Chris Gorges

28/02/2024

In 2019, we embarked on a journey to create a YouTube channel aimed at fostering a culture of encouragement and positivity.

Our mission: to make learning easy, sustainable, and inclusive for all, providing empowering resources to help you pursue your goals with confidence.

Along the way, we've pushed ourselves to step outside our comfort zone, and now, we're excited to take another leap.

This Friday, we’ll be hosting our first AMA livestream, where we'll dedicate 15 minutes to answering as many of your questions as possible.

Here's a sneak peek at some of the queries we've already received:

* How do I look up a sign that I do not know what it means?
* Do you know a sign language from another country?
* Does it help to have an accountability partner? What might that relationship and interaction look like to be most beneficial?
* Does it help to have rewards for certain milestones?
* Do you track your daily progress? If so, how?

If you would like to add a question, let us know here and we’ll add it to the list. See you soon!

👉

28/02/2024

Last Friday, we hosted a brief livestream with the goal of sharing at least one helpful strategy for learning.

The one helpful strategy we choose to share was implementation intentions, which is a helpful way of turning ambiguous goals (ie. Learning a new language) into something actionable by adding a layer of specificity and intentionality.

In a nutshell, one simple way you can do this is by asking the following questions:

* What will I do?
* Where will I do it?
* When will I do it?

So, for example, you can turn “I want to learn a new language” into something more specific like, “I will spend 15 minutes learning new vocabulary [what] at my desk [where] tomorrow morning [when].

That is just a quick example, but if you would like to learn more about the science behind implementation intentions and how you can use them, I put together an article that goes into more detail here 👉

One extremely powerful tool that can help increase your follow through is adding a layer of specificity and intentionality to your goals with implementation intentions.

29/10/2023

😁 My wife and I had the privilege of bumping into the one and only Bill Vicars at an ASL workshop that was hosted by the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center in Fresno!

We greatly appreciate his work as an ASL teacher and advocate for the Deaf community and it was such an honor to meet him in person.

Bill's engaging teaching style and informative content has made him a beloved figure among students and those interested in learning ASL.

If you are just getting started with learning ASL, be sure to check out his website Lifeprint.com and his YouTube channel, his resources are incredible 📚

🙏 Thank you, Bill, for your inspiring work!

24/10/2023

Feedback accelerates language learning by pinpointing strengths and weaknesses, motivating learners to set goals, building confidence, and creating an efficient, effective learning process.

However, feedback can take various forms, ranging from the good, the bad and the ugly.

To ensure long term success, t's essential to seek constructive feedback that aids rather than demotivates.

Because we feel feedback is so important, we wrote an entire article about it. Go ahead and check it out below ⬇️

https://aslbasics.com/feedback-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/

Getting the right kind of feedback can make all of the difference in the world, it could be the difference between being inspired to improve and quitting.

20/10/2023

Happy Fingerspelling Friday!

Here is a new practice video that should provide you with bit more of a challenge than usual.

3 names with 6-letters each in 60 seconds. Go ahead and give it a go 👏

👉 https://youtu.be/X6V-LEEJoBA

Test your RECEPTIVE skills in less than 60 seconds! In this video you'll see three names fingerspelled at two different speeds. When you get to the end finis...

12/10/2023

Learn ASL and other languages by building your own communicative curriculum, here’s how…
https://youtube.com/shorts/blu8E84-EEw?feature=share

Focusing on subjects of personal interest when learning a new language can significantly accelerate fluency acquisition and provide a well-defined path for language learning.

This approach harnesses the power of relevance and motivation, as your eagerness to discuss topics that matter to you drives the language learning process.

By applying your knowledge to real-life contexts, you not only reinforce your skills but also gain a deeper understanding of vocabulary and grammar in specific scenarios.

In essence, concentrating on what you want to talk about not only enhances your fluency but also offers a sense of direction, focus, and cultural insight, making the language acquisition process more enjoyable and effective.

Master ASL by embracing an autodidactic approach - become a self-learner, take initiative, and actively participate in meetings, gatherings, or events.

06/07/2023

Did you know that we have a Fingerspelling class on Skillshare?

The course has been designed to help you master the ASL alphabet while also enhancing your memory and fingerspelling abilities.

We guide you through properly signing each letter and introduce you to common variations and pitfalls to avoid.

Through a series of practice videos, you will hone your skills, developing both expressive and receptive fingerspelling proficiency.

Whether you're a beginner or seeking to refine your fingerspelling skills, we're sure you can benefit from the class.

Don't take our word for it though, check out what some of our students are saying:

"Chris gives very easy to understand examples in these lessons." - Dawn

"Thanks so much for making these lessons, they helped so much!" - Dee Dee

"This is a great introduction to fingerspelling. The course is short enough to get through in one sitting which is great when you are just beginning and are eager and curious." - Jackie

"These videos and instruction is so clear and helpful." - Jonathan

If you would like to check out our course or any other classes on Skillshare, you can use this link and get a whole month for free.

