Celebrating Colors

Grade: 9th | Duration: 45 minutes | Class Size: 20 students

Unit: Expressing Colors in ASL (Lesson 12 of 12)

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Learning Objectives (aligned with Common Core State Standards)

I can...

• Present a clear and engaging oral communication on a specific topic: expressing colors in ASL. (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.4)
• Use appropriate nonverbal communication to convey meaning effectively in my presentation. (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.4)
• Organize my ideas logically to create a coherent presentation. (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.4)
• Listen actively and provide constructive feedback to my peers. (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1)

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Success Criteria

• I present the colors in ASL confidently with correct signs and expressions.
• I maintain eye contact and use body language to support my presentation.
• I follow the presentation template or structure when needed.
• I respect and actively listen when classmates present.

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Materials

• Presentation template handouts (for scaffolded support)
• Video recording device/tablet (optional for self-reflection)
• Whiteboard/markers
• Colored cards with color names (for warm-up)
• Chairs arranged for presentations

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Lesson Procedure

1. Warm-Up & Setup (5 minutes)

• Activity: Quick color review game. Hold up colored cards randomly and ask students to sign the name of the color using ASL.
• Purpose: Activate prior knowledge and build confidence before presentations.
• Teacher notes: Encourage students to use facial expressions that are part of the signing of colors.

2. Student Presentations (30 minutes)

• Activity: Each student presents their project showcasing colors in ASL (approximately 1.5 minutes each).
• Students are encouraged to:
  • Use full sentences or phrases in ASL related to colors
  • Include expressive facial grammar
  • Use visual aids if prepared
• Teacher circulation: Monitor presentations, support students needing prompts, and provide discreet encouragement for nervous students.

Differentiation:

• Students who need extra structure use provided templates to organize their presentation.
• Students with advanced skills are encouraged to include color combinations or create short stories using color signs.

Extension:

• Invite students to think of cultural or symbolic meanings of colors and briefly include them in their presentations.

3. Peer Feedback & Reflection (7 minutes)

• Students pair up and provide positive feedback and one area of improvement using sentence stems like:

  • “I liked how you… because…”
  • “One thing you could try next time is…”

• Optional: If time, 2-3 volunteers share their reflection aloud to the class.

4. Closure & Next Steps (3 minutes)

• Teacher summarizes the importance of expressive communication in ASL.
• Remind students about the optional extension: inviting another class to watch their presentations (can be planned after school or virtually).
• Encourage self-assessment: “What did I do well? What can I improve for future presentations?”

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Assessment

• Formative: Teacher observational checklist of presentation skills based on success criteria (sign accuracy, confidence, use of facial grammar, engagement).
• Peer feedback shared and noted (informal).
• Optional recorded videos can be reviewed for self-assessment and teacher review.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Scaffold with presentation templates (sentence starters, vocabulary banks).
• Allow use of note cards.
• Provide extra practice time before class for students who request it.
• Pair advanced learners with peers who may benefit from modeling strong presentation skills.

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Extension Activities

• Invite a different class or school club to watch the final presentations in person or via video conference for a real audience experience.
• Create a class digital slideshow with video clips or photos of students signing colors to share with parents or in a school newsletter.
• Challenge students to invent and teach signs for new “colors” (e.g., neon shades) to reinforce creativity and ASL fluency.

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Standards References

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning.

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Empower your students to celebrate not just colors, but the unique beauty of communicating through ASL!