Learning American Sign Language (ASL) is a powerful tool for kids because it offers immediate and lifelong benefits! It opens doors to communication with a broader community, helps kids develop empathy and social awareness, and supports linguistic and visual learning!
HomeLearners Network (HLN) Guide and ASL aficionado Jenna grew up hard of hearing. “I’ve been hard of hearing probably since I was born, but it was caught when I was about six years old,” she says. “At 12, I lost 50 percent of my hearing and was told I would probably lose it all, so I started learning ASL.”
Although Jenna never lost the remainder of her hearing, she understands the challenges that hard-of-hearing individuals face. “I like the silence, but it can be really frustrating when people are talking, and I can’t understand, especially when they are rapidly firing questions at me. I connect on that level with other hard-of-hearing and deaf individuals.”
Her knowledge of ASL encouraged her to work in the education field. When she was in her late teens, Jenna worked as a deafblind intervener and Braille transcriber, and now she works with hearing-impaired kiddos in brick-and-mortar schools. In addition to stepping into her role as an HLN Guide for home learning kids, Jenna has also started working with a home learner on the autism spectrum, playing games and using ASL as a tool for social-emotional learning.
We met Jenna to discuss why learning ASL is excellent for kids!
Provides cognitive benefits and boosts IQ
Multilingual kids have more problem-solving and critical-thinking opportunities and are exposed to different ways of connecting experiences to words. Learning a new language involves making mistakes and adapting.
“Every time you correct a mistake, you’re building new brain cells,” says Jenna. “Learning a language like ASL improves your memory, problem solving and critical thinking because you have to constantly be processing and breaking down communication.”
ASL also enhances skills in spatial awareness because it relies heavily on visual cues!
Enriches relationships and cultural awareness
Understanding ASL helps kids learn about deaf and hard-of-hearing values and cultures. It builds connections that may differ from relationships with hearing individuals.
“Knowing the ASL community can help kids understand and appreciate the uniqueness of deaf cultures,” says Jenna.
For example, learning how to ask for a deaf person’s attention appropriately and respectfully looks a lot different than seeking the attention of a hearing person. A gentle tap on the shoulder goes a long way!
“This feeds into kid’s social-emotional regulation and social and personal awareness.”
Improved communication skills
ASL encourages kids to rely more heavily on nonverbal cues and expressions. “Kids who know ASL have a stronger ability to rely on facial expressions and body language,” says Jenna.
Silent speech can also play a huge role in emotional regulation when kids actively choose not to vocalize their opinions and decide to sign instead. It gives them more time to slow down and process big feelings!
Additionally, when kids don’t want to vocalize because they’re embarrassed or shy, signing can help them express their emotions without needing to talk aloud.
Promotes inclusivity
Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals make up a large population. There are millions of deaf or hard-of-hearing people in Canada alone!
“ASL allows kids to contribute more to society because there are so many deaf and hard of hearing people that rely on sign language,” says Jenna. “Being able to connect physical expression with ASL is like sharing knowledge. It shows respect and a willingness to engage with individuals who are marginalized due to communication barriers.”
Fosters personal growth
Learning a new language provides a sense of self-confidence by engaging in something new! Aside from the incredible activities linked below, Jenna says the best way to learn ASL is for Deaf people to teach you and to immerse yourself in the culture.
“Learning a language like ASL builds you up. You’re learning a new skill and challenging yourself!”
Your kids will love ASL learning activities with Jenna!
If you’re interested in your kiddo learning ASL, check out upcoming activities with Jenna!
✌🏻️ In ASL Conversation Adventures, kids will immerse themselves in ASL dialogues and learn to sign directional phrases, describe everyday items and more!
🐷 In Sign & Story, kids will relive the tale of the Three Little Pigs by learning to sign the whole story throughout four sessions! By learning through stories, kids can quickly develop signing skills that can be transferred to other books.
✅ Check out all activities with Jenna here, or click the image below!
