ASL Fact Check!
Learn and practice common ASL signs, then fact-check simple true/false statements with a partner to improve accuracy, confidence, and communication.
About this activity
Learn and practice common ASL signs, then fact-check simple true/false statements with a partner to improve accuracy, confidence, and communication.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather your materials and clear a small workspace where you can sit with your partner.
- 2
Step 2
Write a list of 8 common ASL words you want to learn on your paper (for example hello yes no please thank you more help).
- 3
Step 3
Use the ASL chart to look up the sign for the first word on your list.
- 4
Step 4
Practice that first sign in a mirror three times so you can see your hand shapes and movement.
- 5
Step 5
Repeat Step 3 and Step 4 for each of the remaining words on your list until you have practiced them all.
- 6
Step 6
Make 12 simple true or false statement cards on your index cards with one statement per card and write the correct answer on the back.
- 7
Step 7
Shuffle the statement cards and place them face down in a stack on the table.
- 8
Step 8
Decide with your partner who will sign first and who will check the answers.
- 9
Step 9
The checker picks the top card and reads the statement aloud clearly to the signer.
- 10
Step 10
The signer answers by signing either TRUE or FALSE in ASL only without speaking.
- 11
Step 11
The checker flips the card to the back to check the correct answer and tells whether the sign matched the answer.
- 12
Step 12
If the sign was wrong the checker demonstrates the correct ASL sign one time for the signer to see.
- 13
Step 13
The signer practices that correct sign three times in the mirror or for their partner.
- 14
Step 14
After six cards switch roles and repeat the game until all cards are used.
- 15
Step 15
Share your finished set of flashcards and a short photo or video of you signing the TRUE and FALSE signs on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do you play ASL Fact Check to practice signs and fact-check statements?
To play ASL Fact Check, first teach 8–15 common signs (yes/no, true/false, basic nouns/verbs) with flashcards or short videos. Prepare simple true/false statement cards. Partner A signs a statement in ASL; Partner B watches and signs "true" or "false," then explains their answer. Give gentle feedback, repeat or replay signs as needed, and switch roles each round. Keep rounds short and encouraging to build accuracy and confidence.
What materials do I need for ASL Fact Check?
You’ll need ASL reference materials (chart, beginner flashcards, or vetted videos), index cards or slips for simple true/false statements, pens, and a mirror or smartphone to record practice. Optional: a timer for rounds, stickers for scores, and an adult or teacher with ASL experience for guidance. A well-lit, quiet space helps visual clarity so children can clearly see handshapes and facial expressions.
What ages is ASL Fact Check suitable for?
ASL Fact Check is adaptable: ages 4–6 can learn a few basic signs and play with yes/no facts; ages 7–10 handle more vocabulary and short true/false sentences; 11+ can practice full sentences, grammar, and nuanced statements. Simplify language and supervise younger kids. Adjust pace and complexity to each child’s attention and motor skills to keep it fun and confidence-building.
What are the benefits of playing ASL Fact Check with my child?
ASL Fact Check improves expressive and receptive signing skills, visual attention, memory, and motor coordination. It builds confidence through successful communication and promotes turn-taking, corrective feedback, and teamwork. The activity also fosters cultural awareness and respect for Deaf language. Regular practice increases accuracy and fluency while encouraging social interaction and nonverbal communication skills.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have an ASL chart or index cards?
Use an online ASL video or printable chart in place of the ASL chart and cut plain paper or use sticky notes as substitutes for the index cards when you make the 12 statement cards.
What should we do if the signer keeps giving the wrong sign or seems confused during the checker step?
If the signer is confused, have the checker slow down when reading the card, demonstrate the correct sign once as instructed in the 'If the sign was wrong' step, and then have the signer practice that correct sign three times in the mirror.
How can we adapt the activity for younger children or older kids?
For younger kids, shorten the list to 4 simple ASL words and make 6 statement cards with adult-led demonstrations, while older kids can expand to more advanced signs, 16+ cards, timed rounds, and scorekeeping after the 'after six cards switch roles' step.
How can we personalize or extend the ASL Fact Check game after finishing the basic play?
Decorate and add pictures to your finished flashcards, record a short video of your TRUE and FALSE signs to upload on DIY.org as the instructions suggest, and create themed rounds or a scoreboard to track correct signs across games.