Homeschool ASL Curriculum: 12-Week Plan for Kids and Families
Build a homeschool ASL curriculum that families can actually keep using
A homeschool ASL curriculum works best when it combines short video practice, weekly themes, printable records, conversation practice, Deaf-culture context, and a clear course path when your child or parent-teacher needs more structure.
Affiliate disclosure: This page includes course affiliate links and Amazon affiliate links. If you enroll or buy through these links, ASL Kids may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We also include free ASL Kids resources because many families should start with simple app practice, dictionary videos, and printables before paying for a course.
Print the 12-week ASL curriculum planner
Use the planner to choose weekly themes, write lesson notes, track practice days, set up a simple ASL station, and keep a record for your homeschool binder.
Quick answer: how do you teach ASL in homeschool?
Start with real signs your family can use every day, then add a weekly rhythm: watch signs in the ASL Kids app, practice with the ASL dictionary, review with printables, play one signing game, and do one short conversation or show-and-tell. Families with older children can add a structured homeschool ASL course as the course spine.
Use structure when you need it
A course helps older children, teens, parents, and co-ops move beyond isolated vocabulary into fingerspelling, grammar, receptive practice, and Deaf-culture context.
Keep practice short
Five to fifteen minutes a day is better than one long weekly session. ASL needs repetition, visual attention, and real use.
Practice signs in real routines
Use signs at breakfast, read-aloud time, cleanup, errands, game time, and bedtime so ASL becomes communication, not just a subject.
Important: ASL is not signed English. It is a complete visual language with its own grammar, facial expression, movement, and Deaf cultural context. If your child is deaf or hard of hearing, build the plan with Deaf educators, early-intervention providers, ASL-fluent teachers, and your child’s support team.
Choose the right homeschool ASL path
| Family situation | Best first step | Use ASL Kids for | When to add a course |
|---|---|---|---|
| Younger child, first signs | First 50 ASL signs, routine signs, and simple games. | Short app videos, dictionary lookup, printables, and playful review. | Usually later. Parents can take an adult course if they want a stronger ASL foundation. |
| Elementary child | A weekly theme plan with alphabet, numbers, feelings, family signs, and daily review. | Use the app and ASL lesson plans between formal lessons. | Add a kids course when the child can follow structured video lessons and review assignments. |
| Middle school or high school | A formal course spine plus extra practice in the app and dictionary. | Use ASL Kids for visual review, first signs, printable records, and topic practice. | View the kids ASL course if you want a more complete path. |
| Parent-led homeschool | Parent learns alongside the child, then leads short practice sessions. | Use app videos to model signs accurately and reduce planning work. | View the adult ASL course if the parent needs more explanation and confidence. |
| Co-op or group class | Use one shared weekly theme, then let each family practice at home. | Link families to app videos, printables, and the weekly planner. | Use a formal provider when you need grading, certificates, transcripts, or group licensing. |
12-week homeschool ASL curriculum plan
This plan is designed for beginners. Repeat weeks as needed, and let children record short practice videos so they can see progress over time.
Set goals and learn first signs
Practice hello, goodbye, yes, no, please, thank you, help, more, all done, and stop. Choose your weekly routine.
Alphabet, names, and fingerspelling
Learn the manual alphabet, fingerspell names slowly, and practice recognizing letters from another signer.
Family and people signs
Practice family, mom, dad, sister, brother, baby, child, friend, teacher, and student. Make a signed family tree.
Meals and home routines
Practice eat, drink, hungry, water, milk, apple, bread, finished, clean up, bathroom, wash, and wait.
Feelings and needs
Practice happy, sad, angry, scared, tired, sick, hurt, help, break, want, and need. Use signs during check-ins.
Numbers, time, and calendar
Practice numbers, days of the week, today, tomorrow, yesterday, morning, afternoon, night, and later.
Colors, descriptions, and objects
Practice colors, big, small, old, new, same, different, book, pencil, paper, computer, and school.
Animals, nature, and movement
Practice dog, cat, bird, fish, tree, flower, rain, sun, walk, run, play, go, stop, and again.
Questions and short answers
Practice who, what, where, when, why, how, yes, no, maybe, I know, I do not know, and I am learning ASL.
Storytelling and read-aloud practice
Choose one picture book, sign repeated words, retell the story with gestures, and watch ASL story resources.
Deaf culture and accessibility
Learn respectful attention-getting, visual turn-taking, captions, interpreters, Deaf community basics, and why ASL has its own grammar.
Review project and next path
Record a short signed introduction, review favorite signs, update the planner, and decide whether to continue free practice or add a course.
Use ASL Kids as your daily practice library
For a no-cost start, pair this plan with the ASL Kids app, dictionary, first-50 signs guide, lesson plans, and free printables. Keep the work light and visible.
Weekly lesson rhythm for homeschool families
| Day | Practice focus | Simple assignment |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Watch and copy | Watch 3 to 6 signs in the app or dictionary. Copy each sign slowly and check handshape, movement, and location. |
| Day 2 | Use signs in a routine | Use the signs during breakfast, read-aloud time, cleanup, errands, or bedtime. |
| Day 3 | Review and record | Record a 30-second practice video or mark the planner after a parent checks the signs. |
| Day 4 | Game or conversation | Play memory, charades, sign-and-find, or ask short who/what/where questions. |
| Day 5 | Culture, story, or course lesson | Watch an ASL story, read about Deaf culture, or complete one structured course lesson. |
When a paid course makes sense
A paid online ASL course can be a good fit when your homeschool needs a full sequence, assignments, quizzes, parent guidance, or a transcript-friendly structure. ASL Kids can still be the daily practice tool between course lessons.
