6 Best ASL Learning Kits for Kids

Your 12-year-old just announced they want to learn American Sign Language, and you’re thrilled by their initiative. But a quick search reveals a dizzying array of apps, books, and courses, leaving you wondering where to start. The goal isn’t just to memorize signs; it’s to build real, usable communication skills that stick.

Why Conversational ASL Matters for Middle Schoolers

When your child was five, learning was about collecting words like "apple" and "dog." At twelve, their world revolves around connection, nuance, and social dynamics. This is why a conversational approach to ASL is so critical for this age group. They aren’t interested in a silent vocabulary quiz; they want to share a joke, ask a question, and understand a story.

Learning a language in a conversational context taps directly into the middle schooler’s developing brain. It strengthens social-emotional skills like empathy and perspective-taking by introducing them to Deaf culture and a new way of communicating. More than just a skill, conversational ASL is a bridge to new communities and a deeper understanding of the world. It shifts the focus from "What is the sign for…?" to "How do I say…?"—a small but powerful distinction that fuels genuine communication.

ASL Meredith Online Course for Immersive Learning

If your child is a self-starter who thrives with clear, structured lessons, an online course like ASL Meredith can be a fantastic fit. This approach is built around immersion, meaning it encourages learning directly in ASL without heavy reliance on English translation. For a 12-year-old, this method can feel more like cracking a code than studying a textbook, which is highly motivating.

This type of course is a solid middle ground between a casual app and a formal textbook. It provides a clear learning path, moving from basic greetings to more complex sentence structures, all through video-based instruction. The key is consistency. This option works best for a child who can commit to a regular schedule, even just 15-20 minutes a few times a week, to build momentum and see real progress in their ability to string signs together.

The ASL App for On-the-Go Conversational Practice

Does your middle schooler’s schedule look like a complex puzzle of school, sports, and social plans? An app-based tool like The ASL App is designed for this reality. It’s not a comprehensive curriculum but rather a powerful, portable dictionary and practice tool that focuses on conversational phrases and signs.

Think of it as a digital flashcard deck that’s always in their pocket. They can look up a sign they just learned, review vocabulary before a practice session, or explore new phrases while waiting for the bus. This format is excellent for the child who is testing the waters or needs a low-pressure way to supplement other learning. It keeps ASL accessible and relevant to their daily life, making it feel less like a chore and more like a cool skill to have.

Signing Naturally Units 1-6 for Foundational Skills

For the 12-year-old who is truly serious and perhaps even thinking about taking ASL for high school credit, the Signing Naturally curriculum is the gold standard. This is the textbook series used in countless high schools and colleges, and for good reason. It provides an unparalleled foundation in ASL grammar, syntax, and, most importantly, Deaf culture.

This is a significant commitment and often requires more parental or tutor involvement to navigate the lessons. The curriculum is designed to build conversations from the ground up, teaching students how to use space, facial expressions, and body language to convey meaning—elements that apps often miss. Consider this the "honors track" for a child who has shown sustained interest and is ready for a deeper, more academic dive into the language.

Carson Dellosa Skill Builders for Vocabulary Depth

Sometimes, a child’s conversational ability is stalled by a simple lack of words. That’s where focused vocabulary tools like the Carson Dellosa Skill Builders series come in. These workbooks and flashcard sets are not a standalone learning program but are an excellent supplement to build a robust vocabulary base.

This resource is ideal for the kinesthetic learner who benefits from writing, tracing, and physically handling flashcards. It helps solidify the connection between a concept and its sign through repetition. You can easily turn these materials into games, making vocabulary drills feel more like a fun challenge. Use this to fill in the gaps left by more conversation-focused programs, ensuring your child has the building blocks needed to express themselves fully.

It’s a Sign! Game for Fun, Interactive Practice

Nothing solidifies a new skill like using it in a fun, low-stakes environment. A board game like It’s a Sign! transforms practice from a solo activity into a social event. It’s a brilliant way to get the whole family involved, creating a supportive environment for your learner.

Games are particularly effective for middle schoolers because they remove the fear of making mistakes. The goal is to play and communicate, not to achieve a perfect score on a test. This format is especially powerful for reinforcing receptive skills—the ability to understand someone else’s signing. It’s a fantastic tool for review and for reminding your child that the ultimate purpose of learning ASL is to connect with others.

Gallaudet’s ASL Connect for Live Online Practice

Once your child has a handle on basic vocabulary and sentence structure, the next step is using it with real people. Gallaudet University, a world leader in Deaf education, offers online resources like ASL Connect. This provides opportunities for learners to engage with fluent signers and members of the Deaf community in a structured, safe online environment.

This isn’t a "kit" but an experiential resource that brings the language to life. It’s the equivalent of a language exchange program from your living room. For a 12-year-old, this step is crucial for building confidence and understanding the cultural nuances that are essential for true conversational fluency. It’s the perfect bridge from learning signs to having a conversation.

Matching an ASL Kit to Your Child’s Learning Style

Ultimately, the best resource is the one your child will actually use. Before you invest, take a moment to consider how your 12-year-old learns best and what their commitment level truly is. It’s far better to start with a low-cost app they use daily than a pricey textbook that gathers dust.

Think about matching the tool to their temperament:

• The Independent, Tech-Savvy Learner: An online course like ASL Meredith or a robust tool like The ASL App provides the structure and autonomy they crave.
• The Serious, Academic Student: The Signing Naturally curriculum offers the depth and rigor they need to truly master the language.
• The Social, Game-Oriented Child: A game like It’s a Sign! combined with a vocabulary app makes learning feel like play.
• The Hands-On, Repetitive Learner: Physical workbooks and flashcards from Carson Dellosa will help concepts stick.

Remember, you can always combine resources. An app for daily practice, a game for family night, and a workbook for vocabulary drills can create a well-rounded and engaging learning experience. The goal is to foster their interest, not to lock them into a single path.

Supporting your child’s interest in ASL is an incredible gift, opening doors to new friendships, perspectives, and cognitive skills. Start with the tool that best fits their current enthusiasm and learning style. By focusing on connection over memorization, you’re not just helping them learn a language; you’re helping them build bridges.