what's for homework asl

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How to sign homework in American Sign Language

Sign #1 (1 of 1), sign instructions:.

This sign is done by signing "home" and then "work". However, in this instance "home" is signed by only pressing your hand on your face once instead of twice. After this, sign "work" by having your non-dominant hand in front of you with your palm orientation downward and your dominant hand tapping against your non-dominant hand 2 times.

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About the Author

Paul Kelly, a nationally certified sign language interpreter and the founder of howdoyousign.com, has dedicated his career to bridging communication gaps through sign language. As a CODA (child of deaf adult), with deep personal and professional roots in the deaf community, Paul brings a unique blend of personal insight and professional expertise to his work.

His experiences range from legal to entertainment interpreting, including teaching sign language to celebrities like Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. His passion for innovation is evident in the AI-driven features of this dictionary, aiming to make sign language more accessible for all.

You might also be interested in the signs for...

• understanding
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This is how you sign Homework in American Sign Language.

Description.

To sign "Homework" in American Sign Language (ASL), you are going to make an O handshape, put it next to your mouth and then bring it up on top of your cheek and whack your non-dominant hand just once.

Ready to learn sign language?

How to Say Homework in American Sign Language (ASL)

Gaining knowledge about American Sign Language (ASL) and its vocabulary is an exciting journey. When it comes to expressing the concept of “homework” in ASL, there are various ways to convey the idea using both formal and informal signs. In this guide, we will explore these options, provide useful tips, examples, and discuss regional variations where necessary.

Formal Ways to Sign “Homework” in ASL

Formal ASL signs are typically used in educational or professional contexts. Below are a few commonly accepted signs for “homework” in formal ASL:

1. Sign “Homework”

The most straightforward sign for “homework” in formal ASL involves combining the signs for “home” and “work.” It is created by forming both hands into the “H” handshape and striking one hand against the other as if hitting a desk or surface.

2. Sign “Assign” plus “Work”

Another formal variation involves using signs for “assign” and “work” together. Start by holding both hands with palms facing downwards, then move your hands slightly apart while maintaining the palm orientation. Next, mimic the motion of writing with both hands.

Informal Ways to Sign “Homework” in ASL

Informal signs are commonly used among friends, family, or in casual conversations. Here are a few informal signs that native ASL users might utilize:

1. Fingerspell “HW” or “H-W”

Instead of relying solely on signs, an informal way to express “homework” is by fingerspelling the acronym “HW” using the manual alphabet. Alternately, you can fingerspell each letter separately as “H-W.”

2. Sign “Work” at Chest Level

Informally, you can use the sign for “work” and modify its location. Hold your dominant hand in the “W” handshape horizontally at chest level, then move your hand slightly forward and backward.

Tips for Learning and Using the Signs

Mastering ASL signs requires practice, patience, and understanding of the cultural context. Here are some tips to effectively learn and use the signs for “homework” in ASL:

1. Familiarize Yourself with Proper Handshapes

In ASL, handshapes play a crucial role. Invest time in practicing the correct formation of the handshapes used in the signs we’ve discussed. This will enhance your ability to sign accurately.

2. Pay Attention to Facial Expressions

Facial expressions are an integral part of ASL communication. Use facial expressions to convey the context and tone of your message when signing about homework. Keep your expressions warm, attentive, and engaged.

3. Observe Native ASL Users

Immerse yourself in the ASL community by watching videos or attending events where native signers communicate. Observing and mimicking their signing style will help you refine your skills and learn regional variations.

Examples of Usage

Let’s explore a few examples of how you can use the various signs we’ve discussed:

After school, I must complete my homework (formal sign). Do you have any HW tonight? (informal fingerspelling: H-W). I still have some work from my teacher to finish (informal sign).

Regional Variations

ASL can exhibit regional variations just like spoken languages. While the signs discussed in this guide are commonly used across different regions of the United States, there might be slight differences in certain areas. It’s always beneficial to learn from local ASL communities to stay updated on any regional variations in signs.

Mastering the signs for “homework” in ASL involves understanding both formal and informal variations, as well as considering regional differences. Taking the time to practice and engage with the ASL community will enhance your signing skills and fluency. Remember to use proper handshapes, facial expressions, and learn from native ASL users to truly embrace the beauty and richness of ASL.

