Sign for 3rd Grade in ASL
Quick answer: The sign for 3rd grade in ASL combines the ordinal number 3rd with the school-related concept of GRADE. It refers to the third grade level in elementary school.
How to Sign 3rd Grade in ASL
Start by signing 3rd using the dominant hand. Then sign or fingerspell GRADE, depending on the version you are using. Together, the signs mean the third grade level in school.
This sign is used when talking about elementary school, children’s grade levels, classroom placement, school memories, or teaching assignments.
| Dominant Handshape | 3-hand for 3rd, 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 3rd sign into the GRADE sign or fingerspelling |
| Movement | Sign 3rd with a clear ordinal movement, then transition into GRADE or fingerspell G-R-A-D-E |
| Non-Manual Markers | Neutral expression |
When to Use This Sign
Use 3rd grade when discussing school, children’s education, grade levels, classroom placement, elementary education, or memories from school.
- elementary school discussions
- children’s grade levels
- school placement
- classroom introductions
- teaching assignments
Third grade is when students often start feeling like experienced elementary school pros.
Common Mistakes
- Using the number 3 instead of the ordinal sign 3rd
- Using the wrong 3-handshape by extending the ring finger instead of the thumb
- Signing 3rd and GRADE too quickly so the meaning is unclear
- Forgetting to clarify GRADE if the context is not obvious
- Confusing 3rd grade with third place or a third item in a list
Example Sentences
ASL gloss: MY CHILD THIRD-GRADE
English: My child is in third grade.
ASL gloss: THIRD-GRADE I REMEMBER TEACHER
English: I remember my third grade teacher.
ASL gloss: NEXT YEAR I TEACH THIRD-GRADE
English: Next year, I will teach third grade.
Responses