Finger spelling, the one-hand alphabet, is a great way to kinesthetically enforce each alphabet letter while learning to print it. In the printed alphabet some letters are mirror images of others such a "b" and "d" and can be confusing to those trying to master printing, and for some kids with communication learning disabilities.

Each letter in finger spelling is unique, with no mirror image figures. By associating the unique finger spelling character with the written alphabet letter, the student has a way to remember how to print the letters properly.

There are no capital letters in the one-hand alphabet. And, there is just a slight pause between sentences and phrases that line up with the spoken language.

Here is a little sentence for practice:

How are you?

How



are



you



Put together your own short sentences for practice after learning the letter shapes.

Here are some more tips for learning the one hand alphabet:
How I Learned to Make the One-Hand Alphabet
Hand Signing - Photos of Each Letter

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Kinesthetic Math and Language Lessons -
You´ll find 33 beginning and advanced kinesthetic math and language lessons in 78 pages for kids of all abilities in grades K-6, including teaching all ages hand signing with the one-hand alphabet with large photos of the letter shapes.


Article and photos by Susan Kramer