✋ Objective

Students will explore and apply ASL classifiers to describe objects, actions, and spatial relationships. This activity blends expressive signing with written reflection to deepen understanding of handshape meaning and usage.

🧠 Warm-Up: What Are Classifiers?

Classifiers are designated handshapes used in ASL to visually represent nouns and verbs. They add detail about:

Location
Kind of action
Size and shape
Manner or movement

Let’s play with these ideas using examples from ASL Deafined’s classifier guide.

🎲 Classifier Challenge: Match & Describe

Choose three classifiers from the list below. For each one:

Name the classifier (e.g., CL:1, CL:3)
Describe its use (What does it represent?)
Write a short scene using that classifier in ASL. Include:
- A noun (e.g., car, person, curtain)
- A verb or action (e.g., walking, pouring, kicking)
- A spatial setup (where is it happening?)

Classifier Options:

CL:1 – Thin objects or a person walking
CL:3 – Vehicles and their movement
CL:4 – Lines of people or patterns
CL:5 – Crowds or large groups
CL:8 – Kicking or explosions
CL:A – Buildings or object placement
CL:B – Flat objects like tables or walls
CL:C – Round or thick objects
CL:F – Small round items like coins
CL:G – Thin objects like books
CL:L – Square or flat items
CL:V – Legs or standing positions
CL:R – Twisted items like ropes
CL:S – Round objects or pulling
CL:X – Curved or bent items
CL:Y – Wide items or pouring actions

✍️ Writing Prompt: Classifier Storytime

Write a short paragraph (3–5 sentences) describing a moment in ASL using classifiers. Example:

“I signed HOUSE, then used CL:A to show where it stood on the hill. A person walked up the path—CL:1 moving forward. Inside, CL:B described the long table where everyone sat.”

Encourage expressive detail and spatial awareness!

🌟 Extension Ideas

Create a visual classifier map with handshape drawings.
Pair up and act out each other’s classifier stories.
Translate a written scene into ASL using classifiers.