Plan a program for learning a particular set of common signs each week. For instance, week one may focus on family signs such as those for "father," "mother," "sister," "brother," "aunt" and "uncle." The next week, the child could learn the signs for common actions such as "eating," "drinking," "brushing teeth," "brushing hair," "bathing" and "sleeping." Remember to review the old sets of words frequently so they will be retained.
Teach the child how to use an American Sign Language dictionary if he is old enough to read and write. Looking up particular signs empowers children to take charge of their learning and reinforces their sign memory.
Purchase sign language coloring books. These coloring pages provide children with a fun and creative way of learning American Sign Language. Choose books with clear pictures and representations of signs.
Practice the American Sign Language alphabet with the child. Each letter of the alphabet has a corresponding sign. These letters may be learned in groupings in any manner you choose. It is often helpful to learn the vowels first and then the most commonly used consonants -- such as "S" and "T" -- saving the lesser used letters like "X" and "Z" for later lessons.
Immerse the child in signing environments in which no speaking is practiced for a set amount of time. According to Deaf Australia, children as young as babies will begin to "babble" on their hands and learn words from parents and others who sign just as hearing children learn to babble and eventually form verbal words from listening to speech. Give positive feedback when a child correctly signs a word or idea.