ThinkabaraHow to learn the ASL alphabet
- Learn it in small groups. Five letters a day is plenty: A–E, then F–J, and so on. Many look alike (A, S, T, M, N, E are all fist shapes), so practice those side by side.
- Say and sign. Say each letter out loud as you make it — your brain links the sound and the shape.
- Spell your name. Kids love it, and it is the most useful word to fingerspell. Use “Spell along” above with your own name.
- Keep a steady rhythm. Hold your hand still in front of your shoulder and change shapes smoothly; do not bounce for each letter.
- Read as well as sign. Ask a partner to spell short words while you guess them.
Look-alike letters (and how to tell them apart)
| Letters | The difference |
|---|---|
| A · S · T | All fists. A: thumb at the side. S: thumb across the front. T: thumb tucked between index and middle fingers. |
| M · N | M folds three fingers over the thumb; N folds two. |
| U · V · R | U: two fingers together. V: apart. R: crossed. |
| K · P | The same handshape; P points down. |
| G · Q | The same handshape; Q points down. |
| I · J | The same handshape; J draws a J in the air. |
Using sign language with kids
Signs are a great bridge for toddlers and preschoolers who understand more than they can say — “more,” “all done,” “eat” and “help” cut down on frustration at mealtimes. In the classroom, signs like “bathroom” and “water” let kids ask without interrupting the lesson. Learning a little ASL also teaches kids about Deaf culture and that ASL is a complete language, not just English on the hands.
If you have Deaf or hard-of-hearing students or family members, ask them which signs they use — like spoken languages, sign languages have regional variations.
Frequently asked questions
How many letters are in the ASL alphabet?
The American Sign Language manual alphabet has 26 handshapes, one for each letter A–Z. Twenty-four are held still; J and Z are the only letters that move — you draw them in the air.
Which way should my palm face when fingerspelling?
For most letters your palm faces the person you are signing to, with your hand at about shoulder height. G and H point sideways with the palm facing you, and P and Q point down.
Why are there no hand pictures on this page?
Handshapes are easy to get wrong in a small drawing, and a wrong picture teaches a wrong sign. So every letter, number and sign here is described in plain words. We recommend also watching a Deaf signer — for example on a video dictionary such as Lifeprint or the ASL apps your school uses — and practicing in front of a mirror.
What signs should kids learn first?
Start with signs kids use every day: hello, thank you, please, sorry, yes, no, more, eat, drink, help, all done, bathroom, mom, dad, friend and I love you. Use them during real moments (snack time, cleanup) and they stick fast.
Is ASL the same as fingerspelling?
No. Fingerspelling is one small part of ASL, used mostly for names and words without a sign. ASL is a full language with its own grammar, and most words have their own signs — like the 20 first signs on this page.
Is ASL used around the world?
No — sign languages are different in different countries. ASL is used in the United States and much of Canada. British Sign Language, for example, uses a two-handed alphabet.