How to Sign “Write” in ASL: Baby Sign Language Guide

Learning how to sign write in ASL gives your child a way to communicate before words arrive. “Write” is perfect for toddlers who love scribbling. A pinched hand drags across an open palm, miming pen on paper. Most toddlers manage it between 18 and 24 months.

How to Sign “Write” in ASL

ASL sign for write, step 1: pinched hand at the start position on the open palm
ASL sign for write, step 2: pinched hand drawn across the open palm

Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

  1. Make the handshapes: Hold your non-dominant hand flat, palm up. Pinch the dominant hand.
  2. Start at the heel: Position the pinch at the wrist end of your open palm.
  3. Write across: Drag the pinch across the palm toward the fingertips.

The motion doesn’t have to be neat — toddlers’ scribbling versions are perfect.

Step-by-Step Photos

ASL sign for write, step 1: pinched hand at the start position on the open palm
Step 1: Hold your non-dominant hand flat, palm up. Pinch thumb and index finger of dominant hand.
ASL sign for write, step 2: pinched hand drawn across the open palm
Step 2: Drag the pinch across the open palm as if writing.

Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

When to Use It With Your Child

  • Drawing time: “Do you want to write?” before handing over crayons.
  • Note-writing: Sign “write” when you are writing a list or card.
  • Books about writing: Point at characters writing and sign together.

Tips for Success

  • Accept a finger dragged on any surface as an early version.
  • Combine with “draw” and “color” for a full art-session vocabulary.
  • Some toddlers mix up “write” and “draw” — show the difference side by side.

Signs Related to “Write”

“Draw” (a pinky tracing a wavy line) and “color” (wiggly fingers at the chin) round out the art vocabulary.

Fine motor signing develops alongside fine motor art skills.

More ASL Signs to Learn

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 write in ASL?

You can introduce the sign for write as early as 18–24 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 write?

Most babies begin producing a recognizable version of the sign for write 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 write the same in baby sign language programs?

Yes. Most baby sign language programs teach the authentic ASL sign for write. 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.