Free printable sign language word flash cards

Sign Language Flash Cards

Sign Language Flash Cards Short Description:

This product contains sign language flash cards of 59 common first words that you can teach your child to help him/her communicate better at home. This purchase allows you to download the file and print and cut out the cards. Each card contains a picture of the object/action on the front and the sign language sign on the back. These flashcards also include instructions on how you can use them to teach your child new words.  Also, view my post about using sign language to jumpstart late talkers!

You can also view the videos of these signs here:

Sign Language Flash Cards Printing Instructions:

Print the following pages on card stock or thicker paper. Print the pages on the front and back of pieces of paper so that the sign language is on the back of the picture of the object or action. Laminate the pages if desired for added protection. Then, cut out the cards and use as flashcards.

Sign Language Flash Cards Speech and Language Activities:

Teaching Vocabulary:

You can use these sign language flash cards to teach your child a new word. Choose one card each time you work with your child. Get out the object on the card or if it is an action card, get out several objects that you can use to perform that action. Play with that object with your child and say/sign the word many times for your child. Encourage your child to imitate your word or sign the object or action to request it.

Receptive Vocabulary:

Place two or three of the sign language flash cards in front of your child with the picture side (not the sign) up. Ask your child to point to one of the pictures. You can say “show me the ball” or “touch the car”. Then, help your child point to the correct picture. This will help him learn the words.

Expressive Vocabulary:

Ask your child “what is this?” when showing him a picture of an object or “what is she doing?” for pictures of actions. Help your child say or sign what they see in the picture.

Sign Language:

You can use these sign language flash cards to learn signs for common first words. Researchers have found that using sign language when you speak to your child can increase her language and vocabulary skills and having a child use sign language to communicate can serve as a bridge to spoken communication.

Hide the Cards:

You can do any of the above activities by hiding the sign language flash cards. If you’re working on receptive vocabulary, hide a few cards around the room in plain sight. Have your child go find the one you say. If you’re working on expressive vocabulary, hide the cards in a bag of beans, laundry, or anything else. When your child finds a card, have him tell you what it’s called.  You can also tape these to the wall in a dark room and have your child “find” them with a flashlight.

More Resources for Speech-Language Pathologists:

Looking for more therapy ideas and resources to help you provide the BEST services to your clients?  Join us in The SLP Solution, our membership program for speech-language professionals!  Inside the membership, you’ll find:

• Step-By-Step Guides for teaching a variety of speech/language/communication skills
• Pre-Made Worksheets and Therapy Activities for hundreds of different topics
• Training Videos for dealing with difficult disorders or problems
• Answers to Your Questions in our exclusive SLP community
• Tools and Resources to help you with your paperwork and admin tasks
• Continuing Education through our monthly webinars and webinar recordings

To join us in the full SLP Solution, or to snag a free membership, click on the button below!

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14 Comments

1. Anonymous September 9, 2013 at 10:37 am - Reply

   Good morning Carrie, thank you for this valuable info. I have tried to learn sign language on the computer but what you have here is remarkable. My daughter is 7 and does not speak. She only knows the sign for more and she uses that for everything. eg. more food, to show me something, for me to move. I am sure this will help us with the right communication.

   • Wonderful! I’m glad this will help you! I have seen so many kids get stuck on “more” and try to use it for everything. With those kids that really are just using it for everything, I usually try to teach them the signs for the specific things they are asking for and then I stop accepting “more” when they sign it. I make them use the sign for the object or action they want. Good luck!

2. Elizabeth Bumford September 1, 2017 at 9:16 pm - Reply

   So pleased I found your page! My granddaughter is 4, has CHARGE Syndrome, and a Trach so non-verbal. We are teaching her ASL but the only guidance I’ve received is “just keep repeating”. Pleased to have your list of 60, many of which she knows but we have neglected the relational words. Wonderful to have direction for next words!
   Thank you!

3. Maya February 1, 2018 at 8:35 am - Reply

4. I liked that you pointed out that flash cards can be good for learning sign language. I also like that you pointed out that it would be smart to have repetitive cards. My nephew has a friend that is death and he wants to learn how to sign. So this is good for us to know.

   • Yulisa December 14, 2018 at 2:05 pm - Reply

5. Nancy April 3, 2018 at 11:11 am - Reply

   Thank you Carrie for these flash cards. I was wondering if you had more that I can print and use. I work with a student who is deaf and autistic, it is very difficult to find good quality material. The real life people and actual objects are great! Thank you once again.

   • Kena Roth April 10, 2018 at 12:20 pm - Reply

6. Aileen April 2, 2020 at 6:40 am - Reply

   • Kena Roth April 7, 2020 at 3:02 pm - Reply

     You are very welcome, Aileen. Please let us know if you need anything else.

7. hi. my name is yamna .living in pakistan with my speech delayed child. and now adays all therapy centre are closed.. because of corona virus. staying home from 2 months. my son is 4.5 years old.. help me out with some ideas and tils

   • Kena Roth June 2, 2020 at 3:05 pm - Reply

8. Courtney Griffin July 6, 2020 at 11:08 am - Reply

   Hi there!

   The link to download the cards is not working for me. It’s saying the page is not found. Could you possibly send these cards to me directly by email? My email is . I would greatly appreciate it!!

   I wanted to also just thank you for all that you do for the SLP community! I really enjoy listening to your podcasts and have put the materials you’ve shared to use many times!

   • Kena Roth July 7, 2020 at 3:55 pm - Reply

     Hi, Courtney-We’ve emailed you a copy of the requested resources. Please let us know if you need anything else.

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