ASL LOVE
🤟 How to sign
To sign "BACK TO SCHOOL" in American Sign Language (ASL), first sign "BACK" with your dominant hand moving backward over your shoulder, then sign "TO" by pointing forward with your index finger, and finally sign "SCHOOL" by clapping your flat hands together twice.
📖 Word definition
The return to educational activities and classes after a break or vacation period, typically referring to the start of a new academic year or semester.
🎯 Detailed Hand Movement Guide
- Hand Shape: Start with open hand for "BACK," index finger for "TO," flat hands for "SCHOOL."
- Starting Position: Begin with dominant hand at shoulder level for "BACK."
- Movement: Move hand backward over shoulder, point forward, then clap hands twice.
- Path: Backward arc for "BACK," forward point for "TO," vertical clapping for "SCHOOL."
- Hand Orientation: Palm faces forward for "BACK," finger points ahead for "TO," palms face each other for "SCHOOL."
- Facial Expression: Neutral to slightly positive, showing anticipation or routine.
⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Avoid
❌ Wrong direction: "BACK" must move backward over shoulder, not forward.
❌ Skipping "TO": Include the pointing gesture between "BACK" and "SCHOOL."
❌ Single clap: "SCHOOL" requires two distinct claps, not one.
❌ Rushed signing: Allow clear pause between each word for clarity.
💬 Common Sentence Examples
"I'm excited to go back to school."
How to sign: Sign "I" (point to self) → sign "excited" (alternating E hands on chest) → sign "go" (index fingers point and move forward) → sign "back to school" (complete phrase).
"Students go back to school in September."
How to sign: Sign "students" (fingerspell S-T-U-D-E-N-T-S) → sign "go" → sign "back to school" → sign "September" (fingerspell S-E-P-T).
"Back to school shopping is expensive."
How to sign: Sign "back to school" → sign "shopping" (flat hands alternating forward) → sign "expensive" (flat hand hits palm, then opens and throws away).