American Sign Language (ASL) Alphabet & Numbers + Deaf Awareness for Kids
Christian Kiddo introduces children ages 3–7 to American Sign Language (ASL) through alphabet fingerspelling, number signs 0–20, and 9 basic ASL signs. Signing is woven into the Christian Kiddo learning world as a multisensory learning layer, while also helping children grow in Deaf awareness.
ASL as a Learning Layer
Signing is one of Christian Kiddo's seven multisensory learning layers — listening, repeating, speaking, singing, dancing, tracing, and signing.
In the Christian Kiddo ABCs Bundle, children are introduced to ASL alphabet fingerspelling and 9 basic ASL signs that appear naturally in the Phewie-Power Family stories. In the 123s Bundle, currently in development, the ASL layer expands with number signs from 0–20, while the basic signs continue to appear naturally throughout the story world.
Movement creates a natural connection between these learning layers. Letter Dance invites children to trace letters in the air before exploring the corresponding ASL handshapes, while Number Dance brings movement into learning numbers before children explore ASL number signs from 0–20. Together, these activities give children another way to see, move, and remember what they are learning.
ASL is gently integrated rather than taught as a separate language course. Along the way, children also meet Christi's best friend Naira, who is Deaf, making signing and Deaf awareness a natural part of the Christian Kiddo world.
Christian Kiddo does not teach full ASL vocabulary or grammar. The ASL content focuses specifically on alphabet fingerspelling, number signs 0–20, and 9 basic signs that children and families can explore together.
Who is the ASL Content For?
Christian Kiddo is designed for families with children ages 3–7 (Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Early Elementary). The ASL content can be explored by Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and hearing children and families learning together.
Families can begin with no previous ASL experience and explore the content at their own pace. Children are introduced to ASL alphabet fingerspelling, number signs from 0–20, and 9 basic ASL signs, while parents and caregivers can learn alongside them.
Although Christian Kiddo focuses on children ages 3–7, older siblings and other family members can join in too. The goal is not to master ASL through Christian Kiddo, but to become more familiar and confident with the ASL content that is included.
As we like to say in Christian Kiddo: you can sign and shine for Jesus.
Christi and Naira
Christi's best friend Naira is Deaf, making ASL and Deaf awareness a natural part of the Phewie-Power Family story world.
As their friendship grows, Christi becomes curious about signing and begins learning some ASL so she and Naira can communicate in another way together. Within Christian Kiddo, this includes ASL alphabet fingerspelling, number signs from 0–20, and 9 basic ASL signs that appear throughout the learning experiences.
Children first meet Naira and her mommy in Story C of the ABCs Bundle. You can watch this full story on the Christian Kiddo ABCs Bundle Preview.
In the ABCs Bundle, Christi's interest in signing inspires her parents to create an ASL alphabet poster for her and help her learn the handshapes used for fingerspelling. In the 123s Bundle, currently in development, this continues with an ASL numbers 0–20 poster as she explores how numbers are signed.
The 9 basic ASL signs are also woven naturally into family moments, including signs such as "hello," "bye," and "I love you."
Through Christi and Naira's friendship, signing is introduced as part of everyday connection and communication rather than as something separate from the rest of family life.
Accessibility for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Families
Christian Kiddo includes different ways for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children, parents, and caregivers to follow and adapt the learning experience with support where needed.
On the Christian Kiddo website, videos include subtitles and a written transcript below the video. Inside the learning bundles, the videos are kept visually clean without on-screen subtitles, while a full written transcript is provided underneath.
For parents and caregivers who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, the transcripts make the spoken content available in text. They can also support families who sign with a Deaf or Hard of Hearing child: families can pause the video, read part of the transcript, sign or explain it to their child, replay sections when helpful, and continue at their child's own pace — much like reading and signing a story together from a book.
The illustrated story videos also use clear character cues and expressive emojis to provide additional visual context. For some Hard of Hearing children, headphones may also help make the audio easier to access.
The full Christian Kiddo story videos are not translated into ASL. Instead, ASL is included through specific learning content such as alphabet fingerspelling, 9 basic signs, and number signs from 0–20, while transcripts and parent-guided use help families adapt the wider story experience to their child's needs.
Meet Mercy — Helping Shape the ASL Content
Linda, the founder of Christian Kiddo, connected through her church (5F Church, Los Angeles) with Mercy, who is Deaf and a bright light for Jesus.
"Hi, my name is Mercy, and I am currently a stay-at-home mom homeschooling my two hearing children. They know both ASL and English! Before becoming a stay-at-home mother, I was a first-grade teacher for seven years and an ASL specialist for one and a half years at a Deaf school. I absolutely loved teaching young children and working with fellow teachers. My family and I enjoy spending time together outdoors, reading books, and cooking."
Linda asked Mercy to help create and test the handshapes. She gladly did so and tested the ABCs bundle together with her children:
"Linda did an amazing job with the ABCs bundle! She made sure that these materials are also accessible to deaf children via ASL and included biblical concepts. My CODA kids have enjoyed these materials!"
— Mercy
*CODA: Child of Deaf Adult(s)
How the ASL Content Works
Christian Kiddo introduces ASL through three focused parts: alphabet fingerspelling, 9 basic ASL signs, and number signs from 0–20. Each part is supported with visual guidance and resources that families can explore together at their own pace.
The ABCs and 123s Bundles also use the Checkie System on their ASL DIY posters. When a child can sign after Mommy or Daddy, they can mark one checkie, and when they can sign independently, they can mark another.
