COLLEGE OF STATEN ISLAND–Through games and teamwork, students turn learning sign language into a fast-paced way to build confidence, connection, and real communication skills.
What looked like a game show was part of the American Sign Language club’s plan to make learning active and bring students together through visual communication.
“The goal right now is to help everyone learn new signs in fun ways,” said Lauren Ferguson, the club’s president. “Jeopardy and other games keep us thinking fast and signing faster.”
Laughter and hand motions filled a classroom on a Thursday afternoon as students competed in a game of sign language Jeopardy. The chalkboard displayed categories like “Deaf Culture” and “Finger Spelling,” while each team tried to form the correct sign before time ran out.
Each week, the club designs activities that challenge members to use what they’ve learned in previous meetings. One game, called “New Signs Only,” allows students to sign only new words introduced that day, forcing them to remember and apply what they just learned. The process helps members test memory, awareness, and speed in a setting that feels both fun and challenging.
