Signing Naturally: Student Workbook Units 1-6 – An In-Depth Guide
Introduction
Ever wanted to learn American Sign Language (ASL) and delve into the rich culture of the Deaf community? If so, then Signing Naturally: Student Workbook Units 1-6 might be the perfect springboard for your ASL journey!
This workbook is the first part of a widely-used curriculum designed to equip beginners with the fundamental skills needed to communicate effectively in ASL. Imagine yourself signing “hello,” asking someone’s name, or describing your daily routine – Signing Naturally paves the way for these essential interactions.
But who exactly is this workbook designed for? Let’s explore!
Who is the Signing Naturally Student Workbook Units 1-6 For?
This workbook is ideally suited for individuals with little to no prior ASL experience. It’s a fantastic resource for:
- Adults seeking a new language challenge
- High school or college students enrolled in ASL courses
- Anyone with an interest in Deaf culture and communication
The workbook is designed for self-study, but it can also be a valuable supplement to classroom learning.
What are the Learning Goals?
Signing Naturally: Student Workbook Units 1-6 aims to equip you with a solid foundation in ASL. By the end of the workbook, you’ll be able to:
- Sign and understand basic ASL vocabulary for everyday situations
- Utilize proper handshapes and facial expressions in your signing
- Grasp fundamental ASL grammar concepts
- Gain valuable insights into Deaf culture and etiquette
Content and Structure
Signing Naturally: Student Workbook Units 1-6 takes you on a guided exploration of ASL, progressively building your skills and knowledge. Let’s break down the content covered in each unit:
Breakdown of Units 1-6
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Unit 1: Introduction to ASL and Deaf Culture: This unit lays the groundwork by introducing basic ASL concepts like the manual alphabet, numbers, and greetings. You’ll also gain an initial understanding of Deaf culture and its significance.
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Unit 2: Greetings and Introductions: Here, you’ll learn essential greetings, introductions, and how to ask and answer basic questions about yourself and others. Imagine signing your name, expressing your pleasure to meet someone, or asking how they’re doing – Unit 2 equips you for these social interactions.
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Unit 3: Numbers and Classifiers: This unit dives into the world of numbers and classifiers in ASL. Classifiers are hand gestures that represent the shape, size, or movement of objects. Understanding these concepts is crucial for accurately describing things in ASL.
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Unit 4: Family and Friends: Now that you’ve mastered greetings, Unit 4 expands your vocabulary by focusing on signing about family members, friends, and describing relationships.
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Unit 5: Daily Activities and Routines: This unit delves into the realm of everyday activities. You’ll learn how to sign about your daily schedule, hobbies, and routines, allowing you to express yourself in more nuanced ways.
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Unit 6: Describing People and Places: The final unit in this workbook hones your ability to describe people and places. You’ll learn how to sign about physical characteristics, locations, and directions.
Key Features of the Workbook
Signing Naturally: Student Workbook Units 1-6 goes beyond just presenting vocabulary. Here are some key features that enhance your learning experience:
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Homework Exercises: Each unit comes with engaging homework exercises that solidify your understanding of the material. These exercises might involve practicing signs, completing written activities, or even creating short dialogues.
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Cultural Notes: Throughout the workbook, you’ll find insightful cultural notes that provide a deeper understanding of Deaf culture, traditions, and etiquette.
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Video Resources: The workbook is ideally paired with the accompanying Signing Naturally video series (sold separately). These videos showcase native ASL signers demonstrating vocabulary and grammar in real-world contexts.
Benefits of Using Signing Naturally
Signing Naturally: Student Workbook Units 1-6 offers a multitude of advantages for anyone embarking on their ASL learning journey. Here are some key benefits to consider:
- Develop Strong Foundational ASL Skills:
This workbook provides a structured and progressive approach to learning ASL. By building upon each unit, you’ll develop a strong foundation in essential vocabulary, grammar, and proper signing techniques. Think of it as laying the bricks for your future ASL fluency.
- Gain Cultural Understanding of the Deaf Community:
Signing Naturally goes beyond just teaching signs. It incorporates cultural notes that shed light on Deaf traditions, values, and perspectives. This fosters a deeper appreciation for the richness and diversity of Deaf culture.
- Interactive and Engaging Learning Experience:
The workbook’s interactive exercises and accompanying video resources (sold separately) make learning ASL fun and engaging. These elements keep you motivated and actively involved in the learning process. Imagine practicing signs, completing quizzes, and then watching native ASL users demonstrate them in videos – Signing Naturally creates a dynamic learning environment.
- Self-paced Learning:
The beauty of this workbook is its flexibility. You can work through it at your own pace, revisiting sections as needed. This caters to individual learning styles and allows you to tailor your study schedule to your busy life.
Overall, Signing Naturally: Student Workbook Units 1-6 provides a well-rounded and comprehensive introduction to ASL. It equips you with the essential skills to start communicating and fosters a deeper appreciation for Deaf culture.
