Grade Level

9th Grade

Duration

45 minutes

Unit

Expressing Colors in ASL — Lesson 5 of 12

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Lesson Overview

Students will actively practice American Sign Language (ASL) color signs through interactive games that foster both recognition and expressive skills. The focus is on teamwork, participation, and fluency in signing colors to prepare students for more complex ASL communication. This lesson emphasizes peer collaboration and kinesthetic learning aligned with Common Core standards.

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Learning Objectives

• I can correctly recognize and produce ASL signs for primary and secondary colors during interactive games.
• I can work collaboratively in teams to complete color signing challenges.
• I can create and explain an original game that uses ASL color signs.

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Common Core Standards Alignment

Common Core does not explicitly address ASL but emphasizes language fluency, communication, critical thinking, and collaborative skills which this lesson supports:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners – here used through team games and cooperation.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically – exemplified in the extension where students create and explain a new game involving ASL color signs.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.6: Acquire and use accurately a range of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases – transferring to ASL vocabulary acquisition of color signs.

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Materials Needed

• Flashcards with color names and ASL color signs (images or physical cards)
• Colored objects (balls, cards, etc.) in primary and secondary colors
• Whiteboard and markers
• Timer or stopwatch
• Space for group movement and interaction

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Lesson Timeline

1. Warm-up Review (5 minutes)

• Quick group review of previously learned color signs.
• Use flashcards and ask students to sign the color as the word or object is shown.
• Ask students to volunteer to sign colors to reinforce retention.

2. Team Color Relay (15 minutes)

• Divide the class into four teams of five.
• Each team lines up; the first player signs a color correctly to the teacher to receive a colored item.
• The player then runs to the opposite side, shows the item, and returns.
• Next player signs the color before continuing.
• The first team to complete all colors wins.
• Teacher circulates to verify accurate signs and supports struggling students.

3. Color Signing Charades (10 minutes)

• In pairs, students take turns signing a color without speaking.
• The partner guesses the color.
• If correct within 20 seconds, they earn points.
• Pairs rotate so students practice with diverse partners.
• This encourages expressive signing and active recognition.

4. Create Your Own Color Game (10 minutes) — Extension Activity

• Advanced teams/designated students brainstorm and develop a new game incorporating ASL color signs (e.g., Color Bingo, Color Pictionary with signs).
• Each group prepares a brief explanation and demonstration.
• Teacher guides and provides vocabulary scaffolding as needed.

5. Closing and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Class discussion: What games helped you remember the colors best? Which signs felt easiest or hardest?
• Students express “I can…” statements aloud:
  • e.g., "I can confidently sign the color red."
• Collect quick exit tickets where students write which color sign they improved on today.

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Success Criteria

• Students will sign at least 8 colors correctly during games.
• Students actively participate and collaborate in teams.
• Extension students design a creative color-sign game and explain it clearly.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Provide visual aids and handouts with ASL color sign diagrams.
• Pair struggling students with peers who demonstrate strong signing skills for peer support.
• Use repetition and additional practice time during the relay activity.
• Allow for verbal prompts or partial signing for students with motor difficulties.
• Encourage kinesthetic learners by incorporating physical movement.

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Extension for Advanced Learners

• Challenge students to include descriptive adjectives in ASL while signing colors (e.g., “light blue” or “dark green”).
• Have advanced learners introduce basic sentence structures combining color signs with objects (e.g., “The car is red”).
• Facilitate the design and presentation of new color sign games that encourage creativity and apply learned vocabulary.

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Teacher Tips

• Use positive reinforcement and celebrate student progress with visual stickers or points.
• Encourage students to use facial expressions, which are key to ASL fluency.
• Keep the energy high and model enthusiasm for learning ASL.
• Monitor groups closely during team games for immediate correction and support.

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Summary

This 45-minute lesson combines physical activity, peer collaboration, and creative thinking to deepen students' mastery of ASL color signs. By engaging through games and creating new ones, students build communication skills aligned with Common Core speaking and listening objectives while fostering inclusivity and active learning.