Learning how to sign remember in ASL gives your child a way to communicate before words arrive. “Remember” is the sign that brings the past forward. A thumb touches the forehead, then comes down to meet the other thumb. Most toddlers manage it between 20 and 28 months.
How to Sign “Remember” in ASL
Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Make the handshape: A-hand on both hands (fist with thumb up).
- Touch the forehead: Press the dominant thumb to your forehead.
- Bring it down: Lower the thumb to touch the upward thumb of the non-dominant A-hand.
The forehead is the memory store; bringing the thought down is “holding onto it.”
Step-by-Step Photos
Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
When to Use It With Your Child
- Before outings: “Remember the park?” before a familiar trip.
- After events: “Remember what we did today?” during bedtime.
- With books: “Remember this character?” when rereading.
Tips for Success
- Two A-hands can be simplified to a thumb-on-forehead pressed to the chest.
- The forehead location is key — “remember” starts in the mind.
- Pair with “forget” (a flat hand brushing off the forehead).
Signs Related to “Remember”
“Forget” (hand brushing off the forehead) and “think” (index finger circling at the temple) are the cognitive neighbours.
Toddlers who are frequently asked “do you remember?” have better episodic memory recall in preschool-age studies.
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 remember in ASL?
You can introduce the sign for remember as early as 20–28 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 remember?
Most babies begin producing a recognizable version of the sign for remember 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 remember the same in baby sign language programs?
Yes. Most baby sign language programs teach the authentic ASL sign for remember. 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.