📚 https://join.skillshare.com/aff50dtp-1/?coupon=affdtp50

I personally have found a lot of value in their classes. Go ahead and give it a try if you haven't already!

With real world projects to create and online classes that fit a busy routine, Skillshare makes real learning and growth possible.

28/06/2023

Time management is an essential skill that allows us to make the most of our days, but let's not forget that life is about more than just checking off tasks on a to-do list.

In our latest article, we explore an intriguing concept that goes beyond simply organizing your daily routine.

It's a concept that has the potential to genuinely transform how you approach both your day-to-day responsibilities and your overall life, leading to a greater sense of fulfillment.

Full article: https://aslbasics.com/maximize-your-time-and-your-life/

By organizing and prioritizing activities based on the seasons of life, you can live with intentionality, forge meaningful connections, and create a life filled with purpose.

23/06/2023

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming ASL workshop, scheduled to take place on Friday, July 7th at 5:00 PM Pacific on Zoom.

https://aslbasics.com/workshops/

This workshop is all about YOU and your journey with learning sign language.

We understand that every learner faces unique challenges, and we are dedicated to addressing them head-on.

During the workshop, we will delve into your personal struggles and provide guidance on overcoming any obstacles you may currently face in your ASL learning journey and we will be there to listen, understand, and offer tailored advice to help you make progress and gain confidence in your signing skills.

By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, we aim to empower you to overcome any barriers and unlock the full potential of your ASL proficiency.

Whether you find certain grammar concepts challenging, struggle with fingerspelling, or face difficulties in expressing specific ideas, this workshop will provide you with strategies, tips, and resources to help you overcome these obstacles.

We invite you to join us on Friday, July 7th at 5:00 PM Pacific time on Zoom for an enriching workshop experience that focuses on your unique needs as an ASL learner.

Together, we will navigate through the challenges, celebrate your progress, and foster a community where everyone feels supported and encouraged.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights and personalized guidance.

We look forward to meeting you and assisting you on your journey to mastering ASL!

21/06/2023

I wanted to take a brief moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who joined our ASL group practice session last week. 🙌 Your presence and enthusiasm truly made it a fantastic experience!

If you have friends or family members who are interested in learning ASL or just want to experience the joy of practicing with a fantastic group, feel free to invite them along. The more, the merrier!

We're really looking forward to the next session which will be taking place tonight at 5:00 PM Pacific time! 🕔

If you would like to join us, we will be sending out the Zoom credentials via our newsletter later today.

If you're not already signed up for our newsletter, you can do so for free here https://stats.sender.net/forms/b8753a/view

If you'd like to learn more about what you can expect from our free weekly ASL group practice sessions, you can read more here http://aslbasics.com/asl-group-practice-sessions/

If you have any questions or need any further information, please don't hesitate to reach out.

See you soon!

21/06/2023

We wanted to take a moment to address a recent issue we've been facing since transitioning to a new platform for our newsletters. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused if you have experienced difficulties in receiving our emails lately.

To ensure you continue receiving our valuable updates, we kindly request you to take a quick moment to re-subscribe directly on our new platform. By signing up through the link, you'll be added to our mailing list and stay up-to-date with all the latest news, events, and exclusive content.

Sign up https://stats.sender.net/forms/b8753a/view

Additionally, if you haven't had the chance to subscribe to our free newsletter, we encourage you to do so today! By joining our newsletter, you'll receive a weekly email containing credentials to participate in our ASL group practice sessions on Zoom. We believe these sessions will be an incredible opportunity for you to enhance your ASL skills and connect with fellow learners. Furthermore, our newsletter is packed with helpful tips, resources, and valuable content aimed at providing maximum value and assistance to you.

We genuinely appreciate your support and understanding during this transition period. Our goal is to create a seamless experience for all our subscribers, and we're actively working to rectify any issues to ensure smooth communication going forward. Your continued trust and engagement mean the world to us, and we're committed to delivering the best possible experience.

Thank you for being a part of our community, and we look forward to serving you with even more valuable content in the future!

Warm regards,
Chris Gorges

07/06/2023

I'm excited to share with you an article that was written by a guest author Joyce Wilson. In her article she introduces you to four exciting hobbies that you can learn online while enjoying the company of friends.

As she mentions in her article, "Hobbies are fantastic for your mental and physical health, especially when you combine them with social interaction."

These benefits are only exemplified when we learn hobbies with friends, which can help us foster connection, support, and provide extra motivation.

If you would like to see which 4 hobbies she suggests and how they can benefit you, be sure to check out her article below.

