Expressing Colors in ASL

Grade 9 | 45 Minutes | 20 Students

Learning Objectives

I can identify and sign at least five basic colors in American Sign Language (ASL).
I can communicate simple color concepts using ASL signs.

Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS):

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.2: Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media and formats.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.6: Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, including those in ASL.

Materials Needed

ASL color flashcards (red, blue, green, yellow, black)
Projector or smartboard to display ASL sign videos or demonstrations
Whiteboard or chart paper
Markers in various colors
Worksheets for independent practice (match colors to signs)
Colored construction paper for extension activity

Lesson Breakdown

1. Warm-Up & Engagement (5 minutes)

Begin with a brief discussion: “What is your favorite color and why?”
Show color flashcards and ask students to say the English names aloud.
Introduce the lesson objective using the “I can…” statement on the board:

I can identify and sign at least five basic colors in ASL.
State the Success Criteria:

Students will demonstrate mastery by correctly signing and identifying five basic ASL colors.

2. Introduction to ASL Basic Colors (10 minutes)

Using the projector/smartboard, play or demonstrate clear ASL signs for:
- Red
- Blue
- Green
- Yellow
- Black
Teacher models each sign slowly, repeating 3 times.
Students mimic signs with emphasis on hand shape, movement, and facial expression.
Use color flashcards as visual prompts for each sign.

Differentiation:

Visual learners focus on flashcards and video.
Kinesthetic learners repeat signs with teacher guidance.
For students who may struggle, provide handouts with step-by-step diagrams of signs.

3. Guided Practice – Signing & Matching (10 minutes)

Divide students into pairs.
Each pair is given a set of color flashcards.
Students take turns saying the color name aloud in English, then signing it in ASL.
Partners provide feedback, encouraging clarity and accuracy.
Teacher circulates to assess individual signing and provide corrective feedback.

Differentiation:

For ELL or language support students, emphasize slow rehearsal and use physical prompting for hand shapes.
For students needing extra support, simplify by focusing on fewer colors before progressing.

4. Interactive Group Activity – Color Chart Creation (12 minutes)

Students collaborate to create a class color chart on chart paper.
Each student contributes by signing and labeling one color on the chart.
Add an extension: After basic colors, challenge students to guess and sign additional colors using colored construction paper.
Chart will be displayed for subsequent lessons as a learning anchor.

5. Independent Practice & Formative Assessment (5 minutes)

Hand out matching worksheets where students match the written color names to pictures of ASL signs.
Circulate and assist as needed.
Students self-assess by putting a checkmark next to colors they can sign confidently.

6. Closure & Reflection (3 minutes)

Recap the day's objective: “Today, we learned how to sign five basic colors in ASL.”
Ask volunteers to demonstrate one color sign to the class.
Reinforce success criteria by inviting students to share: “I can sign ___ color in ASL.”
Preview next lesson: expanding vocabulary with more colors and phrases.

Assessment

Formative: Observation during partner practice and group activity.
Worksheet completion: Match colors with signs accurately.
Exit ticket: Each student signs one color independently before leaving.

Differentiation Strategies

Use multi-sensory inputs: visual (flashcards, videos), auditory (repetition), and kinesthetic (signing).
Provide handouts with ASL sign step-by-step illustrations for students needing extra support.
Use peer support by pairing stronger and emerging signers in partner activities.

Extension Activity for Advanced Learners

Challenge students to research and present 3 additional colors in ASL, adding them to the class color chart.
Encourage creating sentences such as “The sky is blue” using colors and additional ASL vocabulary introduced later.

Reflection for Teacher

Note which students showed confidence vs. those needing more support with motor skills or ASL concepts.
Adjust pacing or provide additional practice as necessary.
Consider recording students signing colors for self-review and peer feedback.

By the end of this introductory lesson, students will have a foundation in ASL color vocabulary, enabling communication of basic descriptive information through signing aligned with CCSS language and speaking standards.

Teaching Instructions