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How to Say "Do You Know Sign Language" in Sign Language

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How to Say "I Know Sign Language" in Sign Language

Sign language is a beautiful and expressive way to communicate. Whether you want to indicate your familiarity with sign language in a formal or informal setting, we've got you covered. In this guide, we'll explore different ways to say "I know sign language" using sign language. We will also touch upon regional variations where applicable. So, let's dive in!

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Homework in ASL - American Sign Language - 4 Video Examples

How to sign HOMEWORK. American Sign Language. Phrase: HOMEWORK.

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Trivia Question

What does this name sign for KAMALA best represent?

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• B) Initial letter K for Kamala
• C) Fingersnap
• D) None, just arbitrary

Look up KAMALA .

Women's History Month

Women's History Month is an annual dedicated month that highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women in history and contemporary society. Today features one of some notable Deaf women who made contributions:

Laurene Simms (Deaf American Black advocate and teacher).

This Week in Deaf/Sign Language History

2003 March 18: The British government recognized British Sign Language (BSL) as a language in its own right.

2021 Mach 26: Norwegian Sign Language became the official language. Ref

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What is Sign Language?

Sign language is a natural, full-fledged language in visual-spatial modality. It has all the features of linguistics from phonology and morphology to syntax as found in spoken language. Signed languages are not a universal language ; sign languages, such as British Sign Language (BSL) and French Sign Language (LSF), are distinct languages throughout the world.

American Sign Language (ASL) is the primary language of Deaf people in Deaf communities and Deaf families across the United States and Canada. It's also a fast-growing. popular second language or foreign language for hearing people in North America. Like other languages, ASL has its regional variations .

Linguistics

Numerous studies show that signed languages and spoken languages are equal languages, despite different modalities (visual-spatial and vocal-auditory). They function in the same linguistic regions of the brain. Language acquisition from birth to kindergarten are on the similar timeline. Sign language has every linguistic feature from phonology and morphology to syntax as found in spoken language.

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Bilingualism has a number of cognitive benefits. Find out what benefits are for learning sign language. In addition to the benefits of bilingualism, bi modalism and Deafhood also have some extra benefits.

Explore some ways on how to get started with learning sign language .

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Where there is language, there is culture; sign language and Deaf culture are inseparable. Learning sign language and Deaf culture comes with the process of allyship along with awareness toward appreciation and away from cultural appropriation and audism (alliteration, yay!).

Deaf community comprises Deaf people, codas (children of Deaf parents), hard-of-hearing signers, and hearing signers and allies.

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A Beginner’s Guide to Learning American Sign Language

• March 11, 2024
• by Katelyn Cheng

It can be fun, but it can also be scary to learn a new language. You have always wanted to learn American Sign Language (ASL) but have always wondered how and where to get started. The article below will have tons of tips and tricks on what you need to know to get you started on your ASL learning journey. There are many great resources out there where you can learn ASL. One of the resources is StartASL.com . We offer two packages, a Silver and a Gold package. Both of these packages include

• Our  Advanced Online Classroom with Interactive Activities, Grading, and Progress Tracking
• Don’t Just “Sign”… Communicate! PDF Textbooks Included
• Certification of Completion  for each course level
• Our exclusive LIVE  Virtual Practice Events
• Exclusive Community Group Membership
• Start ASL  Instructor Support  With Curriculum and ASL questions
• Instructor  Written  Feedback  on your signing assignments

and the Gold package offers more features than what is listed above:

• Instructor  Video  Feedback on your signing assignments
• Virtual Office Hours with Instructor
• Priority Email Support
• Verified Completion Certificates and Grade Reports *
• Bonus   DJSC! A Student’s Guide to the Deaf Experience  and  DJSC! A Students Guide to Deaf Community Terminology  PDF E-books
• Bonus Vocabulary Study Sheets, Worksheets, and Sentence Practice Worksheets
• Bonus  Anki Digital Vocabulary Flashcards

Start ASL also offers offline course , teacher’s package , and homeschool package .

If you are hesitant to get started, do not worry. Check out the Top 10 & 25 Signs . Hopefully, this will boost your confidence and encourage to keep learning.

Here are tips when it comes to learning ASL.

