Sign for 10th Grade in ASL
Quick answer: The sign for 10th grade in ASL combines the ordinal number 10th with the school-related concept of GRADE. It refers to the tenth grade level, often the sophomore year of high school.
How to Sign 10th Grade in ASL
Start by signing 10th using the dominant hand. Then sign or fingerspell GRADE, depending on the version you are using. Together, the signs mean the tenth grade level in school.
This sign is used when talking about high school, sophomore year, grade placement, classroom introductions, school schedules, student progress, or memories from school.
| Dominant Handshape | 10-hand for 10th, then the handshape used for GRADE or fingerspelling G-R-A-D-E |
|---|---|
| Non-Dominant Handshape | Flat hand or steady reference hand if signing GRADE; not needed if fingerspelling |
| Location | Neutral signing space in front of the body |
| Palm Orientation | Changes naturally from the 10th sign into the GRADE sign or fingerspelling |
| Movement | Sign 10th with a clear ordinal movement, then transition into GRADE or fingerspell G-R-A-D-E |
| Non-Manual Markers | Neutral expression; use raised eyebrows if asking about someone’s grade level |
When to Use This Sign
Use 10th grade when discussing high school, sophomore year, students’ grade levels, school placement, classroom introductions, teaching assignments, or school memories.
- high school or sophomore-year discussions
- student grade levels
- school enrollment or placement
- classroom introductions
- teaching assignments
Tenth grade is often when students feel a little more settled into high school.
Common Mistakes
- Using the number 10 instead of the ordinal sign 10th
- Making the number 10 movement too large or unclear
- Signing 10th and GRADE too quickly so the meaning is unclear
- Making the ordinal movement too exaggerated
- Confusing 10th grade with tenth place or the tenth item in a list
Example Sentences
ASL gloss: MY CHILD TENTH-GRADE
English: My child is in tenth grade.
ASL gloss: LAST YEAR I TENTH-GRADE
English: Last year, I was in tenth grade.
ASL gloss: TENTH-GRADE I REMEMBER MATH TEACHER
English: I remember my tenth grade math teacher.
Responses