American Sign Language Games and Activities

ASL Bingo

• For beginner signers or children, there are several activities that are both fun and educational. With a large group, consider playing a round of bingo, using cards with basic vocabulary words written out in English. Words are written on squares of paper that are folded and shuffled in a box. The bingo caller draws a word and then signs that word. Players match the signs to the words on their cards. Bingo cards can be homemade or printed from a web site such as EduBakery.com.

Animal Sign Memory Game

• The Animal Sign Memory game works well with both beginner and intermediate-level signers. The game can be played with a small group of players. The first player signs an animal. The second player signs the first player's animal, and then adds their own animal sign. The third player signs both signs, adds their own sign, and so on. The person who signs incorrectly or signs in the wrong order loses the match.

Hand Shape Game

• A game popular among deaf and hard-of-hearing students is the hand shape game, which tests both your imagination and vocabulary. It is well-suited for intermediate to advanced-level signers but can be played by beginners with a group of similarly skilled signers. First, an ASL hand shape is decided upon. Players then take turns signing words that use that particular hand shape. No word can be repeated, and anybody who can't think of a word on their turn is out of the game. The last signer standing is the winner.

Sign Language Telephone

• The telephone game, usually played by whispering a phrase or sentence through a series of players, also can be played using American Sign Language. Players must stand in a line, facing forward, and the player at the rear end of the line starts the game. The first player thinks of a phrase, taps the next player in line and signs the phrase. The phrase is passed down to the front of the line and then is compared to the original phrase.