classical conversations cycle 1 history sentence motions · links to signsavvy.com are included...

Classical Conversations

Cycle 1 History Sentence Motions

Modified from SchoolCorner on CCConnected | Modified C1 Hand Motions from BloomingtonILTutors and

includes Official Timeline Motions

History Sentence Hand Motion Details:

1. Whenever possible, these History Sentence motions utilize the Timeline motions used by

the Lincoln Northeast CC community.

2. If no Timeline motion applies, ASL official signs were used whenever possible. Links to

SignSavvy.com are included next to the motion; copy and paste these links to see a video

demonstration of the ASL sign. ASL signs are labeled like so, (ASL for cliff).

3. Finally, when no Timeline motions apply, or if a given ASL signs is not intuitive or too

complicated for the pace of the song, ‘fun’ motions are used.

Parent Recommendation: The goal of hand motions is to aid in learning and to help the

grammar “stick.” When using any memory aid, use your best judgment for which motions to

use each week. This will depend on your child(ren)’s age range and bent. Each week, motions

might be added or some ignored.

Tutor Recommendations: During Grammar Time, begin by reading the sentence to the class.

This is a good time to go over proper pronunciation. Teach the student each motion

individually before moving to the song. Then run through the song with motions, multiple

times in order to reach the goal of 7 History Sentence recitations.

Note that, more often than not, the spoken sentence goes more quickly than the song, so

sometimes you can skip the motions during the spoken portion and wait until the song

portion to move.

When writing out the weekly grammar on the board, consider underlining the words, which

have an assigned motion as a visual indicator for the classroom.

History Sentence Resource:

- The At Home Sharing Center contains each History Sentence mp3 with the song only

(unlike the CD, which has the spoken word and song). These are posted by username:

foundations (W1-12) and fmoderator1 (W1324).

- Additionally, Cycle 1 History Highlights are available on CC Connected for all weeks, which

provide an in-depth look at History Sentences.

C1 Week 1 – Timeline Card 18

Tell me about commandments 1-5.

Thou shalt...

1. Have no other gods before me. • Hold up index finger on right hand.

2. Not make unto thee any graven image. • Turn index finger on right hand inward. Hold up index finger on left hand facing the other

finger (your image).

3. Not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. • Hold up 3 fingers and cover your mouth.

4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. • Four fingers on one hand lay down on the other palm-up hand (as if the fingers rest).

5. Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land

the Lord thy God giveth thee. • 5-hand, tip of thumb taps forehead (ASL for father)

http://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/FATHER/3440/1

• 5-hand moves to chin, tip of thumb taps chin (ASL for mother).

http://www.signingsavvy.com/search/mother


Tell me about commandments 6-10.

Thou shalt...

6. Not kill. • 5 fingers up on one hand and 1 finger on the other. Aim 1 finger towards the others.

7. Not commit adultery. • 5 fingers up on L hand and 2 on R other. Point 2 fingers at the ring finger on L hand

8. Not steal. • Pretend to steal the 3 fingers on one hand with the 5 on the other.

9. Not bear false witness against thy neighbor. • Hold up 5 fingers on one hand. Hold up 4 fingers on the other hand but face them away

from the five so that the thumb is telling lies behind the others’ backs.

10. Not covet. • Hold up 10 fingers and grab – like you want what someone else has.

C1 Week 3 – Timeline Cards 20, 32, 33, 34, 39

Tell me about the Greek and Roman gods.

Greek gods Roman gods

Zeus Jupiter

Hera Juno

Ares Mars

Aphrodite Venus

Artemis Diana

Hermes Mercury

• Greek: Right palm-left G-hand begins at forehead and traces the contour of the nose.

(Timeline for “Greek”)

• Roman: Right R repeated once. (Timeline for “Roman”)

• Zeus/Jupiter: Point to sky. (gods of sky)

• Hera/Juno: Point to wedding ring. (goddesses of marriage)

• Ares/Mars: Palm-in curved 5-hands move from side to side representing the advance and

retreat of contending forces. (Timeline, see War)

• Aphrodite/Venus: Place palm-in hands on heart. (goddess of love)

• Artemis/Diana: Shoot an arrow at the moon. (goddess of hunting/moon)

• Hermes/Mercury: Phone-hand to ear. (messenger god)


Tell me about the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World are: the Great Pyramids, Hanging

Gardens, Temple of Artemis, Statue of Zeus, the Mausoleum, Pharos

Lighthouse, and Colossus of Rhodes.

