Learning months in ASL helps build a clear foundation for everyday communication and calendar discussions. This guide walks through each month using proper signs, placement, and common variations you may notice across different signers.
Use the quick reference below to match English month names with their ASL signs, handshapes, and typical palm orientation at a glance.
| English Month | ASL Sign Description | Handshape | Palm Orientation |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Form J hand and tap the side of the temple once. | J | Palm facing inward |
| February | Start with F hands in front, draw a small circle, then push forward. | F | Palms facing slightly down |
| March | Use modified O hands, tap the wrist twice near the inner forearm. | Modified O | Palms down |
| April | A hand taps the side of the index finger of the opposite flat hand once. | A hand & A hand | Palm down for base hand |
| May | Form 5 hands, bring them together in front, then open into flat palms. | 5 | Palms facing each other |
| June | Y handshape moves in a small side-to-side arc near the chin. | Y | Palm facing right |
| July | 7 handshape brushes downward in front of the torso, like counting seven days. | 7 | Palm facing down |
| August | A hand taps the side of the bent index finger of the opposite hand twice. | A hand & Bent index finger | Palm down for base hand |
| September | 9 handshape starts at the chin, drops down, and taps the chest once. | 9 | Palm facing torso |
| October | O hand taps the side of the forehead, then moves forward slightly. | O | Palm facing forward |
| November | N hand moves in a quick side-to-side movement near the chin. | N | Palm facing right |
| December | D hand taps the side of the temple, then moves outward in a small arc. | D | Palm facing inward |
Learn the Basic Signs for Each Month
January and February Signs
For January, the J hand taps the temple, which visually echoes the idea of a new year starting in the mind. February uses flowing F hands to suggest the short, light feeling of the month.
March through Summer Months
March involves quick wrist taps with modified O hands, giving a crisp, precise feel. April combines two simple handshapes in a small decisive motion. May opens into wide 5 hands, echoing growth and warmth. June introduces a Y hand near the chin, as if marking emerging ideas.
July through December Signs
July uses a downward 7 handshape, echoing the steady passage of days. August repeats a tapping motion on the index finger to keep rhythm in late summer. September drops from chin to chest, like a gentle reminder. October brushes the forehead with an O hand, as thoughts turn inward. November moves N hands sideways near the face, suggesting shifting winds. December closes with D hand circling outward, hinting at reflection and new plans.
Regional Variations and Common Mistakes
Signers in different regions may use slight shifts in location or smaller, faster movements. Some people sign January closer to the ear, while others keep it at the temple. February may be abbreviated to one smooth motion rather than a full circle. For March, touching the wrist instead of the inner forearm is common but not standard. April sometimes uses the dominant A hand only, tapping the flat opposite hand. In June and July, palm orientation can vary between facing inward and facing down without changing meaning. For September, tapping the chest too low can shift the month to a personal pronoun, so placement matters.
Teaching Tips and Practice Strategies
Daily Practice Routines
Spend two minutes each morning signing the months in sequence while looking at a calendar. Alternate between slow, clear motions and faster, conversational speed to build flexibility. Use a mirror to check palm orientation and wrist alignment.
Integrating Months into Conversations
Practice signing dates in sentences, such as "Meeting on Monday April" or "Birthday in December." Focus on maintaining a steady rhythm so that months remain distinct and easy to follow in real time.
Next Steps for Mastering Months in ASL
- Practice signing the months in order at least three times daily for a week.
- Integrate months into real-life phrases like appointments, birthdays, and holidays.
- Record yourself to verify palm orientation and consistent motion size.
- Compare your signs with fluent signers in videos to refine subtle details.
- Expand to signing full dates, such as "March 15" or "July 4 weekend."
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I sign January clearly without confusing it with other J-hand signs?
Keep the motion sharp and tactile: a small tap to the side of the temple, quick and decisive, with the palm facing inward.
Why does February use a circle motion with F hands?
The circle reflects the full cycle of the month, while the forward push at the end suggests moving ahead through the days.
What is the most common mistake when signing August?
Lifting the base hand away too early, which can blur the two taps; keep the base hand stable and let the index finger tap twice.
Can I shorten the signs for months when speaking quickly?
Yes, in rapid conversation you can use lighter, smaller movements, especially for April, June, and November, but keep the core shape and location recognizable.