Free weekly ASL community practice
Someone to sign with, every Wednesday.
A free, friendly Zoom group where ASL learners of every level practice together.
Every Wednesday · 5 PM PT / 8 PM ETGet the Zoom link ↓
- Someone to sign withMove past flashcards and videos. Have real conversations with other learners.
- Beginners genuinely welcomeBring the signs you know. Practice partners at your level, from first words to fluency.
- Low pressure, lots of patienceSign slowly, ask for repeats, make mistakes. That’s how it works here.
- Free, every week, since 2020No membership, no fee. Just show up on Zoom.
“Made a new friend, practiced my ASL signing and my receptive skills. These group sessions are helping me improve and meet others learning ASL.”
— Kieran, community member
Save your spot for Wednesday
Tell us where to send the Zoom link.
Free. You’ll also get occasional ASL tips from Chris. Unsubscribe anytime.
From knowing signs to using them
You Can Learn ASL Anywhere.
Conversation Takes Conversations.
Learning vocabulary is important. Watching videos helps. But eventually, you need something you can’t get from flashcards or YouTube:
Someone to sign with.
Apps, classes, and videos give you a foundation. Real-time interaction helps you get comfortable expressing ideas, understanding other signers, and working through the moments when you get stuck.
Our free online ASL practice group gives you a friendly, low-pressure place to practice ASL with others.
Find a comfortable place to begin
A Practice Space for Your Level.
You do not need to be fluent to join. You just need to be willing to practice.
Beginner
Start a conversation.
Practice introductions, common signs, fingerspelling, basic questions, and simple conversations.
Intermediate
Build your confidence.
Build vocabulary, receptive skills, signing speed, and conversational confidence.
Advanced
Keep your ASL moving.
Practice more natural conversations, storytelling, receptive skills, vocabulary, and maintaining fluency.
A little patience goes a long way
A Place Where It’s Okay to Make Mistakes.
Signing slowly, missing a sign, or asking someone to repeat themselves is part of learning. You can take your time here. Give your partner that same room to grow.
Confidence doesn’t usually come before practice.
Confidence comes from practice.
Voices from the community
Practice Can Become Connection.
“Made a new friend, practiced my ASL signing and my receptive skills. These group sessions are helping me improve and meet others learning ASL. I really appreciate this opportunity.”
— Kieran
“I feel so comfortable here and think this is the best for everyone!”
— Haley
“I started this last week and made ASL friends. Friends are the best to improve and enjoy language learning.”
— Kaori
“Wednesdays are my favorite!”
— Jordan ASL
Real participant comments from the group’s earlier hosted sessions.
More community voices
“Awesome community! Thank you Chris and Johnni!”
— Juliana Russell from The Language Mindset
“Thanks to @aslbasics for the opportunity to connect with others and teaching ASL!”
— Stephanie
“Really impressed with this group and sooo happy I can keep learning in this group every week! Very supportive.”
— Elizabeth
“So awesome, thank you!”
— Adam
“I loved it today, it was fun, especially meeting other signers.”
— Alejandra
“It’s been incredibly hard to learn by myself, thank you guys so much for creating this group! It means so much to me.”
— Steph
Three small steps
How to Join.
Name. Email. That’s it.
Enter your first name and email in the form on this page.
Go to signup formCheck your inbox.
Confirm your email using the link Kit sends you. The welcome email includes the Zoom link, meeting ID, and passcode.
Show up and sign.
Open Zoom at 5 PM Pacific / 8 PM Eastern and start practicing with other learners.
No complicated registration. No paid membership required. No pressure to already be fluent. Just an opportunity to practice.
Already on the list? Look for Christopher’s welcome email with “For ASL Learners,” or check spam and promotions. If your access email is missing, contact chris@aslbasics.com.
The community shapes the conversation
Self-Directed. Together.
These are community practice sessions, rather than formal, instructor-led ASL classes. Chris and Johnni stepped back from actively leading in May 2025. Participants choose topics, connect with practice partners, and encourage one another.
Add your level to your Zoom display name to help others find a comfortable match:
Depending on attendance and available Zoom controls, you can practice in smaller groups or breakout rooms. Choose one goal, take turns, and give each other time.
Peer conversation complements learning from Deaf teachers and fluent signers. Respect privacy, ask before recording, and offer corrections only when welcomed.
Bring what you’re learning
What Can You Practice?
Pick a familiar topic or try something new. American Sign Language practice can start with one simple exchange.
- Introductions
- Everyday conversation
- Fingerspelling
- Numbers
- Receptive skills
- Vocabulary
- Questions
- Storytelling
- Conversation speed
- Facial expressions & non-manual markers
- School vocabulary
- Topics you’re currently learning
You belong here, too
“But I’m a Beginner…”
You don’t have to wait until you’re “good enough” to communicate. Beginners are welcome. Bring the signs you know and a little patience for the ones you don’t.
Start with what you know.