• Wonders: Palm-in 1-hands move in small, alternating circles near the temples. Ancient:

Right palm-left A hand, begins at chin and moves down in a wavy fashion.

• Great Pyramids: Right palm-out X-hand, rests against forehead representing the asp in the

headdress of the pharaohs.

• The Hanging Gardens: Left palm-up flat-hand. Right palm---‐down L, touches left

fingertips, then left heel of hand.

• Temple of Artemis: Shoot an arrow to the moon. (See History Sentence C1W3)

• Statue of Zeus: Point to sky. (See History Sent C1W3)

• Mausoleum: Two arms straight up above head, like a tall tomb.

• Pharos Lighthouse: O-hands, fingertips touch at shoulder-level, spread to open as hands lift

up and transitions to palm-out hands, fingers spread wide. (ASL for bright)

https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/LIGHT/5590/1

• Colossus of Rhodes: Stand with legs wide shoulder distance apart, hand up holding a torch.

C1 Week 5 – Timeline Cards 25, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 47, 56

Tell me about the split of the Roman Empire.

The Roman Republic fought the Punic Wars, which were followed by the Pax

Romana. In 286 AD, the empire divided into the Western and Eastern empires

until Germanic barbarians defeated the Western Empire, in 476 AD.

• Roman Republic: Right S hand over heart. (Timeline, see Roman Republic)

• Punic Wars: Right hand crosses down and over, as if to fight. Same with left and then right

again (symbolizing there were three wars.) (Timeline, see Punic Wars)

• Pax Romana: P-hands, left in front of right begin at chin and separate downward.

• Divided: Flat-hands crossed with right little finger resting on left index finger. Both hands

drop down and separate.

• Western and Eastern: Right W and Left E.

• Barbarians: With a fierce face and elbows out, palm-in fists in front of waistline.

• Western: Right W begins at right and moves horizontally to the left (west).


Tell me about the fall of Rome.

Taxes, slavery, unemployment and diseases all contributed to the fall of Rome.

• Taxes: Rub fingers together, motioning money.

• Slavery: Palm-down S-hands crossed at wrists.

• Unemployment: Pretend to pull pockets out, to indicate no money.

• Diseases: Place the back of hand to the forehead, to indicate a fever.

• Fall of Rome: Palm-down hands begin at shoulder level and push down towards the

ground. Right R.

Optional: On the last “fall,” the whole body falls to the ground.

C1 Week 7 – Timeline Card 15, 28

Tell me about Hinduism.

Hinduism, founded around 1500 BC, teaches Brahman is the “one great spirit”

and that people are divided into castes. Founded around 530 BC, Buddhism

teaches that Siddhartha was the “enlightened one.”

• Hinduism: Hands down in front with palms up (picture on timeline card). (Timeline, see

Hinduism)

• Brahman: B-hand

• ”One great spirit”: 1-hand.

• Divided: Flat-hands crossed with right little finger resting on left index finger. Both hands

drop down and separate.

• Castes: Right palm-down flat-hand, slides right 3-4 times as it moves up the class system.

• Buddhism: Right P-hand circles three times near right temple.

• Siddhartha: S-hand

• Enlightened one: Jazz hands near head.

C1 Week 8 – Timeline Cards 15, 36, 49, 125, 145

Tell me about the Age of Imperialism.

During the Age of Imperialism, the British established rule over India in 1858,

and Queen Victoria was declared the Empress of India in 1877. Before his

assassination in 1948, Mohandas Gandhi led the passive resistance movement,

which helped win India’s independence.

• During the Age of Imperialism: Pretend to bang cymbals together (to imitate the sound

effect).

• British: Right hand clasps little finger side of left palm-down flat hand and shakes as if

shaking a hand.

• Rule: Palms-facing A-hands move alternately back and forth as if holding the reins over all.

