Teacher+Resources

Teacher Resources

//Aslpro//. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.aslpro.com/cgi-bin/aslpro/aslpro.cgi

//ASLpro// is a wonderful resource for anyone who is interested in learning American Sign Language. You and your students can use ASLpro for a variety of reasons: as a video dictionary, as a means of testing, as a way for students to practice in groups or individually, et cetera. This site is also a fun and easy way to incorporate technology into the classroom. The site is often maintained and regularly updated so there is no need to worry about out-of-date signs either!

//Asl resource.// (2010). Retrieved from http://www.aslresource.net/

//ASL Resource// is a good way to expand upon what is already being taught in your ASL classroom. This site provides students with the sign for each country. This knowledge not only helps the students continue to grow in appreciation for American Sign Language but it only fosters diversity in their lives even more. With an understanding and ability to sign the name of each country in not ine but two languages, students will grow in their appreciation for culture while practicing and adding more signs to their knowledge bank.

Bragg, B., & Olson, J.R. //Meeting halfway in asl: a common ground for effective communication among deaf and hearing people.// Deaf Life Press.

Another great resource from Deaf Life Press, //Meeting Halfway in ASL// is an ideal supplementary text for and beginning ASL classroom. With approximately 1,300 photographs and explanation notes, this textbook would be helpful in every classroom. Whether you choose to have a class set or only one to place in your library, your students will certainly turn to this text many times throughout their ASL education.

//Gallaudet university.// (2010). Retrieved from http://www.gallaudet.edu/

Gallaudet University's website is perhaps the best resource for students in grades 9-12 because it gives them an opportunity to check out all of their options upon graduating. If they are taking a sign language class to begin with, it is because there is an expressed interest. So exposing your students to the possibility of giving back to the Deaf community and becoming an interpreter or educator is a great way to brighten their future. Even if they choose not to attend Gallaudet, you'll have introduced them to one of the most wonderful aspects of Deaf culture.

Moore, M.S., & Levitan, L. (2003). //For hearing people only//. Deaf Life Press.

"For Hearing People Only" is the type of resource that every ASL teacher should have in their classroom. Here, in a Q/A format, are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about deaf people, their community, and their language. A few questions in this book are: “Is there one sign language for all countries?” “Do all deaf people read lips?” “What is Deaf culture?” “How do deaf people feel when a hearing person approaches them in public using sign language?” An aasy-to-read, enjoyable introduction to a sometimes difficult subject. Written especially for those with NO background.

//The world of deaf culture (part i-iv)//. [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.deaftv.com/t/shows/the-world-of-deaf-culture/

The World of Deaf Culture videos are perhaps the best resource out there for teachers and learners of ASL. They really provide an in-depth look at what it means to be Deaf and live in the Deaf community. Students will see videos of Deaf actors, musicians, professors, families. Students will learn about Deaf universities and careers. But most importantly, students will learn about Deaf struggle and history. As an ASL teacher, these are the things that we aim to get across and it is resources like this one that make it easier.

Vicars, W. (n.d.). //Dr. Bill Vicars' american sign language (asl) fingerspelling practice site//. Retrieved from http://asl.ms/

Dr. Bill Vicars' American Sign Language fingerspelling practice site is a dream come true for ASL teachers! This site provides students with an opportunity to practice their fingerspelling reading from the comfort of their own computer, or a school's computer. Students can control the speed and letter amount of each word being fingerspelt to them. As with ASLpro, teachers can use this site as a means of testing, for classroom games (perhaps ASL bingo), and of course student practice. This fingerspelling practice is a wonderful resource in any ASL classroom.

Vicars, William. (1997, January 8). //Lifeprint//. Retrieved from http://www.lifeprint.com/

<span style="color: #804780; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">As an extension of Dr. Vicars' ASL fingerspelling Practice, American Sign Language Univeristy (ASLU) also created LifePrint--which is very similar to aslpro. A teacher can never have enough good resources in her classroom. Unlike ASLpro, LifePrint actually has quizzes and tests on their website for free. There are also links to the study of ASL inflection, phrases, et cetera. In combination with the fingerspelling practice and all of the other above resources, LifePrint really is a wonderful addition.