Why should children learn ASL over just general movement or gestures?
A.Gestures and movements are fun and participatory but by learning ASL vocabulary, you are teaching children actual words. These words are part of a real language; in fact, American Sign Language is the third most common language in the United States. ASL is a language that children will be exposed to on television, anywhere in the country and even in their own neighborhoods. It is consistent and understood by millions and learning of ASL vocabulary provides the basis for learning a second language. Gestures and movements don’t provide any of this.
