Numbers in ASL for Kids and Beginners
Numbers in ASL are useful right away for kids, parents, teachers, and beginner signers. Children can use number signs for counting games, ages, dates, scores, classroom routines, snacks, birthdays, and simple math practice.
Use this guide as a friendly starting point for ASL numbers 0-20. For the exact motion, palm direction, and rhythm, practice with a video model in the ASL Kids app or look up related signs in the ASL Kids dictionary.
Start with numbers in everyday routines
Young learners usually do best when number signs are connected to real life. Instead of drilling a long list, count blocks, crackers, steps, pages, children in line, toys in a basket, or days on a calendar. Short practice sessions work better than one long lesson.
| Use case | Practice idea | Good next sign |
|---|---|---|
| Counting toys | Sign 1, 2, 3 as you place toys in a row. | toy, play, more |
| Snack time | Count crackers, grapes, or apple slices before eating. | eat, drink, more, all done |
| Calendar time | Sign the date, the number of school days, or a birthday age. | fingerspell names |
| Story time | Count animals, pages, or characters in a picture book. | book, read, animal signs |
| Classroom transitions | Sign a quiet countdown from 5 to 1. | classroom ASL activities |
ASL numbers 0-20: beginner guide
ASL numbers are not just English finger counting. Handshape, movement, palm direction, and context all matter. The notes below are a parent-and-teacher friendly overview, not a replacement for watching signs in motion.
| Numbers | What beginners should notice | Practice tip |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Looks like an O handshape. | Use it for zero, none, scores, and countdown games. |
| 1-5 | Use one dominant hand. Palm direction can change by context, so copy a good video model. | Start with ages, counting objects, and “I am 5.” |
| 6-9 | The thumb touches a different finger for each number: pinky for 6, ring finger for 7, middle finger for 8, and index finger for 9. | Practice slowly and keep the hand relaxed. |
| 10 | Often made with a thumb-up handshape and a small movement. | Use it in a countdown or counting-to-10 game. |
| 11-15 | These are movement numbers. They are easiest to learn from video because the fingers move. | Practice after the child is comfortable with 1-10. |
| 16-19 | These build from 6-9 with a small movement or twist. | Compare 6 with 16, 7 with 17, 8 with 18, and 9 with 19. |
| 20 | Often shown with the index finger and thumb closing together twice. | Use it after counting 1-19 so it feels like a milestone. |
How to practice counting in ASL
- Use one dominant hand. Pick the hand the child uses most naturally and keep practice consistent.
- Go slowly first. Clear signs are more helpful than fast signs.
- Keep the hand comfortable. If a handshape hurts, relax, pause, and try again later.
- Watch movement numbers. Numbers 11-20 are easier when children can copy motion, not just a written description.
- Practice in context. Count real objects, birthdays, pages, game scores, snacks, and classroom groups.
- Pair numbers with everyday signs. Try more, all done, help, again, book, play, wait, stop, and go.
Five kid-friendly ASL counting activities
- Snack count: count pieces of snack food before eating, then sign more or all done.
- Number hunt: find a number on a book page, toy, clock, calendar, or classroom wall and sign it.
- Birthday practice: ask “How old are you?” and practice the child’s age.
- Quiet countdown: sign 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 before cleanup, transitions, or lining up.
- Story count: count animals, vehicles, colors, or people in a picture book.
Common mistakes with ASL numbers
- Learning only from written descriptions. Some number signs need movement, so video practice matters.
- Twisting the whole arm too much. Keep signs relaxed and readable.
- Using both hands for basic counting. ASL numbers are usually made with one dominant hand.
- Rushing 11-20. Let kids master 0-10 first, then add the movement numbers.
- Treating ASL like exact English. ASL is a full visual language with its own grammar, facial expression, and rhythm.
Helpful number practice tools
You can begin for free with the ASL Kids app, the dictionary, and real counting games at home or school. If you want extra materials for a classroom, therapy room, homeschool shelf, or gift, these product searches may help.
Affiliate disclosure: This page may include affiliate links. If you buy through these links, ASL Kids may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
- ASL numbers posters for kids on Amazon
- ASL numbers flash cards for kids on Amazon
- Sign language number flash cards on Amazon
For broader practice materials, see Best ASL Flash Cards for Kids and Beginners and Best ASL Books, Flash Cards, Posters & Learning Tools for Kids.
Trusted ASL number resources
ASL has regional and contextual variation, especially with number use. For deeper study, compare kid-friendly practice with trusted ASL resources such as Lifeprint’s ASL numbers guide. For background on ASL as a complete natural language, see the NIDCD overview of American Sign Language.
What to learn after ASL numbers
Numbers are a useful beginning, but children should also learn signs they can use in real conversations. Try these next steps:
- Follow the Start Learning ASL roadmap if you want numbers inside a complete beginner path.
- Use First 50 ASL Signs for Kids to connect numbers with food, family, feelings, play, and classroom words.
- Practice ASL signs by routine for snack counts, calendar time, toy cleanup, bedtime countdowns, and classroom turns.
- Learn the ASL alphabet for fingerspelling names and simple words.
- Practice basic ASL phrases for beginners.
- Browse easy signs in the ASL Kids dictionary.
- Try ASL games for kids for counting hunts, matching, and classroom review.
- Use ASL lesson plans for kids when numbers are part of a weekly teaching plan.
- Open free ASL printables for worksheets, flash cards, trackers, and lesson-plan PDFs.
- Use ASL activities during preschool and daycare routines.
- Build a beginner learning path with Sign Language for Kids.
FAQ: numbers in ASL
Are ASL numbers the same as holding up fingers?
No. Some early numbers look familiar, but ASL number signs also use specific handshapes, palm orientation, movement, and context. Watch signs in motion when possible.
What numbers should kids learn first in ASL?
Start with 0-10, then add 11-20 after the child is comfortable. Ages, snack counting, birthdays, and countdown games make the numbers easier to remember.
Why are ASL numbers 11-20 harder?
Many numbers from 11-20 include movement, not only a still handshape. That is why video practice and copying a clear signer are more helpful than reading a description alone.
Can ASL numbers be used for dates, ages, and money?
Yes. ASL numbers are used for counting, ages, dates, time, money, addresses, phone numbers, scores, and many everyday situations. Some uses have special rules, so beginners should learn one context at a time.