Learning how to sign jump in ASL gives your child a way to communicate before words arrive. “Jump” is the finger-legs springing off the palm — toddlers get it instantly. It is one of the best action signs for active kids, typically learned between 15 and 20 months.
How to Sign “Jump” in ASL
Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Make the ground: Hold one hand flat, palm up.
- Stand the legs: Place your index and middle fingertips on the palm, pointing down.
- Jump: Spring the fingers up off the palm, bending them mid-air, and land them back down.
Bend the finger-knees at the top of the jump — that little detail is what makes it “jump” rather than “get up.”
Step-by-Step Photos
Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
When to Use It With Your Child
- At jumping moments: On the bed, off the step, in the puddle — sign it right as they leap.
- As a game cue: Sign “jump” and then jump together; toddlers adore command games.
- With animals: Frogs, bunnies, and kangaroos in books all earn the sign.
Tips for Success
- Sign it while they jump, not just before — tying it to their own body builds it fastest.
- Fingers bouncing anywhere on the other hand counts at first.
- Use it in “ready, set, jump!” once “go” is solid — swapping the last word builds anticipation skills.
Signs Related to “Jump”
“Dance” swings the same finger-legs side to side, and “fall” tips them over off the palm. Active toddlers often learn this whole movement family within a few weeks of each other.
Jumping with both feet typically emerges around age two — many toddlers can sign “jump” months before their feet actually leave the ground together.
Learn more: National Association of the Deaf — ASL resources and advocacy from the National Association of the Deaf.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start teaching my baby how to sign jump in ASL?
You can introduce the sign for jump as early as 12–16 months. Babies understand signs before they can produce them, so start modeling it consistently and reward any attempt — even an approximation — with the item or action right away.
How long does it take for a baby to learn to sign jump?
Most babies begin producing a recognizable version of the sign for jump within two to four weeks of consistent daily modeling. Frequency matters more than perfect form at this stage — sign it every time the word comes up naturally in your routine.
Is the ASL sign for jump the same in baby sign language programs?
Yes. Most baby sign language programs teach the authentic ASL sign for jump. Using real ASL rather than invented gestures means your child’s signs will be understood by Deaf signers and build a foundation for learning more ASL as they grow.