Discover easy ways to teach kids ASL through play, routines, and songs while supporting language development and inclusive communication.
April 15 marks National ASL Day, a moment that brings attention to American Sign Language (ASL) and the many ways people communicate beyond spoken words. For families with young children, it's also an opportunity to introduce children to inclusive communication practices and the value of connecting with people who experience the world in different ways.
Long before children begin forming full sentences, they are already communicating. A hand reaching up to be picked up, a point toward a favourite snack, a look that says they need help, these small actions carry meaning. ASL builds on these natural forms of expression, giving children simple and consistent ways to share what they need, feel, and notice.
Rather than introducing something entirely new, using ASL with children often feels like an extension of what is already there. It fits into everyday routines, play, and interaction, gradually becoming part of how children connect with the people around them. In this way, ASL is not just a tool for early communication, but a meaningful way to raise children who are aware of and open to diverse ways of communicating.
If you’ve ever watched a child try to communicate before they have the words, you’ll notice how much they already rely on their hands and body to express themselves. ASL simply gives structure and meaning to what children are already doing.
When children are introduced to simple signs, they begin to realize that they can communicate more clearly and be understood more easily. This often reduces frustration and builds confidence, especially during moments when words are still forming.
Over time, signing can also:
What makes ASL especially powerful is that it creates connection between adult and child, and also within the child’s own understanding of communication. It also opens the door to conversations about accessibility, diversity, and respecting how others communicate.
These are sign language alphabet letters that can be easily introduced during routines and play. Starting with just a few allows children to build familiarity through repetition while giving families simple ways to connect and communicate.
Over time, this can help children see themselves as early bilingual communicators, using both spoken and signed language.
(Image source: Baby Sign Language)
And here are 4 play-based activities families can try to begin using ASL in everyday moments.
Mealtime is one of the easiest and most consistent places to begin using ASL.
As food is being served, you might pause and sign “eat” before handing the plate. When offering more, you can model the sign for “more”, gently encouraging the child to try it if they’re ready.
Over time, this becomes a shared rhythm. The child begins to anticipate the sign, sometimes attempting it independently, sometimes combining it with words or sounds.
There’s no need to correct or prompt constantly. Simply modelling and responding is enough.
(Image source: Baby Sign Language)
Why it works: Mealtimes are predictable and repeated daily, giving children multiple opportunities to see and practise the same signs in context. These shared routines also reinforce that communication can happen in multiple ways, helping normalize inclusivity from an early age.
Children are naturally drawn to music, rhythm, and repetition. Adding signs to familiar songs creates a powerful learning experience that feels like play rather than instruction.
Simple songs like “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” or “If You’re Happy and You Know It” can be paired with signs such as “star,” “happy,” or “more.”
You might notice that children begin by watching, then imitating small parts, and eventually joining in more fully.
Signs can also be added into pretend play. A child feeding a doll can sign “eat,” or putting a toy to bed can include the sign for “sleep.”
(Image source: Baby Sign Language)
Why it works: When learning is playful and engaging, children are more likely to repeat and explore it on their own. These shared moments also strengthen connection. They also help children see sign language as a natural and valued way of communicating, not something separate or “different.”
Routines create predictability, which makes them ideal for introducing and reinforcing signs.
Over time, these signs become cues that children recognize and respond to, even before words are spoken.
(Image source: Baby Sign Language)
Why it works: Repetition within familiar routines helps children build strong associations without needing formal teaching.
This simple game turns learning into an interactive experience. Choose one or two signs the child is already familiar with, such as “drink” or “book.” After signing the word, invite the child to find the object in the room.
For example, you might sign “book” and look around together until the child spots one. You can switch roles too, letting the child sign while you respond.
(Image source: Baby Sign Language)
Why it works: This builds understanding by connecting signs to real-world objects, while also encouraging attention, movement, and participation.
Teaching ASL to children is about intentionally building communication through simple and consistent signs. By starting with just a few signs and using them regularly during everyday routines and play, children begin to recognize patterns, connect meaning, and feel confident expressing themselves.
Keeping the experience simple is what makes it effective. Repetition, shared attention, and natural moments like mealtime, playtime, or transitions, create opportunities for learning that feel engaging rather than overwhelming.
Over time, these small, consistent interactions add up. Teaching ASL becomes a powerful way to strengthen connection, support early communication, and help children experience the joy of being understood.
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