Tell Us How Many Family Members You Have in ASL
Learn and practice American Sign Language to sign how many family members you have, then show or record your signed family count to share.
Step-by-step guide to Tell Us How Many Family Members You Have in ASL
Step 1
Gather your mirror paper pencil and your family photo or list.
Step 2
Sit at a table where you can see your mirror and your photo or list clearly.
Step 3
Count how many people live in your home.
Step 4
Write the total number on your paper.
Step 5
Find an ASL numbers chart or a short ASL numbers video that shows how to sign your number.
Step 6
Hold your hand up in the mirror and copy the handshape for your number from the chart or video.
Step 7
Practice signing your number slowly five times while watching your hand in the mirror.
Step 8
Practice signing your number again while pointing to your family photo or list to show who you counted.
Step 9
Record a short video of yourself signing the number of family members clearly and with a smile.
Step 10
Share your finished signed family-count video on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use instead of a mirror or printed ASL chart if we don't have them?
Use your phone's front-facing camera as the mirror and stream a short online ASL numbers video so you can still follow the 'hold your hand up in the mirror' and 'find an ASL numbers chart or video' steps.
My handshape doesn't look the same when I copy it in the mirror—what should I try?
Slow the video or pause the ASL numbers chart, compare each finger position closely in the mirror, and repeat the 'practice signing your number slowly five times' step until your handshape matches.
How can I change the activity to suit a preschooler versus an older child?
For preschoolers, have a parent count the people from the family photo/list and guide their hand in two slow mirror practices, while older children can sign each person's relationship and make a longer recorded clip after the five practice repetitions.
How can we make the final signed family-count video more creative before sharing on DIY.org?
Record separate clips of your practiced sign, then point to each person in the family photo/list as you sign, add captions or a smiley intro, and edit them into one polished video to upload to DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to Tell Us How Many Family Members You Have in ASL
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Facts about American Sign Language for kids
👐 American Sign Language (ASL) uses handshapes, movements, and facial expressions together — it’s a full language, not just gestures.
🧠 ASL has its own grammar and word order that are different from spoken English.
🔢 Counting in ASL uses special number signs and some numbers or styles can vary by region.
🔤 Fingerspelling is used in ASL to spell names, places, and words that don't have a dedicated sign.
👪 Many Deaf families pass ASL down through generations, making it a living cultural tradition.
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What materials do I need to practice signing my family count in ASL?
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