8 Family Games for Learning Sign Language

Introduction

Learning sign language as a family can be a fun and enriching experience. Not only does it provide a means of communication with the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, but it also promotes empathy, inclusivity, and cognitive development in children. To make the learning process enjoyable, here are 8 family games that can help you and your loved ones learn sign language together.

1. Sign Language Bingo

Sign Language Bingo is a great game to enhance vocabulary and finger-spelling skills. Create bingo cards with different signs or finger-spelled words. The caller shows the sign or finger-spells a word, and players mark the corresponding sign or word on their cards. The first person to complete a line or a full card shouts “Bingo!”

2. Sign Language Charades

Sign Language Charades is a classic game that promotes expressive signing and comprehension. Write down various signs or phrases on slips of paper and put them in a hat. Each player takes turns drawing a slip and signing the word or phrase without speaking. The other players must guess what they are signing.

3. Memory Match

Memory Match is a popular card game that can be adapted to learning sign language. Create cards with signs and their corresponding words. Flip the cards face down and take turns trying to make a match by finding the correct sign-word pairs. This game improves memory, signing recall, and vocabulary.

4. Sign Language Pictionary

Just like the traditional game, Sign Language Pictionary involves drawing and guessing. Instead of using pen and paper, players use their hands to sign the word they have drawn. The other players must guess the word based on the signing. This game encourages creative thinking, signing fluency, and visual communication.

5. Sign Language Scavenger Hunt

A Sign Language Scavenger Hunt is an exciting way to practice signs and explore the world around you. Create a list of common objects, animals, or actions, and challenge players to find and sign each item on the list. This game promotes active signing, observation skills, and environmental awareness.

6. Sign Language Trivia

Sign Language Trivia is a fun and educational game that tests players’ knowledge of sign language facts, history, and culture. Prepare a set of trivia questions related to sign language and take turns asking them. Players can answer using signs or spoken words. This game deepens understanding of sign language and fosters learning.

7. Simon Says in Sign Language

Simon Says is a classic game that can be adapted to include sign language commands. One player becomes the leader (Simon) and gives instructions using signs instead of spoken words. The other players must follow the signs accurately. This game improves receptive signing skills and enhances attention and coordination.

8. Sign Language Word Relay

Sign Language Word Relay is an energetic game that encourages fast thinking and signing. Divide the players into teams. Each team must take turns signing a word that starts with the last letter of the previous word. The game continues until a team cannot come up with a new sign within a set time limit. This game builds vocabulary, signing speed, and teamwork.

Conclusion

Learning sign language as a family can be a rewarding experience that strengthens bonds and promotes inclusivity. These 8 family games provide a fun and interactive way to learn and practice sign language together. Whether you have a family member who is deaf or hard of hearing or simply want to broaden your communication skills, these games will engage and educate everyone involved.