Fingerspell something.
Ask someone to slow down.
Ask them to repeat themselves.
Make a mistake. Laugh about it.
Try again.
That is language learning.
Connecting learners since 2020
It Started with Someone to Sign With.
ASL Basics began hosting these sessions in April 2020, when connection was especially hard to find. Learners came together to practice, encourage each other, and build friendships alongside their ASL skills.
Today, the self-directed community continues that opportunity: a place to meet other learners, use what you know, and grow more comfortable one conversation at a time.
A small plan helps
Bring one topic. Leave with one next step.
Before Wednesday, review a short signed lesson and choose a familiar topic. Position your camera so your face, hands, and upper body are visible, with light in front of you. Keep a note ready for a word or question you want to revisit.
Introduce yourself
Prepare your fingerspelled name and a short introduction. Take turns and check what your partner understood.
Review the introduction lesson →Use a session plan
Choose a topic, give each signer time, and finish with one useful next goal.
Try the partner practice plan →Keep prompts nearby
Print conversation prompts, a 20-minute practice plan, and a learning-notes sheet. The same prompts are summarized below.
Download practice prompts (PDF, 2 pages) →Three conversation starting points
- New to ASL: Introduce yourself, share a favorite food or a pet, and ask one familiar question.
- Building your skills: Describe a recent meal or a typical day. Ask a follow-up question and check one detail.
- Continuing your journey: Share a short personal experience and discuss what happened. Ask your partner what they understood.
These are ideas for meaning, not written ASL translations. Review vocabulary with a signed model and choose a prompt that fits what you are learning.
Before your first session
A few helpful answers
Do I need to be fluent or buy a membership?
No. All experience levels are welcome, and paid membership is not required. Prepare a familiar introduction or topic and give yourself time to communicate.
Where do I find the Zoom link?
Use the signup form on this page and confirm your email. The existing welcome message includes the Zoom details. Already subscribed? Look for Christopher’s welcome email with “For ASL Learners,” including in spam or promotions. If it is missing, email Chris.
What time should I join?
Wednesdays at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. If you live elsewhere, convert from Pacific Time for that Wednesday; daylight saving changes can affect the difference.
What if I do not understand a signer?
Pause, ask for repetition or clarification, and agree on a familiar topic. Take turns and check the message with your partner. Questions about language accuracy are useful to bring to an instructor.
Can I record the session?
Ask everyone involved before recording or sharing a conversation. Respect participants’ privacy and offer corrections only when welcomed.
Your next step can be a conversation
Ready to Practice?
You can watch another ASL video tomorrow. Memorize another vocabulary list. Tell yourself you’ll practice when you feel more confident.
Or you can start using what you already know.
Join the next ASL Group Practice Session.
Wednesday · 5 PM Pacific / 8 PM Eastern
Zoom · Free
Someone to sign with.
Every Wednesday.
Free to join. No paid membership required.
By signing up, you’ll also receive helpful ASL learning resources and occasional updates through Christopher’s existing email list. You can unsubscribe at any time. Confirm your email to receive your welcome message and Zoom information.
Keep Learning. Keep Signing. Keep Connecting.
Learning a language becomes much easier when you don’t have to do it alone.
We’ll see you Wednesday.
This is going to be awesome, thank you so much.
You’re welcome! I’m really looking forward to tomorrow’s group. Let me know if you have any questions in the meantime.
Hey Chris, my name is Willet Debrah and I emailed you about the group zoom information. Is it possible to email it to me?
Hey Chris, my name is Willet Debrah and I emailed you about the group zoom information.
I missed the first practice session, with all that is going on around the world, I checked out for a couple of days and went to the lake and just fished, now I’m playing catch up. So sorry I missed the first session when is there going to be another? I am very interested in learning for my self as a retired Sheriff’s Deputy it would have come in handy a few times, but I had to relied on a note pad and a few basic phrases to get by and get the answers I needed. Stay safe, keep those talking hands washed, until next time thanks. Also I have questions about training my new puppy with hand signals or a few basic signs. Thanks guys.
No problem, I understand needing to get away with everything that is going on. We will be doing another group practice session next Wednesday at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. You’re more than welcome to join us then. If you’d like, I’ll post some of signs you can use for you dog in our private Facebook group, which you are also welcome to join if you’d like (the link is in the FREE Resources post)
I just found this group today! I hope to be able to join tonight (God willing I’m still welcome and can figure it out.) This is amazing, Thank you!
Awesome! Were you able to make it to the group yesterday?
I’d love to join the group but love to make friends with the deaf culture as well um I am also trying to figure out how to join if one would or could help me with that that be so outstanding and awesome
For this coming up wee session? Will there be a theme or something we should study prior?
