Best Sign Language Workbook for Beginners (2026): 5 Picks

Hands move, meaning lands: learning to sign starts with a book that shows the shapes clearly. These best sign language workbook for beginners picks were compared by teaching approach, page count, video extras and publication date.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Barron's ASL by Stewart	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Signing Made Easy by Butterworth	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Signing Everyday Phrases by Flodin	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon
4	ASL for Beginners by Hollis	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon
5	ASL for Beginners 5 in 1 by Sheeley	9.4/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Barron's ASL by Stewart

David A. Stewart Ed.D.·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 704-page ASL 1 and 2 course with online video quizzes and a final video exam, for beginners who want classroom-grade structure; skip it if you want a slim phrasebook.

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Pros

• 704 pages covering ASL 1 and 2
• Online graded video practice quizzes plus a final video exam
• Includes Deaf culture and community topics, per the description

Cons

• Reading age of 1 year and up is unusually broad
• No grade level is stated on the listing
• Classroom-grade depth may overwhelm casual learners

2

Signing Made Easy by Butterworth

Rod R. Butterworth·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A text and workbook in one teaching SEE (Signing Exact English) with drills, for learners who want English sentence format; skip it if you want ASL specifically.

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Pros

• Text and workbook in one volume
• Teaches SEE in English sentence format
• Drills and practice exercises included, per the description

Cons

• No reading age or grade level is stated
• 1989 publication date, earlier than the other picks
• SEE differs from ASL, which may confuse ASL learners

3

Signing Everyday Phrases by Flodin

Mickey Flodin·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

More than 3,400 illustrated signs in a revised edition, for learners building everyday phrase vocabulary; skip it if you want a step-by-step course.

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Pros

• More than 3,400 signs, revised edition
• 32 pages of all-new signs for the digital age
• Illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions

Cons

• No reading age or grade level is stated
• Phrase reference rather than a structured course
• 2007 publication date, earlier than the 2021 and 2025 picks

4

ASL for Beginners by Hollis

Nora Hollis·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A visual ASL guide with step-by-step lessons and a video course, for beginners learning to connect with loved ones; skip it if you want a print-only book.

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Pros

• Step-by-step visual lessons with a video course
• 2025 publication date
• 120 pages keeps the commitment small

Cons

• No reading age or grade level is stated
• 120 pages, fewer than the longer picks
• Relies on a video course alongside the book

5

ASL for Beginners 5 in 1 by Sheeley

Natasha R. Sheeley·9.4/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Five ASL guides in one 138-page volume, for beginners who want a compact bundle; skip it if you want video practice.

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Pros

• Five ASL guides in one volume
• 138 pages, published January 8, 2025
• Simple, fast approach for everyday use, per the description

Cons

• No reading age or grade level is stated
• 138 pages across five guides means short sections each
• No video practice is stated on the listing

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More picks to compare

• Sign Language Conversations by CollinsBeginner ASL dialogues and vocabulary practice, ages 3 to 5.Check on Amazon
• ABC Sign and Color by HallColoring book teaching ASL signs, ages 3 to 7.Check on Amazon
• ASL Trace and Sign WorkbookTrace and sign the ASL alphabet with worksheets, 60 pages.Check on Amazon
• ASL for Adult Beginners 3 in 1Three ASL books in one for adult beginners, 190 pages.Check on Amazon
• ASL for Beginners 7 in 1 by ShellySeven ASL guides in one, for busy beginners, 132 pages.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 23 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level. One of the five picks states a reading age; the other four state none. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best sign language workbook for beginners

SEE or ASL

Signing Made Easy teaches SEE, Signing Exact English in English sentence format, while the other four teach ASL. Pick the system your conversation partners use.

Video extras

Barron’s includes online graded video quizzes and a final video exam, and the Hollis guide pairs lessons with a video course. The other three picks are print-only.

Before you buy

• Check the system: one pick teaches SEE, the others teach ASL.
• Compare page counts: the picks run from 120 to 704 pages.
• Note that only one listing states a reading age.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between SEE and ASL?

Signing Made Easy teaches SEE, signing in English sentence format. The other four picks teach American Sign Language.

Which pick has the highest page count?

Barron’s American Sign Language at 704 pages, with video quizzes and a final exam.

Are there sign language workbooks for kids?

ABC Sign and Color is a coloring book for ages 3 to 7, and the Remedia conversations book lists ages 3 to 5.

Still deciding? Our top pickBarron's ASL by Stewart

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Related lists

See every reading and phonics list and all workbooks and homeschool lists.

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