❤️ Feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin?
On this page, I answer common beginner questions AND give you actionable solutions.
Use the links below to jump to the answers:
❤️ I want to actually communicate in ASL, not just memorize signs. Where do I begin?
Many beginners are excited to learn ASL to communicate with a Deaf family member, friend, co-worker, or client in everyday situations.
They start studying ASL only to quickly discover they aren’t actually learning to communicate. Instead, they spend too much time memorizing vocabulary and learning textbook concepts.
The end result? ASL beginners learn a lot but still can’t effectively communicate.
I’ve got great news for you. You don’t need to memorize hundreds of signs before getting out there and having confident, real-world ASL conversations.
☑️ Your Next Step → ASL First Sparks
I’ve designed ASL First Sparks specifically for beginners who want a clear, guided starting point.
Rather than starting with hundreds of signs and complex grammar rules, ASL First Sparks helps you begin signing immediately as you build simple, practical ASL conversations—sign by sign.
Already completed ASL First Sparks?
Continue with ASL Signing Missions, where you’ll build on the skills you learned in ASL First Sparks and grow your confidence with more in-depth ASL conversations.
❤️ I only have a few minutes a day. Can I still learn ASL?
No worries. You’re not doomed because you’re busy.
Consistency is far more important than having large amounts of free time. Even a few minutes of daily ASL practice builds momentum and confidence.
☑️ Your Next Step → ASL Daily Feed
👉 An example Daily Feed post is below. It includes 3 parts (recognition, signing, and practice) all in one post. Give it a try!
No. 1 – What’s he thinking at the end?
Watch first. Figure out what’s being communicated.
Give it a try. Sign the ASL on the left.
Now watch. Sign it with me.
❤️ What’s he thinking at the end? Answer in the comments.
I designed the ASL Daily Feed to give you practical mini lessons that improve your ASL skills in bite-size chunks of time.
Daily Feed posts are complete lessons on their own. Most take just 3–5 minutes to complete, are highly practical, and easily fit into a busy schedule.
Have a little more time?
If you have 15 minutes or more, consider making progress in one of our structured ASL courses.
❤️ I need to increase my ASL vocabulary. Where do I go?
Building your ASL vocabulary is one of the most effective ways to understand and participate in a wider variety of ASL conversations.
The more signs you recognize and remember, the easier it becomes to follow along, express yourself, and communicate with confidence.
☑️ Your Next Step → First 1000+ Signs
I’ve designed the First 1000+ Signs course to help beginners rapidly expand their ASL vocabulary across 27 practical, real-world categories.
Each category includes 2-part testing: 1) signing and 2) understanding, to help make sure you remember the signs later. Dialogues are also included to help you put those signs to use.
Are similar signs a challenge for you?
I’ve created the 150 Similar Sign Pairs course to help you compare and contrast commonly confused signs side-by-side so you can recognize the differences with greater confidence.
❤️ I need to improve my ASL fingerspelling skills. Where do I go?
Many beginning signers quickly realize how important ASL fingerspelling is, but at the same time feel overwhelmed by it.
Whether you’re just beginning to learn the ASL alphabet or already feel confident with the ABCs, we’ve got you covered.
☑️ Your Next Step → ABCs + Fingerspelling
I’ve designed the ABCs + Fingerspelling course to help beginners not only learn the ASL alphabet but also apply it through fingerspelling in practical situations.
You’ll start by learning and practicing the ASL alphabet in chunks, letter by letter, so each handshape is easier to remember later.
Next, you’ll study the five fingerspelling rules and get LOTS of practice fingerspelling common letter combinations, acronyms, words, names, movies, brands, and much more.
Finally, you’ll apply your skills by combining fingerspelling and signing in complete sentences.
Review and testing are included throughout the course to help make sure you’re retaining what you learn.
❤️ I want to learn ASL more effectively. Where can I find practical tips and strategies?
Learning ASL isn’t just about what you study—it’s also about how you study.
Small changes in your approach can often lead to better retention, greater confidence, and more consistent progress.
☑️ Your Next Step → ASL Tips & Strategies
I’ve created the ASL Tips & Strategies course to help you build confidence, learn more effectively, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy your ASL journey more.
Inside, you’ll find practical advice on topics such as making mistakes, facial expressions, tenses, sentence structure, and other common challenges ASL beginners face.
