Discovering Mr. D Math’s ASL: Elementary 1 was like finding a treasure chest for our homeschool. Mr. D Math offers a variety of classes, and we enrolled in the self-paced ASL (American Sign Language) option. We decided this year that ASL would be our long-term foreign language study for our homeschool. I learned a few basic signs as a child, and I knew some baby signs as well. However, my children came into our study knowing nothing.
Because I came into our ASL study with limited knowledge, I had no idea where to begin. We tried to find YouTube videos. But there are so many that I didn’t know where to start, much less make an impactful linear study of the language. When I was introduced to Mr. D Math and the self-paced ASL class, I knew I found what we needed to ensure a proper, respectful, and comprehensive study of American Sign Language.
Disclaimer: I received this product for free and was compensated for my time. My opinions are honest and true to my personal experience with this product.
The High Quality of Mr. D Math’s ASL Elementary
Mr. D Math is an online platform offering a variety of live and self-paced classes for every age. We chose Mr. D Math Elementary ASL 1, a self-paced ASL class. To be completely transparent, I have hesitated to use any online courses in our homeschool. I felt like if we were going to do home education; then I needed to be teaching only out of hard copy books at all times. Friend, don’t box yourself in like that. As soon as we started learning ASL, I knew I needed a curriculum with actual teachers who were more knowledgeable than me. I needed someone to come alongside me to teach my children, and Mr. D Math does just that.
Mr. D Math Elementary ASL 1 includes 32 lessons, which is excellent for an entire school year. Our teacher, Thia S., graduated from Gallaudet University, the only Deaf college in the world. It is so important to have qualified instructors when learning ASL. The deaf and hard of hearing community feels very strongly about this, and I am happy Mr. D Math respects and supports that. I also really appreciate how I have the option to message our teacher if needed.
The Ease of Self-Paced ASL Classes
One of my favorite things about homeschooling is the individuality you can infuse into every part of education. As I mentioned, I had hesitated to add an online curriculum to our schooling. Part of that hesitation was rooted in the fact that I didn’t want the pressure of being on someone else’s schedule. Let me tell you, the self-paced ASL class has eased all of my fears.
Each lesson includes a video where our teacher introduces new signs. She is so fun and engaging. Furthermore, she encourages children to turn off their voices and practice their signs in daily life. My seven-year-old especially loves doing this! There are review worksheets and coloring pages, as well as a short review quiz for all 32 lessons. The course is well-tracked through the online portal as well. It automatically keeps track of our progress (I am learning, too!) and quiz grades. We usually do two to three lessons per week, but you can go as fast or slow as your children need.
Is Mr. D Math Elementary ASL 1 Class Worth It?
I believe this self-paced ASL class is worth it. If you are looking for a quality curriculum to fill any possible gaps in your homeschool, Mr. D Math is a great place to start your search. You can tell this company wants to empower home educators. There is even a podcast by founder Dennis DiNoia. Additionally, for the price of $197 per self-paced course, you get so much. Before I was introduced to Dr. D Math, I was scrounging YouTube for our ASL lessons. I didn’t always know the credentials of the person making the video, and there was no route to achieve our long-term goal of becoming proficient in ASL. I intend to stay with Mr. D Math ASL classes until we progress beyond them. Check out Mr. D Math today, and let me know what you think!
Interesting choice for foreign language study but I’m sure it will come in handy some day. Price seems reasonable given the quantity of materials. I would consider purchasing if I ever want to learn ASL. Thanks for sharing this!
Oooh this is so great! I am going to look into this more, I would love for my kids to be fluent in ASL.
I think this is a fantastic activity and I’m sure that it will come in handy one day.
Thanks for your review. We use Mr. D Math for Math classes but have been looking at the ASL class. I’ve wanted to hear a “user opinion” to know if it was worth it.