Signing Naturally Homework 9.11, "The Incident," focuses on using role-shifting and spatial agreement to narrate an interaction between a driver and a police officer. The assignment tests the ability to manage multiple characters in 3D space, requiring clear body shifts, eye gaze, and agreement verbs to depict the narrative's setup, violation, and resolution. For more information on this curriculum, visit the DawnSignPress website.
Mastering ASL: A Guide to Completing Signing Naturally Homework 9.11
If you are a student of American Sign Language (ASL), you know that the Signing Naturally curriculum is the gold standard for immersive learning. However, as you progress into Unit 9, the complexity of spatial agreement and storytelling increases significantly. Homework 9.11 is often cited by students as a challenging milestone because it requires a synthesis of several advanced grammatical concepts.
In this guide, we will break down the core components of Homework 9.11 to help you master the material and improve your fluency. What is Covered in Unit 9.11?
Unit 9 focuses primarily on "Describing Places," and Section 9.11 specifically hones in on giving directions and describing layouts from the signer's perspective. The homework typically involves:
Spatial Agreement: Ensuring your signs correspond to the actual physical location of the places you are describing.
Relative Distance: Using non-manual markers (NMMs) to indicate how far or close a destination is.
The Signer's Perspective: Maintaining a consistent "mental map" so the person watching you can follow the route. Key Concepts to Review Before You Start signing naturally homework 9.11
To succeed in this assignment, you should be comfortable with the following ASL techniques: 1. Spatial Mapping
When you describe a neighborhood or a floor plan in 9.11, you aren't just signing words; you are drawing a map in the air. Remember that once you establish a point in space (e.g., "the pharmacy is on the left"), that point remains there for the duration of the conversation. 2. Non-Manual Markers (NMMs) for Distance
Your face does half the work in this unit. Pay close attention to:
"cs" (cheek-to-shoulder): Indicates that a place is very close or "just right there."
"mm" (lips pursed): Indicates a moderate or average distance.
"cha" (mouth slightly open): Indicates that a place is far away. 3. Trace the Route
In Homework 9.11, you are often asked to follow a specific path. Use your index finger to "trace" the street or hallway before identifying the landmarks along the way. Tips for Success on the Homework 9.11 Video Exercises Signing Naturally Homework 9
Most students struggle with the receptive portion of the homework (watching the DVD or online portal and answering questions). Here is how to approach it:
Don’t Look for Individual Signs: If you focus only on the hand shapes, you’ll miss the "big picture." Try to visualize the room or street the signer is describing in your own mind.
Watch the Eye Gaze: In ASL, the signer’s eyes often track the path they are describing. If their eyes move to the right, that’s a cue that the next landmark is located in that direction.
Identify the Reference Point: Most directions in 9.11 start from a common starting point (like a front door or a specific intersection). Always identify the "point of origin" first. Common Vocabulary in Unit 9.11
Make sure you have these signs polished before recording your own responses or taking the quiz: Corner (various types: inside corner vs. outside corner) Across from Next to Turn right/left Traffic light / Stop sign Floor / Level (for building descriptions) Conclusion
Homework 9.11 is all about perspective. It moves you away from simple vocabulary and into the realm of spatial logic—the heart of ASL grammar. By practicing your spatial agreement and mastering your distance NMMs, you’ll find that "describing places" becomes much more intuitive.
Keep practicing, keep signing, and don't be afraid to rewind the video multiple times to catch those subtle spatial cues! Overview Homework 9
Homework 9.11 practices vocabulary and conversational skills from Unit 9 of Signing Naturally, focusing on discussing plans, daily routines, and sequencing events. This assignment emphasizes accurate classifiers, appropriate nonmanual signals, and smooth transitions between sentences.
Practice "Backwards Chaining" Don't try to memorize the whole paragraph at once. Start with the last sentence. Sign it until you are comfortable. Then sign the second-to-last sentence, followed by the last one. Build the story from the end to the beginning. This ensures the end of your story is just as strong as the beginning.
Record Yourself (Even if it’s awkward) It is painful to watch yourself on video, but it is the only way to catch errors.
If you are currently working through Signing Naturally: Level 1, you have officially entered the "big leagues." By the time you reach Unit 9, you aren't just memorizing vocabulary anymore—you are learning how to tell a story.
Homework 9.11 is often considered a major milestone for ASL 1 students. It usually focuses on narrative structure, specifically the "Step-by-Step" process of describing how to do something or how something works.
If you are feeling stuck or overwhelmed by the narrative requirements of 9.11, don't panic. Here is a breakdown of what your teacher is looking for and how to nail this assignment.