ASL numbers

This video lesson is designed for children 3-6 years old. In this video, we will learn Numbers 1-20 using American Sign Language (ASL). ASL is primarily used for communication by physically challenged children.

It allows the child to understand and sign numbers between 1-20 in American Sign Language, using hand and face movements.

What is the American Sign Language?

American Sign Language (ASL) is a sign language with the same linguistic properties as spoken languages but with a different English language. ASL is primarily used to communicate with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

However, any child can learn ASL. A child who can communicate in both sign and spoken language has a bilingual advantage. It is a powerful tool to help children learn the language, vocabulary, core educational concepts, and more. ASL and spoken English both offer verbal, visual, and physical learning methods that encourage learning. 

It helps children convey their messages or emotions more effectively. Therefore, it is used to meet the diverse needs of the classroom.

Benefits of Learning American Sign Language:

  1. It helps to reduce tantrums and frustrations when children find it difficult to communicate.
  2. It promotes early language development. 
  3. It stimulates brain development and enhances memory as they learn and remembers a lot of new words. 
  4. It builds vocabulary.
  5. It develops fine and gross motor skills. 
  6. It develops confidence and self-esteem.  

How to Sign Numbers 1 – 20 in American Sign Language?

Signing numbers in ASL is very easy. Follow the below guide to sign numbers 1-20 in ASL.

Numbers 1-5 in ASL is just simple. Use your fingers to point to the numbers:

  • Number One: To sign 1 in ASL, lift the index finger.
  • Number Two: To sign 2 in ASL, lift and extend the index and middle finger.
  • Number Three: To sign 3 in ASL, extend the thumb, index, and middle finger.
  • Number Four: To sign 4 in ASL, extend all four fingers except the thumb.
  • Number Five: To sign 5 in ASL, extend all five fingers.

Numbers 6-9 in ASL are signed by the grouping of fingers together:

  • Number Six: To sign 6 in ASL, bring together the thumb and pinky finger with the remaining fingers extended.
  • Number Seven: To sign 7 in ASL, bring the thumb and ring finger together with the remaining fingers extended.
  • Number Eight: To sign 8 in ASL, bring the thumb and middle finger together with the remaining fingers extended.
  • Number Nine: To sign 9 in ASL, bring the thumb and index finger together with the remaining fingers extended.
  • Number Ten: To sign 10 in ASL, make a fist and wave the thumb.

Numbers 11-15 in ASL are signed by repeatedly bending:

  • Number Eleven: To sign 11 in ASL, open the index finger with the palm facing you.
  • Number Twelve: To sign 12 in ASL, open the index and middle finger with the palm facing you. Repeatedly flick the “two” fingers off the thumb.
  • Number Thirteen: To sign 13 in ASL, repeatedly bend the “two” fingers while the thumb pointing out.
  • Number Fourteen: To sign 14 in ASL, repeatedly bend the “four” fingers while keeping the thumb inside the palm.
  • Number Fifteen: To sign 15 in ASL, repeatedly bend the “four” fingers while the thumb pointing out.

Numbers 16-19 in ASL are signed by signing 6-9 numbers plus left-to-right movements.

  • Number Sixteen: To sign 16 in ASL, make the sign for “six,” repeatedly moving it left and right.
  • Number Seventeen: To sign 17 in ASL, make the “seven” sign and move it repeatedly from left to right.
  • Number Eighteen: To sign 18 in ASL, make the sign for “eight” and repeatedly move it from left to right.
  • Number Nineteen: To sign 19 in ASL, make the sign for “nine” and move it repeatedly from left to right.
  • Number Twenty: To sign 20 in ASL, repeatedly “snap” the index finger and thumb together.

Tips to remember:

  • For numbers 1-5, it’s best practice to sign them with your palm facing you and the back of your hand facing the people you’re signing showing the numbers. 
  • Some numbers share identical signs to alphabet. For example, two with the letter ‘v’ and three with the letter ‘w’. Differentiate them by doing subtle motions (like tapping fingers together to indicate the number) and clarify that it doesn’t mean the alphabet variant of the sign.

Watch the video to learn how to sign numbers 1-20. Let the child repeat this exercise along with the video and sign the numbers using different hand movements. To make the activity more fun, invite your child to count colorful beads using ASL.

Related ASL Videos

  1. Alphabets
  2. Colors
  3. Days of the week

For more language resources, click here.

Video created by: Pocatello Valley Montessori (Idaho)

FAQs

  • What are the ASL numbers Rules?

For the cardinal numbers one to five, your palm is in, facing you as the signer. The palm of your hand is facing away from the signer’s perspective. For the numbers eleven to fifteen, your palm is in. For the rest of the numbers, the palm is out.

  • What is the Rule 9 in ASL?

In American Sign Language (ASL), the Rule of 9 describes a pattern of numeral incorporation where a number up to 9 is incorporated with a regular sign, usually related to time.

Tags

  • American Sign Language
  • English
  • Language
  • primary