ASL Games for Kids and Beginners
ASL games for home, preschool, and classrooms
Turn beginner ASL signs into short, playful practice.
Use these sign language games for kids after children have watched the signs in motion. Each game works best with a small sign set, a real routine, and quick review in the ASL Kids app or dictionary.
Choose 3 to 5 signs, watch them in motion, then use one game to repeat them without turning practice into a long lesson.
Before you play
Games are best for review. ASL is a full visual language with movement, facial expression, grammar, and Deaf cultural context, so use games alongside videos, real practice, and qualified ASL or Deaf-led resources.
Teach the sign first
Show each sign in the ASL Kids app or dictionary before asking children to use it in a game.
Keep the set small
Use 3 to 5 signs for younger children and 5 to 8 signs for older beginners or classroom groups.
Use signs in context
A sign becomes more useful when it is used during snack, books, play, cleanup, feelings check-ins, or classroom routines.
12 easy ASL games for kids
Pick one game, choose a tiny sign set, and repeat it for a few days. The goal is useful communication, not speed.
Sign-and-find scavenger hunt
Sign a word such as book, ball, cup, dog, red, or blue. The child finds the object or picture.
Best signs: colors, toys, animals, food, classroom objects.
ASL memory match
Place picture cards face down. When a card is turned over, watch or copy the matching sign before keeping the pair.
Best signs: animals, food, family, feelings, colors.
Snack request game
During snack, model signs like more, all done, eat, drink, milk, water, help, and please.
Best signs: mealtime and request signs.
Storybook sign hunt
Read a picture book and choose 3 signs to repeat when the word or picture appears.
Best signs: book, dog, cat, bird, tree, play, friend.
Feelings check-in
Use picture cards or faces. Children choose a feeling, then model or copy the sign.
Best signs: happy, sad, tired, hurt, scared, help, break.
Cleanup sign relay
Use signs like clean up, wait, stop, go, finished, and all done during a real cleanup routine.
Best signs: classroom and transition signs.
Alphabet name game
Practice the first letter of each child's name, then slowly fingerspell short names or initials.
Best signs: alphabet, name, hello, friend, teacher.
Number and color hunt
Find one, two, or three objects in a color. Sign the number and color before collecting or pointing.
Best signs: one, two, three, red, blue, green, yellow.
Animal parade
Use animal toys, cards, or book pictures. Watch the sign, copy it, then move like the animal for a quick break.
Best signs: dog, cat, bird, fish, horse, cow.
ASL bingo
Make a small board with pictures. The caller signs or shows a video, and players cover the matching picture.
Best signs: first 25 or first 50 signs.
Copy and use
Watch one sign in the app, copy it three times, then use it during a real routine before choosing another sign.
Best signs: help, more, bathroom, stop, all done.
Favorite sign review
At the end of the week, each child chooses a favorite sign to teach, review, or add to a practice chart.
Best signs: any signs the child used successfully.
Pair games with a printable sign list
Use the First 50 checklist or weekly lesson-plan PDF to choose signs before you play. Printables work best after children have seen the signs in motion.
Choose a game by setting
| Setting | Best game | Good signs to start |
|---|---|---|
| Babies and toddlers | Snack request game or storybook sign hunt | more, milk, eat, all done, help, sleep |
| Preschool and daycare | Cleanup sign relay, ASL bingo, feelings check-in | clean up, wait, stop, happy, sad, tired |
| Family beginners | Sign-and-find scavenger hunt or favorite sign review | book, ball, dog, cat, red, blue, friend |
| Classrooms | Number/color hunt, alphabet name game, ASL memory match | one, two, three, A, B, C, teacher, friend |
| Visual communication support | Copy and use, feelings check-in, routine signs | help, stop, break, more, all done, bathroom |
Materials that can make ASL games easier
Affiliate disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. ASL Kids may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.
Start with one game today
Choose three signs, watch them in the ASL Kids app or dictionary, and play one short game during a real routine. Keep it simple enough that you can repeat it tomorrow.
FAQ
What are the best ASL games for kids?
Good beginner ASL games include sign-and-find scavenger hunts, ASL memory match, snack request games, storybook sign hunts, feelings check-ins, cleanup sign relays, ASL bingo, and favorite sign review.
Should kids learn signs before playing games?
Yes. Games are best for review. Show the sign in motion first using the ASL Kids app, ASL dictionary, a qualified teacher, or a trusted ASL video resource.
How many signs should a game use?
Use 3 to 5 signs for younger children and 5 to 8 signs for older beginners or groups. Too many signs at once can make the game confusing.
Can ASL games help in preschool or daycare?
Yes. Simple games can support circle time, snack, cleanup, feelings, story time, and transition routines when signs are taught clearly and repeated in context.
Can children with communication needs use these games?
They can, especially with practical signs like help, stop, break, more, all done, bathroom, yes, and no. If a child uses AAC, speech therapy, an IEP, or another communication plan, use signs in a way that fits professional guidance.
Turn games into a weekly ASL plan
Games work best when they repeat signs from a real plan. Choose a curriculum path, then use one game each week for review.
Need printable ASL practice sheets?
Download the free ASL Kids Starter Pack for first signs, weekly lesson plans, baby-sign routines, classroom signs, family practice, and a 12-week planner.
Need a simple ASL lesson sequence?
The ASL Lessons for Kids hub turns app videos, first signs, printables, games, and course paths into a practical beginner lesson order for families, teachers, homeschoolers, and children.
Teaching ASL to an elementary student?
The ASL Course for Elementary Students guide helps families choose between app-first practice, weekly lessons, printables, curriculum, a kids course, and parent support.
Teaching ASL to preschoolers?
The ASL Course for Preschoolers guide helps parents and teachers choose an app-first routine path, preschool curriculum, adult course support, printables, and classroom materials without pushing a formal child course too early.