Sign for 1st Grade in ASL
Quick answer: The sign for 1st grade in ASL combines the ordinal number 1st with the sign for GRADE. It refers to the first grade level in school.
How to Sign 1st Grade in ASL
Start by signing 1st. Then sign GRADE to show the school level. The two parts work together to mean first grade.
This sign is used when talking about elementary school, children’s grade levels, classroom placement, school memories, or academic progress.
| Dominant Handshape | 1-hand for 1st, then flat hand or B-hand for GRADE |
|---|---|
| Non-Dominant Handshape | Flat hand or B-hand for GRADE |
| Location | Neutral signing space in front of the body |
| Palm Orientation | Varies by sign component; palm orientation changes naturally from 1st to GRADE |
| Movement | Sign 1st, then transition into the GRADE sign with a clear, controlled movement |
| Non-Manual Markers | Neutral expression |
When to Use This Sign
Use 1st grade when talking about school, children’s education, grade levels, classroom placement, or memories from elementary school.
- elementary school discussions
- children’s grade levels
- school placement
- classroom introductions
- education-related conversations
First grade is where school starts to feel very official.
Common Mistakes
- Using the number 1 instead of the ordinal sign 1st
- Signing 1st and GRADE too quickly so the meaning is unclear
- Making the GRADE movement too large or exaggerated
- Letting the hands drift outside neutral signing space
- Forgetting that this phrase refers to a school grade, not a score or quality grade
Example Sentences
ASL gloss: MY SISTER FIRST-GRADE
English: My sister is in first grade.
ASL gloss: FIRST-GRADE I LEARN READ
English: I learned to read in first grade.
ASL gloss: MY CHILD START FIRST-GRADE
English: My child started first grade.
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