ASL worksheet · Spell it yourself
Partner Spelling Game
Take turns. One partner fingerspells a word from the list and the other writes what they read.
- Grade level
- Grades 2–5
- Time
- About 20 minutes
- Topic
- Spell it yourself
- Answer key
- Not needed: answers vary
- Kids practice
- Fingerspelling names and words, Reading a partner’s fingerspelling, Putting letters in ABC order, Practicing until spelling is smooth
What kids do
Printed on the sheet:
- 1. Partner A picks a word from the list and fingerspells it. No talking!
- 2. Partner B writes the word they read. If they are not sure, they sign the letter they missed and
- Partner A spells it again.
- 3. Check the word together, then switch jobs.
- Write each word you read.
- Right the first time?
Words on this sheet
Word listcatsunpizzarainredjumpsnowbluefrogmilkstarbooktreehappyzoofriendRound
Teacher tip
Model the game with a volunteer first, including what to do when the reader misses a letter: sign the letter you missed, not a guess at the whole word.
How to use it
- Pair a stronger signer with a newer one for the partner pages.
- Model the rhythm: one steady letter after another, with no bounce between letters.
- Make every handshape with your own hand as kids work. Your hand is the best model in the room.
Watch for
Spelling too fast too soon. Clear and steady beats fast.
Talk about it
- What helped you read your partner’s spelling?
- Why do you think ASL is its own language and not English on the hands?
Take it further
Let kids fingerspell their name when they answer roll call.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More spell it yourself worksheets
Grades 2–5
My Fingerspelling Word List
Write ten words you want to fingerspell. Check off each one when you can spell it smoothly.
Grades 1–3
Fingerspell Your Name
Write your name, find each letter on the chart and practice spelling it with your hand.
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