Kids course path
Use a kids course when the learner can follow structured lessons and wants a more complete path than isolated vocabulary.
Adult course path
Use an adult beginner course when the parent wants stronger grammar, fingerspelling, receptive practice, and confidence leading family practice.
Credit note: Homeschool credit, transcript, and foreign-language requirements vary by state, umbrella school, co-op, charter, and high school plan. Use ASL Kids for learning support, but check your program’s requirements before relying on any single resource for official credit.
Homeschool ASL setup checklist
You do not need a big kit. A small, visible practice station can make it much easier to repeat signs consistently.
| Tool | Why it helps | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| ASL flash cards | Good for quick review, matching games, and sign-of-the-week prompts. | Browse ASL flash cards |
| ASL alphabet poster | Keeps fingerspelling visible near the table, desk, or practice station. | Browse ASL alphabet posters |
| Tablet stand | Lets learners watch sign videos hands-free while copying signs. | Browse tablet stands |
| Visual timer | Helps short ASL practice feel predictable and finite for kids. | Browse visual timers |
| Binder and page protectors | Stores the curriculum planner, printable signs, records, and review sheets. | Browse binder supplies |
| Dry erase board | Useful for weekly signs, fingerspelling practice, and quick review games. | Browse dry erase boards |
Build the rest of your ASL learning path
Start learning ASL
Use the beginner ASL path for first signs, routines, app practice, and next steps.
Kids curriculum guide
Open the ASL curriculum for kids for the broader family, classroom, and beginner plan.
Set up your space
Build an ASL practice station with app videos, cards, timers, and printables.
Compare course options
Compare online ASL courses for kids, parents, teachers, and homeschoolers.
Frequently asked questions
Can ASL count as a homeschool foreign language?
It can in some programs, but requirements vary. If you need official credit, check your state, umbrella school, charter, co-op, or transcript plan before choosing a resource.
Can we use only free ASL resources?
Yes, especially for younger children and early family practice. Use the ASL Kids app, dictionary, printables, first-50 signs guide, and lesson plans. Add a course when you need a more complete sequence.
Should parents learn ASL with the child?
Yes. Children are more likely to keep using signs when adults model signs in real routines. Parents can start free, then choose an adult beginner course if they want stronger structure.
How long should homeschool ASL practice take?
For beginners, 5 to 15 minutes a day is usually enough. Older learners using a course may also need a longer weekly lesson block.
What should we track for homeschool records?
Track weekly themes, signs practiced, app or course lessons completed, printable reviews, recorded practice videos, and short conversation projects.
Is ASL Kids a complete accredited curriculum?
No. ASL Kids is a learning support site and app. It can help with daily practice, first signs, printables, and planning, but formal credit or accreditation depends on your homeschool program and chosen course provider.
Sources and useful references
Add playful review to this plan
After each weekly sign set, use ASL Games for Kids for scavenger hunts, matching games, sign bingo, storybook signs, snack requests, feelings check-ins, and quick family review.
Choosing your first ASL course?
Use the ASL Course for Beginners guide to decide between a free start, a kids course, an adult beginner course, app practice, and a homeschool-friendly routine.
Need an ASL certificate, CEU, or credit path?
Use the ASL Course with Certificate guide to understand the difference between a completion certificate, CEUs, school credit, and interpreter certification before choosing a paid course.
Are you the adult learning ASL?
Use the ASL Course for Adults guide to choose a structured adult path for parents, teachers, caregivers, teens, and beginners, then pair lessons with ASL Kids app practice.
Choosing a course for a teen?
Use the ASL Course for Teens guide to decide whether your learner fits the kids course, adult beginner course, high-school-credit path, or free app practice first.
Considering SignLanguage101?
Read the SignLanguage101 review to see when it fits kids, teens, parents, teachers, and adult beginners, and when a free app path, live feedback, or credit-focused course is a better choice.
Looking for an ASL 1 course?
Use the ASL 1 Course Online guide to choose between a free app start, a self-paced kids or adult course, a high-school-credit path, or a guided course with feedback.
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.
Comparing ASL apps?
Use the Best ASL Apps for Kids and Beginners guide to choose between ASL Kids, dictionary apps, structured lesson apps, baby-sign video libraries, and course paths.
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.
Choosing an ASL class for a child?
The ASL Classes for Kids guide compares app-first practice, free resources, live online classes, local options, kids courses, parent courses, and homeschool paths.
Learning ASL as a family?
The ASL for Families guide gives parents, kids, siblings, grandparents, and teachers a practical path: app videos, daily routine signs, a 30-day printable plan, and course options when you need more structure.
Need a structured ASL course path for your family?
The ASL Course for Families guide compares parent courses, kids courses, free family ASL supports, app practice, and printable routines.
Considering SignLanguage101 for a child?
The SignLanguage101 for Kids review explains when the kids course fits older children, teens, and homeschool learners, and when app-first or family ASL support is the better first step.
Planning ASL for a middle schooler?
The ASL Course for Middle School guide helps families choose between app-first practice, a kids course, a parent-led course, homeschool records, and high-school-credit planning.
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.
Need ASL to count for high school credit?
Use the ASL Course for High School Credit guide to choose between homeschool records, school approval, certificates, and formal credit before buying a course.