First, thank you so much for 2k reads, omg! 

Today, I will give you some tips that I read on a girl's blog. Her name is Rochelle Barlow. And the reason why this Chapter is necessary, is because I know you've been working hard on learning the language (if you're still practicing) and we don't want that hard work and dedication go down the drain. After all, ASL, PSE, and SEE, are about memory. 

So, down below (written with Rochelle's exact words) are the 7 tips that will help you endlessly. 

Tip #1 Re-watch and Review: 

This may be a no-kidding-rolling-my-eyes moment.

Just promise to keep reading anyway.

Re-watch the videos that give you trouble.

For instance, I know several of y'all struggle with ASL numbers. Head back on over to the videos I have teaching ASL numbers.

Watch the review and test videos to see what you've nailed and where you get tripped up. Then go back over those sticky ones bit by bit. Little by little

Re-watch the videos that you nailed.

News flash: you can forget those signs, too.

Put a list of the signs from each lesson someplace where you can see it and sign them every now and again during the day.

Tip #2 Mirror or Video

Ugh... another eye-roll-you've-told-me-this-a-bajillion-times moment.

Well, if I'm repeating myself, maybe there's a reason. I don't intend to sound rude. I intend to impress upon you my emphatic-ness.

Use a mirror to practice signs.

Why do I tell you to do this? I can't tell you how many times I've shown someone a sign and they try to do it but their hands and fingers are all over the place. They think they're doing it right, but they're just a bit off, or even waaaay off.

I have been signing for a bajillion years; I still practice in front of a mirror.

True story.

Watch the video, pause, then check how your sign looks in the mirror. Adjust as necessary.

A camera is also a fantastic tool to video yourself signing for 3 reasons.

#1 You can watch yourself sign, catch something that may be off (just like with the mirror)

#2 Watch your video, a few days, weeks, or even longer, after making it and use it as receptive practice. You may know what you signed, but it will help give you a boost to recognize the signs.

#3 Send it to someone else who is learning/practicing with you for double practice time.

When you've mastered a whole lesson, shoot a video of yourself doing some practice sentences and the signs you've just learned.

Watch it and see how you rate.

Tip #3 Fingerspelling practice

I know there's more to signing than fingerspelling.

There is, but seriously, fingerspelling is a vital tool to have and use.

It's especially useful as a new signer. If you don't know the sign you can just ask. How do you ask a person who is Deaf? You fingerspell!

How else is fingerspelling used in ASL? In every way.

In every conversation you have in ASL you WILL fingerspell. I can promise you that.

Someone will fingerspell TO you. You have got to practice understanding when someone is fingerspelling to you.

Confession: this is a hard skill to master, but totally doable.

Tip #4 Make your own

Understanding the grammar in ASL can be tricky as well. To be an ASL signer and not a SEE or PSE signer, it's important to grasp correct ASL grammar structure.

Here's a reference chart for your use:

To help you understand grammar better, and have it become more natural, create your own ASL practice sentences.

Even if you don't know the signs, put the words in the correct order.

If you don't know a sign for a sentence you want to write then just fingerspell the word. Don't let not knowing a sign keep you from crafting an awesome sentence.

Tip #5 Ask Questions

Asking questions is a good thing. Don't know a sign, or how to sign a concept, or if you're doing something right/wrong, or, or, or .... ???

ASK.

Tip #6 Be Consistent

I touched on this at the very beginning. But if you want to NOT forget ASL you have to keep at it. Little by little, day by day.

You don't need to binge inhale videos, lessons, and signs.

In fact, I discourage it.

Instead, work at a handful of signs, concepts, OR sentences each day. Practice your fingerspelling. Work at your facial expressions. Practice ASL grammar.

Whatever you choose to do, just do it consistently.

Tip #7 Sign with Others

Have a friend learn with you. Get your family to join you.

Learning ASL together as a family is a fantastic way to foster unity and connection.

If you all start out on the same level there's no worry that someone is going to feel inferior or behind. There is no behind if you work on the same thing each time together.

My children love to learn together and sign with each other.

When I was in high school my two best friends were learning along with me and it really made our friendship stronger.

Find someone to learn with you and practice together. You'll advance much faster.

YOU'RE ALL SET. . .

You, my friend, are on your way to knowing and understanding ASL once you do these 7 steps. 

Do not forget ASL, do not forget all those things you are working so hard on. Make it a part of your regular day, but don't let it take over your life.

And let go of any guilt you may have when you think you're not doing "enough."

-Rachel Brochelle

_________________________________________________

Btw, these tips are helpful for PSE and SEE as well. 

I hope this was very useful. Again, thank you so much for reading, for actually clicking read in the first place. Its so amazing how there are people here on Wattpad that are truly interested in learning this beautiful type of language. 

I hope you have an amazing day!!!

XO, Happy Signing 💕