Signing Time Dictionary

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Octopus in Sign Language

Learn how to sign octopus in ASL (American Sign Language). There’s a lot to learn about this interesting sea creature!

  1. First bring one hand up about shoulder height. Bend the wrist so all the fingers are pointing down and touch the fingertips together. This is the octopus’ body.
  2. Next bring your other hand up. With the palm facing down and the fingers slightly spread out and pointing down, connect the top of this hand to the fingertips of the first hand. This hand is the octopus’ legs.
  3. Now wave the sign up and down and wiggle the fingers on the second hand like an octopus swimming through the ocean.
  4. This sign looks just like an octopus floating through the ocean. Use this visual to help you remember the sign.

Teaching Tips – to learn how to sign octopus in ASL

  • O is for octopus! Have your child draw a large letter O for the body and then add the eight legs. Practice signing the letter O and the sign for octopus when done.
  • Math activities for preschool are fun when animals are involved. Provide your child with a picture of an octopus (or use the one created in the activity above) and practice counting up to eight together. Sign octopus when done!

Transcript:
Octopus! Make the body and the legs. Octopus!

Want to improve your family’s signing? Learn more with our fun lessons.

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