Ask People if They Know ASL
With a parent or teacher, ask friends, family, or neighbors if they know ASL, practice simple signs, and record friendly responses to learn about inclusion.
About this activity
With a parent or teacher, ask friends, family, or neighbors if they know ASL, practice simple signs, and record friendly responses to learn about inclusion.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Ask a parent or teacher for permission to do this activity and tell them you will ask people if they know ASL.
- 2
Step 2
Make a short list of five friends family or neighbors you can politely ask with your adult's help.
- 3
Step 3
Pick three simple ASL signs to learn for the activity like hello please and thank you.
- 4
Step 4
With your parent or teacher learn how to make each of the three signs using your cheat sheet.
- 5
Step 5
Practice each sign three times with your hands until you feel confident.
- 6
Step 6
Decide if you will write short notes or draw quick pictures to record answers and get your notebook and pencil ready.
- 7
Step 7
With your adult go to the first person on your list and politely ask "Do you know any ASL?" in a friendly voice.
- 8
Step 8
If they know ASL ask them to show one sign and copy it once; if they do not know ASL show them one of the signs you learned.
- 9
Step 9
Write down or draw their response and how they reacted in your notebook right after you talk to them.
- 10
Step 10
Repeat Steps 7 to 9 with at least two more people from your list until you have at least three responses recorded.
- 11
Step 11
Review your notes with your parent or teacher and talk about what you learned about sharing signs and being inclusive.
- 12
Step 12
Share your finished notebook of responses drawings and what you learned on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I do the 'Ask People if They Know ASL' activity with my child?
Start by choosing 4–6 simple signs (hello, thank you, please, yes, no, help) and practice them together. Role-play polite ways to ask, for example, “Do you know any ASL?” Plan who to ask — family, friends, neighbors — and always go with a parent or teacher. With permission, record short responses (audio or video) or take notes. After each conversation, reflect on what you learned about inclusion and celebrate attempts, not perfection.
What materials do I need for the 'Ask People if They Know ASL' activity?
You'll need a simple ASL cheat sheet or printed picture cards, a device to record audio/video (phone or tablet) with permission, a notebook and pen for notes, and a short script or consent phrase to ask before recording. Optional items: stickers or thank-you cards to give participants, a small checklist to track who was asked, and a comfortable public location. Always have an adult present for supervision and permission handling.
What ages is the 'Ask People if They Know ASL' activity suitable for?
This activity suits preschoolers through tweens, roughly ages 4–12, with adult support. Younger children (3–5) need heavy guidance and very short, supervised chats. Elementary kids (6–10) can lead simple questions with a caregiver nearby. Older children and teens can prepare questions, record responses with consent, and help analyze results. Adapt complexity, script, and privacy rules to match maturity and comfort levels.
What safety tips should I follow when doing the 'Ask People if They Know ASL' activity?
Always have a parent, guardian, or teacher present and never let a child approach strangers alone. Ask permission before recording or sharing any responses, and respect anyone who declines. Use public, well-lit spaces and keep conversations brief and friendly. Avoid personal or sensitive questions. Store recordings securely and get written consent if you plan to post online. Debrief with the child about boundaries and what felt comfortable or uncomfortable.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have the notebook, pencil, or cheat sheet listed in the instructions?
If you don't have a notebook, pencil, or printed cheat sheet (Steps 4 and 6), use a parent's phone or tablet notes app to record answers and open a free online ASL cheat sheet on the screen to learn the signs.
What should we do if someone refuses to answer or seems confused when we ask "Do you know any ASL?"?
If someone refuses or seems confused when you ask "Do you know any ASL?" (Step 7), have your parent or teacher introduce you, offer to show one of the signs you practiced (Step 8), and quietly note their response and reaction in your notebook (Step 9) before moving on.
How can this activity be adapted for younger or older children?
For younger children, ask 1–2 familiar adults, learn one simple sign and record responses with stickers or drawings instead of writing (Steps 2–6), while older kids can learn 5+ signs, practice more than three times, and record short demonstration videos with permission to include when sharing on DIY.org.
How can we extend or personalize the project after we've recorded three responses?
After reviewing your notes with your parent or teacher (Step 10), turn your recorded signs and drawings into a colorful poster or mini-book, invite someone who knows ASL to teach an extra sign, and photograph or film your finished notebook to share on DIY.org (final step).