• India: Right index finger points to the mid-forehead.

• Victoria: Right V.

• Empress: Place a pretend crown on your head.

• Gandhi: Right G.

• Passive Resistance: Show the peace sign.

• India’s: Right index finger points to the mid-forehead.

• Independence: Palm-in I-hands crossed at wrists in front of chest arc out to palm-out I-

hands shoulder width apart.


Tell me about Confucius.

Confucius, who lived from 551 BC to 479 BC, taught obedience and respect.

Taoism means “The Path” and emphasizes harmony with nature.

• Confucius: Point to head, like thinking. (Timeline, see Lao-Tzu, Confucius and Buddha)

• 551 BC to 479 BC: Two hands palm to palm, one hand moves to the right, while the other

stays stationary to indicate a span of time.

• Obedience: Thumbs up.

• Respect: Salute with like a solider.

• Taoism: T-hand.

• “The Path”: Use both hands to make a winding path in front of body.

• Harmony: Bring hands together and interlace hands.

C1 Week 10 – Timeline Card 64, 76, 99, 124

Tell me about the Heian Empire.

As the Heian government weakened in Japan, Shoguns began to rule and

expelled all foreigners during the period of isolation. Circa 1853, Commodore

Matthew Perry of the U.S. restored trade, allowing the Meiji to modernize Japan.

• Heian: H-hand.

• Japan: Index fingers and thumbs of palm-in Gs touch in the middle and then separate

outward and close as if tracing the island.

• Shoguns: Right hand draws an imaginary sword from left sided sheath.

• Expelled: Point to the door.

• Isolation: Hands up in front of face, palms in. (Timeline, Japan's isolation)

• U.S.: The fingers of both hands are interlocked and move in a semi-circle from left to right

in front of the body.

• Trade: Flattened O-hands alternate moving toward and away from body.

• Meiji: M-hand.

• Japan: Index fingers and thumbs of palm-in Gs touch in the middle and then separate

outward and close as if tracing the island.

C1 Week 11 – Timeline Cards 48, 57, 69, 72

Tell me about the Byzantine Empire.

In 313 AD, Byzantine Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity. Emperor

Justinian’s Code gave rights to all men. After Basil II and the Golden Age,

Muslim Turks conquered parts of the Byzantine Empire, which led to the

Crusades.

• Byzantine: Right B.

• Constantine legalized Christianity: form a cross with fingers (Timeline, Constantine

legalizes Christianity)

• Emperor Justinian: Hands together bring index fingers together to form a steeple. (Timeline,

Byzantine Emperor Justinian)

• Basil II: Two fingers up on one hand, bring to cover eyes. (Timeline, Byzantine Emperor

Basil II)

• Conquered: Fist punches open palm.

• Crusades: Index fingers make a cross over your heart. Move cross forward (as if going into

a holy battle).

Optional: During the “History” part alternate bending knees and standing up tall on each “history.”

C1 Week 12 – Timeline Card 59, 61, 62, 80

Tell me about the Muslim Empire.

In 622 AD, the Muslim Empire’s religion was founded by Muhammad, who

worshiped Allah. The Ottoman Empire expanded the Muslim empire until

weakness forced westernization.

• Muslim: R index and middle fingers bent strike left palm-up flat hand twice, as if kneeling

to pray.

• Muhammad: M-hand.

• Ottoman: Hands make circle above head (like hat pictured). (Timeline, Ottoman Empire)

• Expanded: Open palm-in hands expand from the body out.

• Muslim: R index and middle fingers bent strike left palm-up flat hand twice, as if kneeling

to pray.

• Westernization: Right W begins at right and moves horizontally to the left (west).

C1 Week 13 – Timeline Cards 11

Tell me about the Kush.

The Kush mined gold along the Nile River from 2000 BC to 350 AD. The Berbers

traded gold, iron, and salt in the desert.

• Kush: Right K.

• Gold: Right index finger points to earlobe. Then right Y- hand twists back and forth.

• River: Palm-down R-hands move away from body while bouncing like waves.

• 2000 BC to 350 AD: Two hands palm to palm, one hand moves to the right, while the other


• Berbers: B-hand.

