Global Travel Signs

Overview

This 2-minute lesson introduces 10th grade students to American Sign Language (ASL) signs related to countries and travel vocabulary, focusing on continents: Europe, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Africa. The goal is to expand students’ cultural understanding and communication skills through ASL, aligning with British Columbia’s educational competencies for language and communication.

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Curriculum Connections

British Columbia Curriculum - ADST and English Language Arts

• Communicating: Students will exchange information and ideas using appropriate non-verbal forms (BC ELA Grade 10, Curricular Competency).
• Understanding Cultural Perspectives: Students will explore diverse cultural expressions and worldviews through language (BC ADST - Exploring and Creating).
• Personal and Social Competency: Appreciate and respect culturally diverse perspectives and languages (BC Curriculum - Personal and Social competencies).

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Recognise and demonstrate ASL signs for countries within Europe, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Africa.
• Use vocabulary related to travel in sentences structured in ASL word order and English.
• Show cultural awareness by understanding how ASL reflects geographic and cultural concepts.

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Lesson Breakdown (2 minutes total)

1. Introduction (30 seconds)

• Teacher briefly introduces the topic: "Today, we learn ASL signs for countries and travel vocabulary."
• Show a world map highlighting Europe, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Africa to contextualise the signs.

2. Presentation & Practice (1 minute)

Country/Region	ASL Sign Description (Image Included)	Sentence Examples (English / ASL Word Order)
Europe	Handshape "E" moves in small circular motion in front of chest (image)	English: "I want to travel to Europe." ASL: "I WANT TRAVEL EUROPE."
Eastern Europe	Handshape "E" with palm facing out, moves right then left (image)	English: "She is from Eastern Europe." ASL: "SHE FROM EASTERN EUROPE."
Latin America	Flat hand taps chest twice then moves downward (image)	English: "We visited Latin America." ASL: "WE VISIT LATIN AMERICA."
Africa	"A" handshape circles over heart area (image)	English: "He lives in Africa." ASL: "HE LIVE AFRICA."
Travel Vocabulary	Signs for "Travel" and "Country" shown visually with short description	English: "They like to travel." ASL: "THEY LIKE TRAVEL."

3. Quick Check (20 seconds)

• Teacher asks a volunteer to sign the name of a country or travel word and use it in an ASL-structured sentence.
• Teacher models correct signing and word order.

4. Wrap-up (10 seconds)

• Teacher reinforces cultural respect: "Learning ASL signs helps us connect with diverse people and cultures."
• Brief encouragement to practice these signs outside class.

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Materials & Resources

• Editable slide presentation with:

  • High-quality photos/images illustrating each ASL sign (for Europe, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Africa),
  • Clear text demonstrating English and ASL word-order sentences,
  • World map highlighting focused continents.

• Script notes for teacher pronunciation and signing tips.

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Assessment (Formative)

• Observation during volunteer signing for correct handshape and word order.
• Informal verbal feedback after quick check activity.

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Extension Ideas to Inspire Teachers

• Challenge students to create their own short story using at least two country signs and the travel vocabulary, following ASL grammar, for extra credit or next class.
• Collaborate with local Deaf community members (virtually or in-person) to deepen cross-cultural understanding.
• Use the slide as a template to build vocabulary sets for other continents or travel themes.

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This compact but memorable lesson directly supports BC curricular goals by blending language learning with cultural literacy, utilising multimedia and interaction to maximise engagement during the brief lesson window.