Convey information in ASL using concepts, classifiers, phrases, and sentences to others without voice

Standards Alignment

• TEKS.114.35.01C primary
  convey information in ASL using concepts, classifiers, phrases, and sentences to others without voice;
• TEKS.114.35.01D primary
  demonstrate appropriate usage of ASL phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics; and

Lesson Overview

This Grade 10 Languages Other Than English lesson focuses on helping students convey information in American Sign Language (ASL) using concepts, classifiers, phrases, and sentences without voice. The lesson emphasizes expressive and receptive communication skills in ASL, aligned with TEKS standards for ASL Level II. Students will practice appropriate usage of ASL phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics through direct teaching, guided practice, and reflection.

Learning Objectives

• Convey information in ASL using concepts, classifiers, phrases, and sentences to communicate clearly without voice.
• Demonstrate appropriate usage of ASL phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics in expressive and receptive communication.

Success Criteria

• Students can produce ASL concepts, classifiers, phrases, and sentences to convey information without voice.
• Students use ASL phonological features (handshapes, movements), morphological structures (modifications), syntax (sentence order), semantics (meaning), and pragmatics (contextual use) correctly.
• Students understand and respond appropriately to ASL communication from others using these features.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Students should have foundational knowledge of basic ASL vocabulary, handshapes, and simple sentence structures from prior ASL Level I instruction.

Key Vocabulary

• American Sign Language (ASL)
• Concepts
• Classifiers
• Phrases
• Sentences
• Phonology
• Morphology
• Syntax
• Semantics
• Pragmatics

Materials and Resources

• Visual aids showing ASL classifiers and concepts
• Video clips demonstrating ASL phrases and sentences
• Whiteboard or digital display for modeling signs
• Worksheets for practice exercises
• Recording device or app for students to record their signing

Teacher Preparation

• Review TEKS standards TEKS.114.35.01C and TEKS.114.35.01D to align lesson activities.
• Prepare examples of ASL concepts, classifiers, phrases, and sentences for modeling.
• Gather or create video examples of ASL communication demonstrating phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics.
• Set up materials for guided practice and independent signing activities.

Detailed Lesson Notes

Understanding ASL Concepts and Classifiers

Concepts in ASL represent ideas or categories rather than specific words. Classifiers are handshapes that represent categories of objects, people, or actions and are used to show movement, location, or size. For example, the classifier '3' handshape can represent a vehicle moving along a path. Understanding how to use classifiers helps convey detailed information efficiently in ASL.

Forming Phrases and Sentences in ASL

ASL phrases combine signs to express ideas, and sentences follow ASL syntax rules, which differ from English. Typically, ASL uses a topic-comment structure, where the topic is introduced first, followed by a comment about it. For example, 'STORE, I GO' conveys 'I am going to the store.' Proper sentence formation requires attention to facial expressions and body language, which are integral to ASL grammar.

ASL Phonology: Handshapes, Movements, and Locations

Phonology in ASL refers to the basic units of signs: handshape, movement, location, palm orientation, and non-manual signals. Correct production of these units is essential for clear communication. For example, changing the handshape or movement can change the meaning of a sign entirely. Teaching students to recognize and produce these features accurately supports comprehension and expression.

ASL Morphology and Syntax

Morphology in ASL involves modifications to signs to express tense, number, or intensity. For example, repeating a sign can indicate plurality or intensity. Syntax refers to the order of signs in a sentence. ASL syntax often places time indicators at the beginning and uses spatial referencing. Understanding these rules helps students construct meaningful and grammatically correct sentences.

Semantics and Pragmatics in ASL Communication

Semantics deals with the meaning of signs and sentences, while pragmatics involves using language appropriately in context. For example, the same sign can have different meanings depending on facial expressions or situational context. Teaching students to interpret and use signs considering context ensures effective communication and cultural appropriateness.

Worked Examples

Classroom Activity

Practice signing phrases using classifiers and concepts with a partner, focusing on clear handshapes and movements.

