How do you sign ‘book’ or teacher in ‘BSL’? We have put together a list of the most used BSL school signs and a list of resources so you can share BSL signs with the kids in your life. If you’re a teacher or parent, you will find our guide a valuable resource for learning BSL school signs. The signs listed below are taught in the BSL Level 1 course so they are perfect for helping absolute beginners learn BSL.
Why learn BSL signs in school?
Children of all ages are keen to learn sign language. BSL benefits deaf and hearing pupils. Sign language gives children another way of learning language and expressing themselves. By learning BSL, hearing students can connect with their deaf peers who use BSL to communicate.
Introducing the 20+ BSL school signs
In English, we focus on the sound of a word (phonetics). Some sounds are not accessible because it is not clear how the sound is made, and you can’t see the sound being made. Letters like ‘g’ and ‘k’ look the same, but the sounds are different. This is why BSL is so helpful. BSL gives you a visual clue about the topic you are talking about. Here is our list of the 20+ most useful BSL school signs:
How to sign “school” in BSL
To sign school you use the flat hand and wave it in front of the mouth repeatedly. The alternative sign is to use the ‘N’ handshape and do a small side to side movement while moving the hand downwards.
How to sign “classroom” in BSL
To sign classroom, you use the ‘C’ handshape on both hands at the side of the head and move the handshape round to in front of your head.
Other important signs would be (dinner)’hall‘, toilet, library, changing room and school office. these signs help children become more independent as they learn their way round school.
How to sign “teacher” in BSL
To sign ‘teacher’ you need to raise the index finger on both hands to the side of the head and mouth the word “teacher”. There are variations to this sign. It is important that whatever sign you use, you also mouth the word “teacher” to give context to the sign.
How to sign pupil or student in BSL
To sign pupil or student, you use the same ‘C’ handshape and move it downwards in front of your body. The sign represents a person. You change the subject of the sign by mouthing the word you want linked to the sign. So, you use the same sign to sign person, student, or pupil.
How to sign “learn” in BSL
To sign learn in BSL, you need to use both open palms in front of you. You close your fingers towards towards your thumbs while moving the sign towards your forehead.
How to sign “book” in BSL
To sign ‘book’, you need to hold flat palms together and open out as if opening a book. You mouth the word ‘book’ as you perform the action.
How to sign “desk” in BSL
To sign desk in BSL you open your hands with palms flat faced down. Hold the palms down in front of you and move them apart to the side of the body.
How to sign “pencil” in BSL
To sign pencil, your dominant hand is closed with your index finger and thumb touching together as if holding a pencil. You have an open palm facing up on your other hand. You then motion your dominant hand towards your flat palm as if to write on paper. You need to mouth the word ‘pencil’ while you make a writing movement on your flat palm.
How to sign “breaktime” in BSL
To sign breaktime, you need to use two signs. the first sign is the BSL for break. Your thumbs on both hands should lightly tap your chest. Your second BSL sign is time. You use the flat palm of your dominant hand to tap the top of your opposite wrist (as if tapping a watch).
How to sign “playground” in BSL
To sign playground in BSL you need to combine two signs. You use the BSL sign for ‘play’ with both hands open making circular motions in front of your body. You then use a second sign holding both hands flat in front of the body. One flat hands moves out horizontally away from the body.
How to sign “read” in BSL
To sign ‘read’ in BSL, you hold your non dominant hand flat (to represent a book). You use the ‘V’ handshape on your other hand and make a zigzag motion down your non dominant hand. The ‘V’ handshape represents your eyes scanning down the pages of a book.
How to sign “homework” in BSL
To sign homework, you use two signs. The first sign is BSL for ‘home’. You create the sign by holding two flat hands together at the tips of your fingers as if you are making the shape of a roof. You then sign ‘work’ in BSL by tapping
How to sign “greetings” in BSL
You could add posters with BSL greetings at entrances, like “welcome” and “goodbye,” creates an inviting atmosphere. The visual cues with signs reinforce learning and makes school a welcoming place for everyone.