There is no required daily schedule or fixed order. Families can revisit the signs in short moments and move at a pace that works for their child.
ASL Alphabet Fingerspelling
The ABCs Bundle includes an ASL ABCs DIY poster alongside the ABC Names and Sounds posters.
Children do not need to learn the alphabet strictly from A–Z. Some handshapes may feel easier than others, so families can explore the letters in the order that works best for their child.
To help children learn each letter, the ABCs Bundle includes 26 short videos with simple spoken instructions, such as:
A: Make a fist and keep Thumbie up.
D: Let all your fingers kiss Thumbie. Then let Indexie pop up to say hello!
Z: Let Indexie draw a Z in the air.
Each video includes an illustration together with a photo from Mercy showing the handshape in real life. For J and Z, the movement is also demonstrated.
The handshapes and instructions are also collected in a printable reference PDF.
If your fingers, or your child's fingers, do not reach or bend exactly as far as the illustration shows, that is okay. Hands are different, and families can focus on forming the handshape as clearly as they comfortably can.
9 Basic ASL Signs
The ABCs Bundle also introduces 9 basic ASL signs that appear naturally within the Phewie-Power Family stories, including signs such as "hello," "bye," and "I love you."
These signs are introduced as part of everyday family moments rather than as a separate vocabulary lesson. Families can practice them together and recognize them again when they return in later Christian Kiddo stories.
ASL Number Signs 0–20
The 123s Bundle, currently in development, expands the ASL content with number signs from 0–20.
Children will be able to explore the number signs alongside the wider 123s learning experience, with supporting visual resources such as an ASL numbers DIY poster and reference PDF. Short instructional videos for the number signs are also planned as part of the 123s Bundle.
This continues the same approach used in the ABCs Bundle: ASL is included as one of the multisensory learning layers, helping children connect numbers with movement and signing while families learn together.
FAQ
What does Christian Kiddo mean by "ASL learning"?
Christian Kiddo uses American Sign Language (ASL) as one of the multisensory learning layers within its learning products.
In the ABCs Bundle, children are introduced to ASL alphabet fingerspelling — the 26 letters of the American manual alphabet — as well as 9 basic signs that naturally appear in the Phewie-Power Family stories, such as signs for hi and bye.
Those basic signs continue to be used in the 123s Bundle and ABCs + 123s Refresh Bundle as they reappear naturally in the stories. The 123s Bundle also expands the ASL content with ASL numbers 0–20.
Is this a full ASL course?
No. Christian Kiddo introduces specific parts of American Sign Language but does not teach full ASL vocabulary or grammar.
In the ABCs Bundle, the ASL content focuses on ASL alphabet fingerspelling and 9 basic signs used within the stories. Across the wider Christian Kiddo learning world, ASL number signs 0–20 are introduced in the 123s Bundle.
ASL is included to support multisensory learning, communication, accessibility, and Deaf awareness, rather than as a complete ASL language course.
Who is the ASL content for?
The ASL content is designed for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and hearing children and families learning together. Families explore the signs at their own pace.
Why do you use ASL and not another sign language?
Sign languages differ by country and region. Christian Kiddo uses American Sign Language (ASL) because the United States is one of its primary markets. ASL is also used in Canada alongside other sign languages, including Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ). ASL is not universal, and families in other countries or regions may use a different sign language.
Do parents need to be fluent in ASL?
No. Families can begin without knowing ASL and learn alongside their child. The goal is to become familiar with the ASL content together by exploring alphabet fingerspelling, basic signs, and number signs at their own pace.
Are Christian Kiddo products suitable for Deaf or Hard of Hearing families?
Christian Kiddo products can be used by Deaf and Hard of Hearing families, with parent or caregiver support where needed.
For parents and caregivers who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (HoH), written transcripts below the videos make the spoken content available in text.
The transcripts can also help parents and caregivers who sign with a Deaf or Hard of Hearing child. Families can pause the video, read part of the transcript, sign or explain it to their child, replay sections when helpful, and continue at their child's own pace — much like reading and signing a story together from a book.
Families may also talk through the stories with their child or use headphones if these help their child access the audio. The illustrated videos use clear character cues and expressive emojis that can provide additional visual context.
The full story videos are not translated into ASL, so written transcripts and parent-guided use are important ways families can adapt the experience to their child's needs.
Do the videos include ASL translation?
No. Christian Kiddo videos are not translated into American Sign Language (ASL).
However, the ABCs Bundle includes short ASL alphabet videos that introduce the handshapes used for fingerspelling. These videos show how each letter is formed, with movement shown where the sign requires it, such as J and Z.
Christian Kiddo also includes 9 basic signs that appear naturally within the Phewie-Power Family stories. The 123s Bundle expands the ASL learning with ASL number signs 0–20, with the signs demonstrated visually so children and families can learn how they are formed.
Are there videos or printables to help with the signs?
Yes. The ABCs Bundle includes short videos for ASL alphabet fingerspelling, and the 123s Bundle includes videos for ASL number signs 0–20.
Both bundles also include a DIY poster and a reference PDF to help children and families learn and practice the signs together.
What if we make mistakes while signing?
Mistakes are a natural part of learning and a chance to ask Jesus for His Phewie-Power and try again. Families can learn the signs together at their own pace and simply try again when something does not go as planned.
Looking for more FAQs? Please visit our FAQ page or explore the full Christian Kiddo Knowledge Base.
For a concise reference explaining what Christian Kiddo is — including information for search engines, AI systems, and partners — visit the Christian Kiddo AI Overview.