• Traded: Flat O-hands alternate moving toward and away from body.

• Iron: Point index finger on one hand, pinky is “sharpened” back and forth on the index

finger. (ASL for iron) https://www.signingsavvy.com/search/iron)

• Salt: Pretend to use a saltshaker over an open palm-up hand.

• Desert: Fan face with an open palm.

C1 Week 14 – Timeline Cards 60, 73, 89

Tell me about the Songhai.

In the 1400s, the Songhai ruled Timbuktu. The Zanj were skilled craftsmen and

traders. The Zimbabweans were wealthy, skillful stone craftsmen.

• Songhai: write in air (Timeline, Songhai in Africa)

• Timbuktu: T-hand

• Zanj: Rub fingers together, money. (Timeline, Zanj...)

• Craftsmen: One fist scraps across flat palm-up hand from heel to fingertips.

https://www.signingsavvy.com/search/carpenter

• Traders: (trade) Flat O-hands alternate moving toward and away from body.

• Zimbabweans: Z- hand.

• Wealthy: Pretend to rub money between fingers.

• Stone: One fist taps top of palm-down hand two times.

https://www.signingsavvy.com/search/stone


Tell me about Henry the Navigator.

In the 1400s, Henry the Navigator established colonial rule in Africa, leading to

slave trade between the Portuguese and the Ashanti.

• Henry the Navigator: Right P begins at left shoulder and moves diagonally to right hip.

Both hands steer the wheel of the boat.

• Rule: Palms-facing A-hands move alternately back and forth as if holding the reins over all.

• Slave: Palm-down S-hands crossed at wrists.

• Portuguese: P-hand.

• Ashanti: A-hand.

C1 Week 16 – Timeline Card 17, 37, 74

Tell me about the civilizations of Mesoamerica.

Three of the advanced civilizations of Mesoamerica from 1200 BC to 1500 AD

were the Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs.

• Three: 3-hand.

• Advanced: Two bent palms move from waist out to show advancement.

https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/ADVANCE/8504/1



• Olmecs: Right O-hand traces the outline of your head.

• Mayans: (see: pyramid) Palms-facing flat hands trace the steps up, in, up, and in to the top

of the pyramid.

• Aztecs: Index fingers form the peak of a pyramid and then trace the shape of the pyramid

moving down and out and back to the middle.

Optional: Count on three fingers, one at a time when the singers say, “Olmecs, Mayans, and the

Aztecs”.


Tell me about the Aztecs.

The Aztecs used pyramids in rituals of human sacrifice. Their civilization began

to fall when Hernan Cortes of Spain defeated Montezuma in 1519.

• Aztecs: Index fingers form the peak of a pyramid and then trace the shape of the pyramid

moving down and out and back to the middle.

• Rituals: Two R-hands reverse back drawing a pyramid touching at the peak.

• Fall: Palm-down hands begin at shoulder level and push down towards the ground.

• Cortes: C-hand.

• Spanish: Curved index fingers touch the shoulders and then move in to interlock

(representing a bullfighter’s cape fastened across the chest).

• Defeat: Right wrist of palm-down S strikes left wrist of palm-down S.

• Montezuma: M-hand zooms across the body.

Optional: Spin around every time the song says, “In 1519.”


Tell me about the Mound Builders.

Circa 1000 BC to 1450 AD, three North American mound-building civilizations

were the Adena, the Hopewell, and the Mississippians.

• 1000 BC to 1450 AD: Two palm-in hands together, one hand moves to the right, while the

other stays stationary to indicate a span of time.

• Three: 3-hand.

• Mound-Building: Pretend to shovel dirt and toss over one shoulder.

• Adena: A-hand or two O-hands to refer to the Ohio Valley, where the Adena resided.

• Hopewell: H-hand (or clasp hands, tilt head and look at the sky with a hopeful expression.

• Mississippians: M-hand or two palm-down R-hands move away from body while

bouncing like waves.


Tell me about the Anasazi.

The Anasazi of the southwestern United States* built adobe villages on the sides

of cliffs from 500 BC to 1200 AD. *U.S.-in the songs

• Anasazi: Right A.