Guided Practice

Independent Practice

1. Foundational: What is a classifier in ASL and what does it represent?
2. Developing: How does the topic-comment sentence structure in ASL differ from English sentence order?
3. Application: Create a short signed phrase using a classifier to describe a person walking across a room.
4. Analysis: Explain how changing handshape or movement in a sign can affect its meaning, giving an example.
5. Challenge: Describe how semantics and pragmatics influence the meaning of a signed message in ASL.

Independent Practice Teacher Answer Key

1. 1. A classifier is a specific handshape used in ASL to represent a category of objects, people, or actions, helping to show movement, location, or size visually.
2. 2. In ASL, the topic is introduced first, followed by a comment about it, whereas English typically follows a subject-verb-object order. For example, ASL might sign 'STORE, I GO' instead of 'I go to the store.'
3. 3. Use the '1' handshape classifier to represent a person and move it across the signing space to show walking across the room, such as signing 'PERSON' with the '1' handshape moving from one side to the other.
4. 4. Changing the handshape or movement can change the meaning of a sign because these are phonological features in ASL. For example, the sign for 'mother' uses an open handshape touching the chin, but changing the handshape or location can produce a different sign entirely.
5. 5. Semantics relates to the meaning of the signs themselves, while pragmatics involves using signs appropriately in context, including facial expressions and body language. Together, they ensure the message is understood as intended, considering both literal meaning and social context.

Guiding Questions

• How do classifiers help convey detailed information in ASL?
• What is the typical sentence structure in ASL?
• Why are facial expressions important in ASL communication?
• How can you tell if someone understands your signed message?

Common Misconceptions

• ASL is just English signed word-for-word; in reality, ASL has its own grammar and structure.
• Classifiers are random handshapes; actually, they have specific meanings and uses.
• Facial expressions are optional; they are essential grammatical markers in ASL.
• ASL sentences follow English word order; ASL has a different syntax, often topic-comment structure.

Differentiation

Assessment

• Observe student practice during paired signing activities to check use of classifiers and sentence structure.
• Ask students to explain the meaning of classifiers used in phrases.
• Use quick quizzes on ASL phonology and morphology concepts.
• Students sign a short description of a scenario using classifiers and phrases.
• Students explain how they used facial expressions to add meaning.
• Students identify the topic and comment in a signed sentence.
• Students prepare a signed story or description using concepts, classifiers, and correct ASL grammar.
• Students analyze a signed conversation and identify phonological and pragmatic features.

Answer Guide

• What is a classifier in ASL?
  Answer: A classifier is a handshape used to represent a category of objects, people, or actions in ASL, showing movement, location, or size visually.
• How does ASL sentence structure differ from English?
  Answer: ASL often uses a topic-comment structure where the topic is signed first, followed by a comment, unlike English's subject-verb-object order.
• Give an example of using a classifier to show movement.
  Answer: Using the '3' handshape to represent a car moving forward to show driving.
• Why are facial expressions important in ASL?
  Answer: Facial expressions convey grammatical information and emotions, affecting the meaning of signs.
• Explain the difference between semantics and pragmatics in ASL.
  Answer: Semantics is the meaning of signs; pragmatics is how signs are used appropriately in context, including social and cultural factors.

Real-Life Application

Encourage students to practice signing simple phrases or sentences with family members or friends, explaining the meaning of classifiers and the importance of facial expressions in ASL.

Homework or Home Connection

• Encourage students to practice signing simple phrases or sentences with family members or friends, explaining the meaning of classifiers and the importance of facial expressions in ASL.

Lesson Summary

In this lesson, students learned to convey information in ASL by using concepts, classifiers, phrases, and sentences without voice. They explored the linguistic features of ASL including phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Through modeling, practice, and reflection, students developed skills to communicate clearly and appropriately in ASL, enhancing their expressive and receptive abilities.

Teacher Notes

Use the exact standards alignment and retrieved-source provenance stored with this enrichment.

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