Pencil in Sign Language

Learn how to sign pencil. This useful tool is what we use to teach early writing.

1. With one hand, touch your pointer and thumb together, tucking the remaining fingers into the palm.
2. Lay your other hand flat, palm up, about chest height.
3. With your first hand, now touch your lips, then bring it down to the second hand and “write” across the palm.
4. This sign looks just like you are licking thinking and then beginning to write. Use this visual to help you remember the sign.

Teaching Tips:

• There are pencils for writing and then there are pencils for coloring! Get a set of colored pencils and create a beautiful picture. Practice the sign for pencil and the signs for the colors you are using.
• Teaching sign language to school aged children helps build vocabulary and sight words. Label items, such as pencils, and encourage children to read and sign the word when they reach for the item to complete classwork.

Transcript:
Pencil! Like you are holding a pencil. Touch your lip then write. Pencil!