• Similarly to any other languages, learning ASL takes time to learn. It may be easy for some people and more challenging for others. It is a matter of practicing and being brave to attend Deaf socials.
• Before you attend Deaf socials, be sure to read and familiarize yourself about the Deaf community and Deaf culture. This information is important because when you attend Deaf socials, there are things that you can and cannot do, so it would be good to know ahead of time. Of course, you will learn a lot more when you actually attend socials.
• Understand the cultural differences but also recognize the common body language and behavior. For instance, D/deaf people are very direct and expressive, so it can come off a bit awkward being around an expressive 18+ type of talk, but that is normal in the Deaf community.
• When you attend Deaf socials, even if you are a beginner and barely know signs, it is respectful to turn your voice off when possible.
• Attend Deaf socials, meet D/deaf friends, and hang out with them. That is the only way you will improve your signing.
• Also, having a D/deaf friend is beneficial because this will push you really use your signing and help you understand the life of a D/deaf person, the culture, and the community.
• Even if you do not know a lot, you create ASL cover videos. You can simply go on Youtube to learn someone signing to a song, and film yourself signing to the song or poem or joke or story. You will be surprise how far you have improved with your signing when you become fluent. This is also a fun way to utilize your signing and stay engaged with your learning process.
• Remember that facial expressions and body language are crucial.
• There are signs that have reasons behind them.
• It is okay to finger spell if you do not know the sign.
• Be mindful that there are multiple signs for a single word. So, if you learned the sign one way and someone else teaches you another sign for that same word, it could be based on where the person is from because there is such thing as regional signs.
• Learn to sign the phrase “How do I sign … ?”
• Learn the 5 parameters of a sign. Then you can use those parameters to write a definition for a sign to remember them. For example, HAPPY (write the parameters for this one).
•  Think of one sign that you use to help you with noun and verb movement. My one sign I use all the time is CHAIR and SIT. CHAIR has two movements, while SIT is the action to sit down. For me this helped to translate to other noun and verb signs.
• When you are learning signs, if there is an opposite, learn one version, then bring in the second sign to remember it. One example o-f this is mom and dad. Mom and female signs are near the chin, while dad and male assigned signs like brother start at the forehead.
• Fingerspelling is rough for non-native signers. Practice your fingerspelling clear and not always for speed.
• Practice signing into a mirror or camera. A camera is nice because you can watch it later to make sure the signs were executed correctly.
• D/deaf people are very animated and outgoing, so don’t be shy to join the conversation and converse with D/deaf people.
• It is okay to be nervous at first. D/deaf people are very friendly and patient.
• Be mindful that D/deaf people cannot hear, so do not try calling them. Do either go up to them, tap them on the shoulder, or find other appropriate ways to get their attention.
• Do not try to be a perfect signer. It you make a mistake, brush it off. D/deaf people are open to correcting you, so you know the correct sign for next time.
• Be open to corrections so you can become a better signer.
• When signing, relax.
• Be focused and maintain constant eye contact with the person you are talking to. It is considered rude to look at your phone, glance away, or walk away while the D/deaf person is talking to you. It shows that you are not paying attention or do not care about conversation or the person you are speaking with.
• Don’t worry about not understanding everything. You will pick up as you go. It takes time and patiences to absorb new signs especially if you are seeing the signs in real life conversations.
• It is okay to ask the person to slow down their signing or finger spelling if they are too fast.
• Don’t get discouraged if one day you are doing well but then the next day you are not doing so well. It takes time to learn a new language.
• Many D/deaf people will ask you why are you learning ASL, so think of a good answer that inspired you to learn ASL. It can just simply be that, “ASL is a beautiful language and you want to learn it.”
• Set goals for yourself and keep track of your progress. This will help you see how you are doing in your learning process.

Megan Clancy, Start ASL instructor, shares her tips and tricks for beginner ASL learners.

Beginner ASL students can certainly start with StartASL.com, then look up on Google.com for Deaf events that are in person or virtual to use ASL skills.  Language is best learned through interaction, not necessarily from a book.  StartASL.com offers Zoom events where students can practice ASL with one another.  There are also ASL tutors available through StartASL.com.  Also, if you are interested to become an ASL interpreter, you can look into interpreting programs such as at Gallaudet University in D.C. or at California State University Northridge in Northridge, CA or at the nearby Pierce College Interpreting program.  Additionally, if you are thinking about how to become a teacher of the Deaf who uses ASL, you can look into Gallaudet University or CSUN as well.  There are programs called Deaf Studies that many colleges and universities have as a major or minor.  You also should study how ASL is used in films/TV shows and on social media sites such as CODA, Eternals, and many others.  You can look into Deafwest.org to see how ASL is used as an art form.  There are many Facebook groups that post Deaf events that you can attend near you or virtually.