• Southwestern: Imagine a giant US map in front of your kids. Point both hands down to the

right towards the southwest.

• Built: Palm-down flat-hands are placed repeatedly on top of each other to represent

something being built.

• Villages: Use fingers to trace out a village horizon.

• Cliffs: Hold one palm-down hand held at eye-level, while the other hand palm-down

begins at the wrist and moves “off the cliff” and then falls down to waist level. See:

https://www.signingsavvy.com////sign/CLIFF/5646/1



Optional: When the background singers say, “The Anasazi” bend knees down and move up to the right

then down and up to the left every time they say “The Anasazi.”


Tell me about the Mexican Revolution.

Circa 1910, during the Mexican Revolution, Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata

fought the federales for “Land and Liberty.”

• Mexican Revolution: hold fisted hands out in front of you with the thumb up and pointer

finger out in front and alternate rocking back and forth (symbolizing guns used in the revolt).

(Timeline, Mexican Revolution)

• Pancho Villa: V-hand.

• Emiliano Zapata: Z-hand.

• Fought: Shadowbox

• Federales: Salute like a government solider.

https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/CLIFF/5646/1

• Land and Liberty: Two L-hands point to the ceiling in a circular motion, while you

shimmy your shoulders

C1 Week 21 – Timeline Cards 85, 102

Tell me about the exploration of Canada.

John Cabot and Samuel de Champlain explored Canada and the St. Lawrence

River. Creation of the Hudson’s Bay Company, in 1670, eventually led to war

between Britain and France. The maple leaf is the symbol of Canada.

• Cabot and Champlain: Two C-hands.

• Canada: Right hand grasps the lapel of an overcoat to represent the heavy coat that would

be worn.

• River: Palm-down R-hands move away from body while bouncing like waves.

• Hudson’s Bay: Use pointer fingers, pointing up on both hands and alternate rocking back

and forth. (Timeline see Hudson’s Bay Company)

• Britain: Right hand clasps little finger side of left palm-down shakes as if shaking a hand.

• France: Right F turned inward to palm-in.

• Leaf: Hold up your hand palm-out and spread out fingers to resemble the large maple leaf.

Trace the leaf with other finger.


Tell me about the British North America Act (1867).

The British North America Act established the Dominion of Canada. The

Canadians gained total independence from Britain in 1982. French is spoken in

the province of Quebec.

• British North America Act: (As in writing) Right hand writes on left palm-up flat hand.

• Dominion of Canada: Take a bold stance by placing hands on hips, feet shoulder-width

apart. Stomp one foot. Right hand grasps the lapel of an overcoat to represent the heavy coat

that would be worn during the cold Canadian winters.



• Britain: Right hand clasps little finger side of left palm-down shakes as if shaking a hand.

• French: Right F turned inward to palm-in.

• Spoken: Touch index fingers on the corners of the mouth and ark fingers away from

mouth.

• Quebec: Q-hand


Tell me about the liberation of South America.

In the early 1800s, San Martin of Argentina,* O’Higgins of Chile, and Simon

Bolivar of Venezuela* fought to liberate South America from Spain*.

• San Martin: M-hand

• O’Higgins: O-hand

• Simon Bolivar: B-hand

• Liberate: Palm-in S-hands crossed at wrists. Arms twist and pull apart as if you are

breaking free from being tied up.

• South: Right S hand is moved straight down, indicating the direction of south on a map.

• Spain: Curved index fingers touch the shoulders and then move in to interlock

(representing a bullfighter’s cape fastened across the chest).

Optional: Every time they say *They Fought* by hopping into a boxing stance and putting up fists.


Tell me about Napoleon.

When Napoleon threatened the Portuguese Empire, King John VI fled to Brazil.

His son, Dom Pedro, granted Brazil independence in 1822.

• Napoleon: Right N.

• Threatened: One hand on hip while the other wags a finger all with a stern face.

• King: Pretend to put a crown on.

• Brazil: B-hand.

• Son: Pretend to cradle a baby.

• Brazil: B-hand.



classical conversations cycle 1 history sentence motions · links to signsavvy.com are included...

Documents