ask when
Point the index finger of your non-dominant hand forward (stay still). With your dominant hand, also use the index finger—circle it once above the non-dominant finger, then touch it to the tip.
yesterday
Make an “A” handshape (fist with thumb out). Start with the thumb touching your chin, then move it back toward your ear along your cheek.
sunday
Hold both open hands (palms facing out) at shoulder height. Move them in small outward circles, or up then down once, like you’re showing something on display.
clean house
Brush your dominant flat hand across your non-dominant palm (as if wiping a surface), then immediately shape both hands like a roof and move them downward to outline the walls of a house.
study
Hold your non-dominant hand flat (palm up). Wiggle the fingers of your dominant hand toward the open palm, as if information is flowing in or you’re focusing on it.
practice soccer
Make an “A” handshape with your dominant hand and rub it back and forth across the side of your non-dominant index finger (held horizontally). Then, mime a kicking motion by tapping the back of your non-dominant flat hand (held upright) with the side of your dominant hand in a flicking/kicking motion.
meeting
Hold both hands in a “flat O” shape (fingertips and thumb touching, forming an “O”). Bring the hands together, fingertips facing each other, as if two groups are coming together to meet.
take out money
Hold your non-dominant hand flat, palm up (like a tray). With your dominant hand, make a “flat O” handshape (fingertips and thumb touching), then tap the fingertips onto the palm of the non-dominant hand, as if placing money into a bank.
meet friend
Hold both hands in an “X” shape with index fingers crossed, then uncross and touch the tips of the index fingers together, like two friends coming together.
newspaper
Hold both hands flat and together, palms facing each other as if holding a folded paper. Then, open your hands slightly and mime unfolding or flipping through the pages.
organize shelf
Hold both hands flat with palms down, fingers spread and pointing forward. Bring your hands together and wiggle your fingers as if tidying or arranging items. Then, mime placing or lining up items by moving one hand horizontally in front of you, like organizing a shelf.
vacuum
Description:
Hold your dominant hand in a “C” shape and move it back and forth on the floor in front of you, like pushing a vacuum cleaner.
sweep
Hold your dominant hand flat and move it in a small, smooth sweeping motion across the palm of your non-dominant hand.
babysit
Hold both hands in “S” handshapes (fists with thumbs up). Place your dominant hand on top of your non-dominant hand and gently rock them side to side, like rocking a baby.
wash dishes
Make a “W” handshape with your dominant hand and move it in small circular scrubbing motions over the palm of your non-dominant hand (which is held flat, palm up), as if washing a dish.
laundry
Hold your dominant hand in an “L” shape and twist it back and forth near the wrist of your non-dominant hand, as if wringing out clothes.
rake leaves
Hold your dominant hand flat with fingers together, palm facing down. Move it back and forth in a sweeping motion as if raking leaves on the ground.
take out trash
Make a fist with your dominant hand (like holding a trash bag). Start near your waist and move your hand forward and down, as if carrying something out. Then, mime dropping or tossing it into a bin by opening your hand and pushing forward.
feed cat
With your dominant hand, form a flat “O” (fingertips touching thumb) and move it from your mouth outward, as if giving food. Then, mimic petting by stroking the side of your cheek with your dominant hand fingers, like petting a cat’s whiskers.
pay bills
Hold your non-dominant hand flat, palm up (like a surface). With your dominant hand, make a flat handshape and tap the fingertips on the palm (like giving money). Then, sign “bills” by mimicking holding a paper in one hand and stamping or marking it with the other hand.
water plants
Hold your non-dominant hand flat, palm up (like soil). With your dominant hand, make a “W” handshape (three fingers extended) and wiggle the fingers while moving the hand downward, like pouring water. Then, mimic the shape of a growing plant by curling fingers upward on the non-dominant hand.
fix house
Make the “S” handshape with both hands. Place the dominant fist on top of the non-dominant fist, then twist both fists back and forth together, as if tightening or fixing something. Then, form a roof shape by touching fingertips together and move your hands down to outline the walls of a house.
inspect house
Hold both hands flat and open, palms down. Move your dominant hand in a scanning motion over your non-dominant flat hand, as if checking or examining something. Then, form a roof shape by touching fingertips together and move your hands down to outline the walls of a house.
chores
Hold both hands in “S” handshapes (fists with thumbs up). Place your dominant fist on top of your non-dominant fist and twist both fists back and forth, like tightening or working on something.