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i hate it wate of timme

Thats rude. You shouldnt say that to people who took hours out of their lives and wrote this. If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.

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HOME: The American Sign Language (ASL) sign for "home"   The sign for "home" has a few different versions.  If you mean "home" as in "domicile" (or a fairly permanent residence) a fairly common version is made by bringing your fingers and thumb together and touching your cheek near the side of your mouth. Then move your hand an inch or two toward your ear and touch your cheek again.         HOME: "HOME" (animated gif)       Some people do the sign HOME starting near their EAR and moving near the MOUTH:   HOME-[ear-to-mouth-version] (animated gif)     There is another very common version of home that only makes "one" contact on the cheek. This version is done in the middle of the cheek (not near the mouth or ear) and typically shows up in  compound-signs such as "homework" or "homemade."  For example, see "homework" below.  Notice how it only contacts or comes near the cheek once and then moves straight into a single-contact version of work. HOMEWORK:   Animation: "homework"    HOMERUN: If you mean "home" as in "to score a homerun" un baseball, then just spell "HR" in an enthusiastic manner.     Notes:  If you do the sign HOME using a "D" handshape it means " dorm ." Also see: HOUSE Also see: HOMEWORK   Memory aid: Think of "home" as being the place where you eat and sleep . However note that the sign for home isn't done directly on the mouth.  Rather -- it is done on the cheek.   *  Want to help support ASL University?  It's easy :  DONATE   ( Thanks! ) *  Another way to help is to buy something from Dr. Bill's " Bookstore ." *  Want even more ASL resources?  Visit the " ASL Training Center ! "  (Subscription Extension of ASLU)   *  Also check out Dr. Bill's channel: www.youtube.com/billvicars   You can learn American Sign Language (ASL) online at American Sign Language University ™  ASL resources by Lifeprint.com  ©  Dr. William Vicars   

Muslim students face tough challenges during Ramadan. Here's what teachers can do to help.

Last year during Ramadan , Zara Ahmad’s school in southern Maryland hosted a waffle day. The smells of batter and syrup wafted through the campus hallways. Ahmad did everything she could to ignore the aromas, but the decision to hold the event then felt insensitive given she and other Muslim students were fasting .   

“Even if they know, they just don't care and they're not as considerate as they could be,” said Ahmad, 16, reflecting on how teachers and administrators handle day-to-day operations during the Islamic holy month of fasting, prayer and community. 

Several times in the past couple of decades , the U.S. Education Department has issued guidance about affirming students’ right to pray and express their religion at school. Last year, the department released the guidance again – specifically alluding to protections related to Ramadan, which began last week and runs through April 9. The latest guidance came as a growing number of school districts have taken steps to better accommodate students who observe Ramadan, including by making one of the major holidays following the month an official day off for all students. 

At a time of rising anti-Muslim discrimination, however, advocates say U.S. schools aren’t doing enough to raise awareness and ensure that students feel supported when practicing their religion. Teachers are often unaware that the holiday is taking place, putting the onus on kids or parents to request exemptions from certain activities or a place where students can pray.

The Education Department’s civil rights arm separately issued a letter on Thursday reminding schools of their obligation to protect such students from discrimination, highlighting the heightened Islamophobia after war broke out in Gaza.

USA TODAY spoke with Amaarah DeCuir, an education researcher and expert on Muslim student experiences about best practices for supporting Ramadan in schools. Here's what she said: 

Lunchtime accommodations and places to pray

A key tenet of Ramadan is fasting from dawn to sunset, which means people observing the holiday often don’t eat lunch. Schools should ensure children have a place to go during lunchtime other than the cafeteria, with its food smells and boisterous noises, said DeCuir, a lecturer at American University in Washington, D.C. 

Often that place is the library. Experts recommend schools staff this lunchtime room or area with at least one adult to monitor children and ensure they have what they need, whether it's quiet time for reflection or a game to play and recharge. 

