The Alphabet in Sign Language: Free ASL Fingerspelling PDF Worksheets

ASL Fingerspelling

Learning the alphabet in sign language is a fun and useful skill. While finger spelling out words can take longer than if you know the ASL common words, it enables you to communicate with someone.

It should be noted that while learning the ASL alphabet is a beginner skill, the child or student will have to know how to spell to use the alphabet.

Free Sign Language Alphabet PDF for all ages and abilities.

Fingerspelling in ASL to communicate also requires some motor planning, which some students may lack. Mentally, you are already planning out the next letter while signing the current one, if that makes sense.

What is ASL Fingerspelling?

ASL fingerspelling is just what it says–you are communicating to the person by spelling out the words. It can be a slow and laborious way to communicate. But, sometimes, it is necessary for beginners in ASL.

For example, instead of using the ASL for “yes,” I would answer you using the 3 separate letter signs for Y-E-S.

Learning the ASL Alphabet is a quick way to get started in sign language and fingerspelling.

I have another post with common ASL words if you wish to learn those separately.

It should be noted that trying to communicate with ASL and fingerspelling requires sufficient working memory skills.

The signer and the receiver will have to remember the letters already used and save the information until the word is complete.

Sign Language Alphabet

Still, learning to fingerspell ASL is better than having no communication. ASL is the 4th most common language in the USA.

Just like learning any other language, you have to practice it. I learned Italian before I lived in Italy and used it for the 6 months I was there.

But guess what? I haven’t used or practiced it since then, so I lost those skills.

Practicing ASL skills is essential if you want to learn sign language.

There are pros and cons to fingerspelling. First, it’s great because the signer only has to learn the alphabet of 26 letters and numbers. Learning ASL is like learning any other language–you have to learn all the words.

The cons would be that fingerspelling, as opposed to regular ASL, is slow-moving.

Spelling out each word to communicate takes a lot of time. And those who lack memory skills may struggle with finger spelling.

But fingerspelling is a great way to get started in ASL and see if you like it and are good at it. ASL interpreters are always in high demand.

So, who knows? Maybe you’re on the verge of a career change!

ASL Fingerspelling Worksheets

Anyway, here are the free worksheets. You can use them to reinforce and teach the ASL alphabet. These worksheets may be used at home, in a classroom, or work setting. However, do not sell them nor alter them in any way due to copyright issues.

Once you have learned the alphabet in ASL and the ASL numbers, you may want to move on to ASL color signs or other common ASL words.

Thank you, and happy signing!

ASLabcWorksheets

Here is another booklet to practice the ASL alphabet.

ASLabcLetterBooklet

And here are more things to consider with these activities.

Sign Language Fingerspelling Worksheets

Each participant can download 26 worksheets for the American Sign Language alphabet. And then practice the letters.

For example, the sign language A worksheet has the word apple. So, use the rest of your worksheets to learn to spell out a-p-p-l-e in ASL.

Have fun with it, and good luck!

ASL

Here is more for you if you are learning ASL.

Colors in ASL
Numbers in ASL
ASL Fingerspelling
ASL for Thank You and other common words
ASL St. Patrick’s Day terms
ASL Christmas Activities

Skills to Practice with Kids During Travel and Activities

Fine Motor Skills-Games, crafts and coloring activities are a great way to use and practice a child’s fine motor skills.
Speech and Language– Many parents seek out a language-rich environment for their child. Any activity can be an opportunity to use and repeat new words and language, mimicking sounds, new vocalizations and articulations.
Executive Functioning Skills– Depending on the game or activity, it can be an opportunity to practice executive functions such as working memory, sequencing, following directions, task initiation and more.
Handwriting and Fluency- This piggybacks onto the language skills a child needs, but with worksheets, coloring pages and games, they can be a low-risk opportunity to practice handwriting and fluency.
Practicing Previously Acquired Skills-Applying already acquired skills across all environments, bring the classroom teaching into the real world.
Sensory-Textures, sounds, taste, vestibular, interoception, anything!
Social Awareness-Practice traditional social skills in a safe environment, such as: joint attention, taking turns, reciprocating conversation, waiting politely, and more.
Gross Motor-If you’re in a new place, practice walking across uneven surfaces, new surfaces, inclines & declines, stairs, or increasing endurance.

ASL and your IEP

If you or your child uses ASL or sign language, or, you wish for them to use ASL, there are a few things you should know.

ASL is the 4th most common language used in the USA (know this as a reference point, in case you hear “well no one really uses ASL anymore”)
Deaf/Hard of Hearing and ASL is one of the Special Factors on the IEP, which means that the IEP team must consider and discuss this.
If you use ASL as a parent, but your child is not deaf or hard of hearing, the school must provide an ASL interpreter if you request it (for IEP meetings, etc). The rule still applies that all communication with the parent must be in a language that you understand.
If your child is deaf, the team must still consider LRE or Least Restrictive Environment. A district cannot send a child to a school for the deaf just because they are deaf. All other options must be considered and discussed.
As always, submit your parental concerns in writing, follow up with a PWN.