Explain a Recipe in Sign Language

What can we substitute if we don't have an adult who knows ASL, a butter knife, or a mirror?

Use kid-friendly ASL videos or an ASL app instead of the adult, a plastic spreader or spoon in place of the butter knife, and your phone camera or a window reflection instead of a mirror.

What should we do if the child keeps forgetting signs or can't coordinate pointing and signing?

Slow the activity down so the adult shows one sign and the child copies it three times while pointing to that ingredient as instructed, break tricky signs into smaller hand shapes, and practice in front of the mirror or phone camera before performing each action sign while pantomiming the step.

How can we adapt this activity for younger children or older kids?

For younger children have an adult pre-spread the filling and guide hand-over-hand during the 'Use the butter knife to spread' step while focusing on two or three ingredient signs, and for older kids add finger-spelling, extra ingredient signs, repeat each action sign three times, and record the full signed recipe to share on DIY.org.

How can we extend or personalize the signed recipe activity?

Label the plate ingredients with written words and ASL drawings, try new spreads and fillings and teach their signs, film a step-by-step signed video in front of a mirror to post on DIY.org, and follow the 'Teach a friend' step to make it social.