyday conversations, presentations, self-assessment of expressive work through recordings, videos, workbook activities, as well as, opportunities to community with native users of the language. The students will also be involved in exchanges with students of the global Deaf community in the spirit of international friendship. 

To maximize learning the ASL I course is conducted primarily in the target language with minimal instruction given in the source language. A one-month total immersion in the target language is mandatory during the third quarter to help the students develop mastery at a native level of proficiency.

ASL 1 COURSE PROFICIENCIES R/S TRACK

● Demonstrate comprehension of topics introduced in the target language

● Apply and interpret vocabulary and structures of a native signer

● Create authentic dialogues based on given scenarios for effective communication in real life

interactions

● Comprehend formal and informal communication in the target language

● Express opinions and ideas in the target language

● Sign a structured paragraph on a specific theme in the target language

● Distinguish and compare Deaf Culture and customs to their own culture and customs

● Demonstrate the ability to gather information from various readings, websites, or other authentic cultural artifacts (music, pop culture, media and news)

● Design and present multimedia projects on topics introduced throughout the course