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Have you thought about teaching sign language in your homeschool? I asked Rochelle Barlow some questions about why and how to get started. You can listen to our conversation on the podcast or read a summary of the interview below. Either way, you’ll be blessed!

Listen to the podcast

Rochelle is an ASL teacher with more than 14 years of experience. She’s been an ASL interpreter for 18 years and runs a popular YouTube channel and website, ASL Rochelle, filled with fun and challenging ASL resources and lessons.

What got you interested in teaching sign language, Rochelle?

Reading the book Koko’s Kitten inspired me as a child. I’ve always loved sign language.

How can sign language help younger kids communicate?

Most people have heard of baby sign language using a smaller vocabulary. I’ve used it with all of my kids, but I signed the most with my oldest ecause of chronic ear infections.

Why should we teach sign language in our homeschools?

It’s a true foreign language with its own community and culture. It’s powerful, beautiful, and visual, using facial expressions. You can tell a story with one sign using your face and intensity. I recommend teaching ASL (American Sign Language).

Sign language can be a secret family language that bonds you. I’ve used it with my kids in church, for example.

Finger spelling words teaching spelling and learning words clarifies vocabulary and concepts.

You can teach sign language with other subjects. Signing is a way of making science processes more tangible, for example.

What’s the easiest way to get started learning sign language?

Use an ASL dictionary. I recommend the Gallaudet children’s dictionary. Dive in and make a list of words you want to learn.

You can also choose a topic and find the signs for that topic.

Next, look for YouTube videos and free classes in sign language.

Once we’ve learned the signs, how can we maintain the learning?

Review signs during morning time. Create your own flash cards as creating them will be review as well. Use a daily activity to cue you to review your signs.

What resources do you make available to help homeschoolers learn sign language?

The Learn ASL in 31 Days course is available on the front page of ASLRochelle.com. I also offer vocabulary videos with categories like ocean, holidays, and grammar. I have other free courses like one on finger spelling.

For students who want to learn more, I offer a fluency and vocabulary course, a practice, retention, and memory course, and a grammar course. My courses can take a student to a level-three college equivalent in sign language.

I offer a four-week summer camp in ASL and Facebook groups, where I give monthly challenges and offer feedback to students.

Thank you, Rochelle!

After I interviewed Rochelle, I was inspired to continue our sign language studies. I know you will be too.

Have you taught signing to your kids?