Yes, the theme will be FAMILY. So be ready to talk about brothers, sisters, moms, dads, and things family. For a little extra practice, you’re welcome to join our private Facebook group for some daily challenges leading up to the next group practice session. https://www.facebook.com/groups/444740926132319/
I Wana learn knew sign words
That is great! If you would like, you can check out these ASL Lessons here or go to the Videos page on the website to see all of our free lessons. Let me know if you have any questions or need help with anything.
hey Chris thank you for your time. on wed for group pratice, looking forward to next time. i have a question i may have misunderstand you on wed, are you haveing a group pratice on today which is friday i live in columbia south carolina
I’m glad that you enjoyed the group this past Wednesday, Jerry. The event that happened on Wednesday was a live class that went over 3 important keys to learning a new language. You can catch the full replay of the class here The 3 Keys to Learning a New Language
Hello, I am new to ASL and would like to come to the next zoom call this week
That would be great, we would love for you to join us. Feel free to copy and paste Zoom link and put it in your calendar 🙂
Im eager to learn asl, but i dont have anyone to practice with to remember what i learned. Ive studied alot alone. Im excited to begin practice with the groups.
These practice sessions will be perfect for you. A lot of other students have been finding them incredibly useful in networking and practicing with others. A few have even jumped from being beginners to being intermediate in just a few sessions. Hopefully you’ll be able to make it to our next one.
Hello! When will be the next meeting?
Our next group practice session will be this coming Wednesday on June 17th at 5pm Pacific (8pm Eastern)
Hello I’m from Indonesia and I wanna join your group practice session. But I don’t know how to join.
Just click on the Zoom link included in the article, there are instructions in the post
Hello! Idk if the other comment posted or not but I just wanted to say that this little practice group is so cool. I have been looking for a community online to participate with. The only issue is I have my ASL college class at 5:30 pm on Wednesdays… is there any way that there is another day for these sessions. It looked super fun from what I can tell. Thank you!
We are currently holding practice sessions on every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for the month of August for those enrolled in our 30-day course. We also will be holding a live workshop this Saturday for those enrolled in our Beyond the Basics (which you can sign up for free). If you have any questions about either of those programs, please feel free to reach out to me or email me at chris@aslbasics.com.
I can’t wait to begin. I’ve watched many of Chris videos. Now i need someone to practice with to help me remember what i learned.
I’m glad that you have been enjoying the videos and finding them helpful. I hope that you can join us for our next practice session next Wednesday.
Hello Chris,
I am a college student taking ASL 101 at the moment. I would love to get in on joining and connecting with other signers. Am I too late to the party?
That’s great that you are taking ASL in college. We are still holding free weekly practice sessions for anyone interested in getting some practice in with some others at their skill level. You are welcome to join any time you wish. Let me know if you have any questions in regard to joining the group or what to expect.
Hello, I am from Jamaica, I’ve been watching your youtube videos lately and while I am slowly but surely learning, I don’t have any one to practice with. I’d love to join your practice sessions but i dont know how.
That is great, all you do is click on the Zoom link in the article under “How to Join” at 5pm Pacific time on Wednesday.
Hi,
Just wanted to say thank you for all your videos. I’ve started to learn with your videos two weeks ago.
I’ll be joining the the next practice session on zoom! This is very important to me.
Dolly
I’m glad that you have been finding the videos helpful, we hope to see your during our next practice session 😀
Enjoying your beginner videos. Hoping to join practice session Weds. Oct 14, 2020. Is there a theme we should prepare for?
Thanks!
SB
That’s great, I’m glad that you’re enjoying the videos. Our next practice session will have the them “Animals”, here is a link to some great resources and more details about next week’s session https://aslbasics.com/how-to-sign-animals-in-asl/
Im 9 years old and i love sigh I’ve been trying to learn sigh for a few days now and I learn 10 sighs every day with that I’ve learned 100 sighs
That’s great! Keep up the hard work
Am I to late to join? I’m a beginner. I am wanting to learn so I can teach my 5 year old. Thanks.
We hold these sessions every Wednesday and we will be sending out the Zoom link on Tuesday through our newsletters
Are you all still doing these group meetings?
I’m a beginner, but I’m really eager to start practicing ASL with actual people instead of just signing things by myself at home. XD
Yes, we are still hosting these practice sessions every week for free, you are more than welcome to join us 🙂
I’d really like to join the conversations, but 5pm there is at 2am in germany
Can new people join? Are there themes every week?
Also, I am a teenager, are under 18 people welcome?
Thank you, your videos are great.
Can new people join? Are there themes every week?
Also, I am a teenager, are under 18 people welcome?
Thank you, your videos are great.
Yes, new people can join, the link is sent out via our newsletters every week.
would like to join your group
Are these sessions still running? I signed up for the newsletter but haven’t received an email yet!
Yes, our weekly ASL practice sessions are still going strong! If you had trouble signing up through the newsletter, you can try this link instead: https://christophergorges.kit.com/dbb1b47946
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to skip the newsletter signup altogether, feel free to email me directly at chris@aslbasics.com, and I’ll be happy to send you the Zoom link we’re currently using.