Body Parts & Health

Overview

This 45-minute lesson is the 16th in the 30-lesson unit Foundations of American Sign Language. Students will learn ASL signs for various body parts and fundamental health-related vocabulary, enhancing both receptive and expressive language skills. The lesson integrates Common Core standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.4, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1) by developing students’ communication and vocabulary comprehension through American Sign Language.

Learning Objectives

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

• I can accurately recognize and produce ASL signs for common body parts.
• I can identify basic health-related ASL vocabulary and use it in simple conversations.
• I can demonstrate understanding of ASL syntax when describing health-related situations.
• I can engage in a brief dialogue using ASL to express health concerns or conditions.

Success Criteria

• Correctly fingerspell or sign at least 10 body parts with 90% accuracy.
• Use 5 health-related vocabulary signs in context during partner activities.
• Follow and respond to classmates’ health-related signed questions appropriately.
• Show awareness of ASL non-manual markers (facial expressions/body language) during signing.

Standards Alignment

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.4: Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as used in a specific scientific or technical context.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9–10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.6: Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness