The final bell has rung, the textbooks are closed, and summer is officially here! While many students are eager for a break, those learning American Sign Language (ASL) might be wondering: “How do I keep practicing without my regular ASL class?”
The good news? Summer is the perfect time to explore ASL in fun, creative, and relaxed ways. Here are some simple strategies for keeping your signing skills fresh during break:
Keep a list of 5–10 random words (favorite foods, TV shows, names of places) and practice fingerspelling them in a mirror or to a family member. You can even challenge yourself by signing the alphabet backward!
Place ASL vocabulary labels around your house—mirror, refrigerator, TV, door, toothbrush. Every time you interact with an item, sign its name. Repetition helps reinforce memory.
Don’t let your subscription sit idle! Log in a few times a week to review lessons, take quizzes, or explore new topics. It’s an easy way to stay connected to structured practice—without the pressure of grades.
Teaching is one of the best ways to reinforce your own learning. Show someone how to sign common phrases or your favorite vocabulary. Practicing with another person—even a beginner—can be a fun bonding activity.
Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram have amazing Deaf influencers who share ASL stories, humor, and cultural insights. Watching real Deaf signers helps improve your receptive skills naturally.
Check out summer Deaf community events, silent dinners, or virtual ASL chats. Immersion is key to fluency, and connecting with others gives you real-world practice.
Record short video journals in ASL. You can sign about your day, your favorite summer activities, or how you’re feeling. It’s a great way to track progress and build confidence in expressive signing.
Charades, sign-and-guess games, or ASL bingo are great ways to have fun while learning. Even a round of “I Spy” using signs boosts vocabulary recall.
Learning ASL is a journey, and summer doesn’t have to mean a pause in your progress. By weaving sign language into everyday life, students can return to school with stronger skills and even more excitement for ASL.
So go ahead—swim, relax, travel, and sign your way through summer!