Free PDF Flashcards: 25 Basic Sign Language Words

Maybe it’s because my kids are teens and tweens now, but I feel like I don’t hear as many parents talking about sign language anymore. When mine were babies and toddlers, it was a trend to teach sign language words to all babies, not just those with hearing or other impairments.

We used sign language words more often than fingerspelling or using the ASL alphabet. These ASL flashcards will get you started on sign language words.

Many people don’t know this, but ASL, or American Sign Language, is the 4th most common language used here in the USA. It’s also becoming increasingly common for parents to use sign language with babies and toddlers before they have verbal words.

Sign Language Words for Beginners

We used sign language with Kevin as a baby and toddler and still use a few words. And when Brian was a baby, he independently began using signs just from watching us with Kevin. He knew “more” and “done” without us ever actively teaching it to him.

He used signs for ‘more’ and ‘eat’ and ‘I want’ before he could walk or talk. Now that I have had both boys home for six months and no end on the horizon (this was published during the pandemic), we are emphasizing sign language again with Kevin. We are using his PECS pictures too, but they are not always readily available.

So it’s back to basics for us. He’s pretty good at “more” and “finished/all done” but I wanted to have something handy for other basic words and concepts. When learning sign language, many people learn the alphabet and then finger-spell the words. But that would require the signer to know how to spell, which isn’t always easy with students and young children.

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These free printable sign language words with pictures can be used in a variety of ways.

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50 Basic Sign Language Words

If you’re just getting started with ASL, using a sign language words for beginners PDF can make learning much easier. Flashcards are one of the simplest ways to practice new vocabulary, especially when they include pictures showing how to make each sign.

These ASL flash cards printable free resources are great for home, classrooms, or therapy sessions. Many parents and teachers prefer free printable sign language words with pictures PDF because they allow kids to see the sign and the word at the same time.

This basic sign language printable set includes common everyday vocabulary that beginners use most often. If you’re looking for free printable baby sign language flash cards PDF or even a starting point before moving on to 100 basic sign language words printable, these beginner words are a great place to start.

You can download the full printable here:

List of the 50 Basic ASL Words

1. All Done
2. Don’t
3. Eat
4. Friends
5. Help
6. Hello
7. Hungry
8. Like
9. Me
10. More
11. No
12. Play
13. Please
14. Stop
15. Thank You
16. Toilet
17. Want
18. Water
19. What
20. When
21. Where
22. Who
23. Why
24. Yes
25. You

(These words appear on the printable flashcards shown across pages 1–7 of the PDF.)

As always, connect with your child’s team before implementing any new programs. Many kids with learning disabilities struggle with the “W” questions and words, so I wouldn’t necessarily start with those until your child is ready. These printable sign language cards can be used with all ages, including baby sign language.

How to Use These Free Printable Sign Language Words with Pictures

These free printable sign language words with pictures can be used in many simple ways at home, in the classroom, or during therapy sessions. The goal isn’t to memorize them all at once—it’s to build familiarity with common signs through everyday practice.

Start with a few cards at a time. Choose 3–5 words and practice them daily. This keeps kids from feeling overwhelmed and helps them remember the signs more easily.

Practice during real-life routines. Use the cards during daily activities. For example, practice signs like eat, drink, help, or more during meals or snack time. Real-life use helps children connect the sign with the meaning.

Play simple matching games. Lay several cards on a table and say a word. Ask the child to find the matching sign card. You can also reverse it—show the sign and have them say the word.

Use them for quick daily review. Keep the cards on a ring, in a small box, or posted on a wall. Spend a few minutes each day flipping through them and practicing together.

Model the signs consistently. The most important part of using sign language flashcards is modeling the sign yourself. When you say the word, show the sign at the same time so the child sees and hears the connection.

Over time, these sign language word cards with pictures can help children build communication skills, expand vocabulary, and gain confidence using ASL.