Cross-language bridging' means helping students carry the same meaning between ASL and English instead of matching words one for one. Use this quick checklist during a lesson to notice what a student shows in the moment: whether they keep meaning when moving between the two languages, can link an idea signed in ASL to the right English print, and are starting to notice that the languages are structured differently. It also helps you mark how much support a student needs and points to a clear next teaching move, such as modeling ASL and English side by side or offering sentence options.
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A reference elementary teachers use to name what students do as they build ideas in ASL first, then move into English reading, writing, and discussion.
A planning template elementary teachers use to decide, step by step, where ASL and where English lead each part of a lesson and how young students show understanding.
A guide leaders use to make language planning a shared, program-wide practice, setting expectations for how ASL and English are used so student access does not depend on individual teachers.