An introductory lesson on ASL Classifiers, exploring their purpose as visual 3D elements in space and analyzing how handshape, movement, and location combine to depict objects, people, and actions.
• The Near Miss: Set up a stationary car (CL:3) with your left hand. With your right hand, sign a person (CL:1) walking blindly right in front of it!
• The Cup Holder Trip: Set up a tall cup (CL:C) on a table. Sign a tiny model car (CL:3) driving too fast across the table, crashing directly into the cup.
Dual-hand coordination Spatial distance
PARTNER SIGNING
Shape Shifter Studio • Cut along the dashed line to split cards Page 2 of 2
Correction:
Shape Shifter Studio Teacher Facilitation Outline Page 1 of 2
NOTES & STATION ANSWER KEY
Teacher Reference
Full solutions for Guided Notes exercises and Station feedback metrics
Guided Notes Answer Key
SECTION 1: WHAT IS A CLASSIFIER?
"A Classifier (CL) is a designated handshape used to represent nouns by showing their shape, size, location, or movement. Think of ASL classifiers as 3D digital paintbrushes that let you paint visual sculptures..."
1. Handshape Answers
Acceptable answers: Category, size, or shape of the noun/object (what it is).
2. Location Answers
Acceptable answers: Spatial setup, layout, height, coordinates relative to space.
3. Movement Answers
Acceptable answers: Speed, pathway, manner of traveling or interacting.
SECTION 3: RECOGNITION DRILL SOLUTIONS
CL:3 → Vehicles (cars, bicycles, boats, planes on runway)
As you walk between the four stations, keep a close watch on partner feedback. Prompt students with questions like: "Is your partner's handshape showing a truck or a person right now?" Ensure they don't change handshapes mid-movement. A vehicle shouldn't morph into a person while moving!
Differentiated Support Strategy:
Struggling Students: Allow them to sign one handshape at a time. Do not make them use bilateral (both hands) classifiers at Station 4. Advanced Learners: Ask them to add facial expressions (non-manual markers) that correspond to vehicle speed or person's mood.
Recommended Debrief Prompts (Last 3 minutes of class):
"Can you have a classifier without a handshape? Why or why not?" (Answer: No, the handshape defines WHAT the noun is; without it, you are just drawing random lines in space without context.)
Shape Shifter Studio Teacher Facilitation Outline Page 2 of 2
