This week felt especially exciting because I began to learn new signs and basic sentence structure, allowing me to put together my first sentences in ASL! As we explored descriptive words and questions, I realized how important expression is to the grammar of ASL. It isn’t just about memorizing signs; it’s about learning how to describe the world visually in a whole new way. At first, I thought I was learning simple vocabulary, yet I quickly realized that words are deeply connected to facial expression and intricate visual emphasis. As ASL learners, we must be intentional not to learn a sign and compare it with an English equivalent, it is important to understand this language as its own.

This week’s focus

We began learning how to describe people and the world around us using colours, clothing, and wh- questions. This felt like a great way for us to transition into forming sentences and facilitating beginner conversation. It created space for real interaction and connection and although it was hard, there was lots of laughter and smiles.

Here is a video of me signing: “My favourite colour is yellow”

Culture and Community

This week we also reflected on the connection between ASL, sounds and music. We watched the TED talk “The Enchanting Music of Sign Language” by Christine Sun Kim, where she shares her relationships with sound and how she was taught to believe that sound was not a part of her life, that it was just for hearing people. Her perspective challenged this idea entirely, and she shows how sound can be felt, seen and experienced, and how the rhythm and flow of ASL are deeply connected to music and movement. This video helped me think more deeply about how differently people experience the world, and how important it is to listen and learn from different perspectives beyond our own.

By the end of this week, I began to understand how meaningful this learning journey will be. ASL is not just a new language I am learning, but a way to learn about community and perspectives I have been missing. As a future educator it feels so important to learn new perspectives and ways to create a more inclusive space for learners.

Favourite Sign of the Week

Next Week

Cat

My cats name is Pekoe

We will be learning all about classroom words, actions and languages. I am excited to begin learning words and sentences that I can use to communicate with students in the classroom.