Kids who choose to pray will also need a place to do so without being bothered. Ahmad, who has been sitting in the cafeteria and doing her schoolwork since Ramadan began, had to ask the guidance counselor earlier this school year if she could pray in her office. “But nothing really special has been done,” she said. This year, as with years before, “it’s definitely on the students to figure out what they want to do" during school, she said.

Flexible homework and testing

DeCuir stressed that Ramadan is a time of joy and reflection, when families may pray late at night and early in the morning. With fasting and limited sleep, students are sometimes low on energy. That’s especially true for younger students still figuring out how to navigate and manage the physical aspects of Ramadan. (Fasting typically isn't expected until followers reach puberty.)

That can make it difficult to concentrate on schoolwork at certain times of the day. DeCuir suggested that educators keep this in mind and be flexible with students who need leeway. Kids who feel their brains are most active during the morning can do any tests or important assignments early; students who feel most energetic in the afternoon can do the bulk of their work later in the day. 

DeCuir said it's important to check in with students and see what works best for them. She noted that the holy month coincides with high-stakes testing this year in many states and said schools should be flexible about timing with students who need consideration. 

At colleges and universities, it's typically up to faculty members to decide whether to accommodate Muslim students' needs during Ramadan, she said. Many professors aren't proactive about being flexible with students, penalizing them for turning in assignments late or refusing to let them take an exam at a different time than their peers.

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Alternatives in PE, music class and extracurriculars

Because of the physical limitations that sometimes come with fasting, DeCuir stressed the importance of exempting students from high-intensity cardiovascular activities. Instead, teachers can offer strength training or another low-intensity exercise.

Some people also abstain from singing and listening to music during Ramadan. Those students should be allowed to opt out of music class or engage in alternative activities during that time. 

Special consideration should also be made for children involved in after-school sports, DeCuir said. 

Ahmad is an avid tennis player and has often had to contend with matches scheduled on Eid al-Fitr, the holy day that marks the end of Ramadan. Ahmad’s parents have had to push the district to allow her to participate in the competitions after she missed class to attend Muslim events. Administrators typically bar students from playing on days they are absent from school.

Her parents have also had to request permission for Ahmad to be picked up from matches early, rather than take the bus back with her teammates, so she'll be home in time to break the fast at night with her family. 

“All these things can happen if the kids and parents ask for it,” said Omar Ahmad, Zara’s father. “But high school’s a tough time for children as it is, and there’s been a rise in Islamophobia and a backlash if you’re different.

"So many kids aren’t going to ask for it. Many parents might not even ask for it.”

Proactive support for students

Allowing Muslim students to exercise their right to pray is just a first step, DeCuir said. Schools should also be proactive about offering support. 

The Education Department guidance indicates that schools should excuse students from class so they can fast is such an allowance is requested.

Policies with this kind of language place a heavy burden on children and families, DeCuir said: “It requires a family or student to come before a school leader or classroom teacher to say: ‘I’m Muslim. I’m observing Ramadan.'” Since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack and the war in Gaza, expressing something like that can be "extremely difficult and risky for many Muslims across the nation,” she said.

It can also be logistically tricky, particularly for immigrant families who do not speak English as a first language or know how to navigate school bureaucracy.

A better practice, DeCuir said, would be for schools to distribute a districtwide message outlining support that's available. It's important to remember that while a small percentage of students are Muslim, Islam is the third-largest religion in the U.S.

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DeCuir shared the story of a person she knows whose daughter wanted to bring Ramadan goodie bags to school for her classmates, including cards, stickers and fidget spinners. That's similar to how kids bring treats for Christmas or Easter, but the principal rejected the idea. 

The effect crushed the child's spirit, she said, and the family has since challenged the decision.

Muslim students have faced stigmas for years, particularly since 9/11. It's important to dedicate classroom time to teaching about issues involving Muslims in an accurate and responsible way, but teachers often avoid them.

It’s understandable why school leaders are wary of that, DeCuir said, “but when it’s done to silence the expression of the joy that young children have at the beginning of the month of Ramadan, that act creates a sense of exclusion and isolation.”

Ahmad, the student, says she has noticed a similar chilling effect at her school, where Muslims make up a small percentage of the campus population. When conversations about Islamic countries come up in government class, for example, she sometimes feels compelled to minimize her identity. 

At the very least, she said, “I just wish school would mention (Ramadan) and make all the students aware of it.”

“I wish I didn’t have to feel awkward.”