Things to Consider Before You Buy
Signing Naturally: Student Workbook Units 1-6 is a fantastic resource for beginners, but here are a few things to keep in mind before purchasing it:
- Workbook vs. Full Signing Naturally Curriculum:
It’s important to note that this workbook is just the first part of a larger Signing Naturally curriculum. The full curriculum includes additional workbooks, teacher resources, and access to online materials. While the workbook provides a solid foundation, you might consider the full curriculum if you’re aiming for a more in-depth learning experience.
- Prior ASL Knowledge:
Signing Naturally is designed for beginners with little to no prior ASL experience. If you already have some basic knowledge, you might find the initial units a bit slow-paced.
Alternatives to Signing Naturally:
The world of ASL learning resources is vast! Here are a few other popular options to consider:
- ASL Apps: There are a variety of interactive ASL learning apps available, offering a convenient and on-the-go learning experience.
- Online Courses: Numerous online platforms offer structured ASL courses with video lessons, quizzes, and interactive activities.
- Local ASL Classes: Consider enrolling in a local ASL class for in-person instruction and the opportunity to practice signing with others.
Ultimately, the best learning resource depends on your learning style, budget, and preferred learning environment.
Conclusion
Signing Naturally: Student Workbook Units 1-6 is a valuable tool for anyone embarking on their ASL learning journey. It provides a clear, structured, and engaging approach to acquiring basic ASL skills and fostering cultural understanding.
Key Takeaways and Recap
- Signing Naturally is ideal for beginners with little to no prior ASL experience.
- The workbook progressively builds your skills in vocabulary, grammar, and proper signing techniques.
- Cultural notes throughout the workbook provide valuable insights into Deaf culture.
- Engaging exercises and video resources (sold separately) make learning ASL interactive and enjoyable.
- Consider the full Signing Naturally curriculum if you desire a more comprehensive learning experience.
FAQs
We’ve now covered a lot of ground on Signing Naturally: Student Workbook Units 1-6. To solidify your understanding, let’s explore some frequently asked questions:
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Signing Naturally: Student Workbook Units 1-6:
1. Where can I purchase Signing Naturally: Student Workbook Units 1-6?
The workbook is available for purchase in our ebookstores. You can also check for more Signing Naturally materials.
2. Do I need the accompanying video series to use the workbook effectively?
While the workbook can be used independently, the Signing Naturally video series (sold separately) is a valuable complement. The videos showcase native ASL signers demonstrating vocabulary and grammar in real-world contexts. This visual element can significantly enhance your learning experience.
3. How much time will it take to complete Signing Naturally: Student Workbook Units 1-6?
The time it takes to complete the workbook depends on your pace and prior knowledge. Generally, it can take anywhere from 30 to 60 hours to work through all six units.
4. What if I get stuck on a particular concept?
The Signing Naturally website offers online resources, including forums and discussion boards, where you can connect with other learners and ask questions. Additionally, some online retailers offer customer support related to the workbook.
5. Will Signing Naturally prepare me for fluency in ASL?
Signing Naturally: Student Workbook Units 1-6 provide a strong foundation in ASL, but it’s just the first step on your fluency journey. To achieve fluency, you’ll need to continue practicing, expanding your vocabulary, and engaging in conversations with native ASL signers. Consider enrolling in an ASL course or joining a local Deaf club for further practice and immersion.
By providing answers to these common questions, you’ll equip potential buyers with the information they need to make an informed decision about Signing Naturally: Student Workbook Units 1-6.
This concludes the in-depth guide on Signing Naturally: Student Workbook Units 1-6. I hope this comprehensive overview empowers you to decide if this resource aligns with your ASL learning goals.
Signing Naturally Student Workbook Units 1-6 Book and DVDs
“Signing Naturally Student Workbook Units 1-6” is a comprehensive guide designed to introduce American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Culture to students with little or no prior knowledge. Authored by Cheri Smith, Ella Mae Lentz, and Ken Mikos, this workbook is the first part of a series that aims to bring students to a basic level of communicative competency in ASL.
The curriculum covers several lessons, including conversational (functional), skill-building, cultural, and review. Conversational lessons introduce vocabulary and key grammar structures through dialogues, while skill lessons focus on numbers, fingerspelling, spatial elements, and other supporting skills. Cultural lessons provide insights into behaviors that enable students to interact with the Deaf community in a respectful and aware manner.
Unit 6 specifically focuses on building narrative skills, preparing students to tell a story from their childhood. The workbook is supplemented with DVDs that include over seven hours of ASL video clips, reinforcing classroom instruction and providing a more immersive learning experience.
This workbook is a language-learning tool and a bridge to understanding and respecting Deaf Culture. It’s an essential resource for anyone looking to communicate comfortably in various situations within the Deaf community.
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