👉

You can pick up all kinds of new hobbies and skills online and better yet, you can get a few friends together and commit to learning a new hobby together by taking advantage of online tools and resources to help you get started.

26/05/2023

Our next receptive fingerspelling challenge is now ready for you 🎉

This time, we've upped the ante by increasing the speed, offering a decent challenge for those looking to enhance their skills.

It might feel challenging at first, but remember, progress comes from embracing challenges and pushing beyond our comfort zones!

Feel free to share this video with friends who are up for the challenge 🤟

👉 https://youtu.be/MTLeZHV1iKY

Test your RECEPTIVE skills in less than 60 seconds! In this video you'll see three names fingerspelled at two different speeds. When you get to the end finis...

25/05/2023

"The act of sharing is an extraordinary act of generosity. When you put something out there, it's because you believe it has the potential to be helpful, entertaining, or worthwhile to someone on the other side of the screen." - Austin Kleon

📚 Over the past four years, I have enjoyed reading through over 200 books. Many of these have been quite informative while others have been incredibly transformative.

For instance, books such as The One World Schoolhouse: Education Reimagined by Salman Kahn, The Orchid and the Dandelion: Why Some Children Struggle and How All Can Thrive by W. Thomas Boyce M.D., and The Innovator’s Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity by George Couros have helped me become a more effective educator. 👨🏼‍🏫

While books such as The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel M.D., Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth PhD, and Parenting Without Boarders: Surprising Lessons Parents Around the World Can Teach Us by Christine Gross-Loh have helped me become a better father. 👨‍👩‍👧

Then there are books such as Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker PhD, Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain by John J. Ratey M.D., and The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg that have helped me improve my physical and mental health substantially. 💪

And even though I strive to share points from a few of these books from time to time, I feel like I could do a better job of sharing what I learn more often.

So as of today, I am going to make a greater effort at sharing interesting, helpful, and valuable tidbits from the books that I read with you.

To get the ball rolling, I'm happy to share with you five books that I think you will enjoy and find great value in.

👉 http://ASLbasics.com/book-recommendations/

I'm always looking for something new to read, what book would you recommend?

If you are looking for some books that will inspire you to learn something new, challenge your assumptions, and expand your horizons, you have come to the right place. I personally have been inspired to share more of what I’ve been reading and learning, thanks to Austin Kleon’s book, Show Your W...

19/05/2023

Ready for a quick challenge?

If so, be sure to check out this week's fingerspelling video... you will be presented with three names that are each 6-letters in length, and since we are now in the intermediate level, the speed is starting to ramp up a little!

Go ahead and give it a go 👉 https://youtu.be/jeSKJwC3dq0

Test your RECEPTIVE skills in less than 60 seconds! In this video you'll see three names fingerspelled at two different speeds. When you get to the end finis...

13/05/2023

Happy fingerspelling Friday everyone! Today’s practice video is going to be a little tougher than usual. The names are now 6 letters in length and the speed has been kicked up a notch. If you’re up for the challenge, go ahead and check it out now

Test your RECEPTIVE skills in less than 60 seconds! In this video you'll see three names fingerspelled at two different speeds. When you get to the end finis...

12/05/2023

I'm excited to share with you a new article on our website that is about how you can learn ANYTHING faster.

It's based on a humorous story from the book "Irresistible", and is about two brothers who have vastly different experiences during their first time bowling as kids together.

The story showcases how having a "positive emotional jolt" (or the lack of one) can have a huge impact on how you learn something new in the long run.

In the article, we break down how this story can apply to learning a new language like ASL and how you can ensure that you have a positive experience and outlook so you can ensure long term success.

You can check out the article here: https://aslbasics.com/this-bowling-story-can-help-you-learn-anything-faster/

Do you want to learn a new language, skill, or hobby faster and more enjoyably? If so, you might want to pay attention to this bowling story. It’s a story that I learned from a book called Irresistible by Adam Alter, a professor of marketing and psychology at New York University. In this book, he ...

05/05/2023

Happy Fingerspelling Friday! 🤟

Are you ready to challenge yourself and improve your receptive skills in fingerspelling?

If so, we have a new receptive fingerspelling practice video ready for you!

This video will help you practice reading fingerspelled words at different speeds and levels of difficulty.

Fingerspelling is an essential skill for any sign language user. It allows you to communicate names, places, acronyms, and other words that may not have a sign.

Practicing fingerspelling regularly will help you expand your vocabulary and become a more confident signer. 🙌

So go ahead and check out this week’s practice video and see if you can get all three names👇

https://youtu.be/cwZxmn_6VFc

Test your RECEPTIVE skills in less than 60 seconds! In this video you'll see three names fingerspelled at two different speeds. When you get to the end finis...