How to sign “animals” in BSL
Teaching children how to sign different animals in BSL is always fun! It makes story telling more interactive and engaging. There are lots of YouTube videos and paper based resources to help with learning the different signs. Why not check out our page for recommended clips and resources.
How to sign different feelings in BSL
The National Deaf Childrens Society have a great set of clips on YouTube for a range of feelings including jealous, happy, sad and tired. Teaching BSL signs for different feelings is a great way to teach children the range of feelings and how to understand how their body experiences different emotions.
BSL signs for giving instructions
In classrooms, signs like “sit down,” “raise your hand,” are practical. For “wash hands” are essential for guiding students. Use signs for standard rules, like “quiet” or “no running,” to uphold school guidelines.
BSL for school curriculum topics
BSL Glossaries of Curriculum Terms
The best source for school topic signs is the BSL glossary of curriculum terms Scottish Sensory Centre. The centre covers school subjects such as biology, chemistry, and maths. There are more specialist topics for secondary school pupils. They include astronomy and cyber security.
How to sign “numbers” in BSL
BSL is great for teaching numbers. You can check out our post on how to sign numbers to learn numbers 1 – 100.
How to sign “colours” in BSL
Do you know what the sign for orange is? No? You can find out by checking out our post on the BSL signs for colours. You can find out the regional variations in signs too.
Tips for practising BSL at school
- Find key areas around the school for BSL signs. Focus on frequently used spaces, such as classrooms, corridors, and playgrounds. Consider using colours to highlight different signs and make them easily visible.
- Get in touch with your local Deaf organisation if you have one. They might suggest activities to involve meeting the Deaf community. For example, setting up a sign language club to practise conversations in BSL.
- Consistent practice is critical to mastering any language, including BSL. Encourage children to use sign language in everyday conversations. Set aside specific times for BSL activities such as storytelling sessions. It will make learning interactive and fun.
- Encourage daily BSL practice. Continuous practice builds confidence and fluency.
Additional resources for learning BSL
There are several platforms to help you learn BSL online.
BSL Vocabulary Builder: Printed resources
Twinkl have lots of printable worksheets on essential school vocabulary. They include signs for everyday school items, subjects, and classroom activities.Printed resources are handy for classrooms and study groups. They let learners practise together and improve their skills through repetition and interaction.
Lets Sign has a book for of school signs
Using BSL resources and apps
The National Deaf Children’s Society has a YouTube channel with a whole range of signs suitable for children of all ages and abilities.
Download apps for BSL practice. They often include games and quizzes to make learning fun. You can access these resources anytime. They offer flexible learning for busy schedules. Regular use of these tools will aid ongoing improvement and learning outside lessons. BSL can remove many barriers by providing a direct line of communication.
Communication Barriers
You might be surprised at how many students are affected. Over 50,000 children in the UK have some form of hearing loss. This highlights the need for accessibility in learning environments.
How educators can integrate BSL in the classroom.
- Nurseries: A BSL-friendly nursery will encourage children to practise sign language. Start by incorporating signs into daily routines like mealtimes or play. You can label everyday items with BSL signs. This visual aid helps reinforce vocabulary and makes learning fun. Activities like singing nursery rhymes can also support BSL learning.
Primary schools: Get the whole class to learn signs for everyday things and activities in the classroom. This approach helps to normalise BSL in the classroom and creates an inclusive environment for students with hearing impairments.
You can also use BSL in class discussions and group activities. Activities such as BSL bingo or charades can make practice fun and interactive. BSL activities can combine education and play for effective learning.
Secondary schools: Teachers can use websites such as the Scottish Sensory Centre to find signs for curriculum subjects. YouTube channels such as Commanding Hands can also be a great resource for learning signs that will be taught as part of the BSL GCSE.
Frequently Asked Questions
How extensive is the British Sign Language vocabulary?
British Sign Language has an estimated 20,000 to 100,000 key signs. These include foundational signs like letters and common words.