To sign 'fairytale', you will combine the signs for 'magic' and 'story'. First, hold both hands in front of you with open, spread fingers (5-handshapes) and palms facing down. Move your hands outward and slightly upward while wiggling your fingers. Then, transition into the sign for 'story' by bringing your hands together, forming '8' handshapes (touching your thumbs and middle fingers). Touch the loops of both hands together, then pull them apart a couple of times.
To sign this, establish the time (before bed) and the action (reading to your daughter), then use the compound sign for 'fairytale'. Ensure the magical wiggling motion is distinct from the pulling motion of 'story'.
When signing this, use 'fairytale' to describe the magical, perfect atmosphere of the wedding. You can emphasize the first half of the sign (the wiggling fingers) to really highlight the enchanting, dream-like quality of the event.
Sign 'believe' and then 'fairytale'. Since this is a yes/no question, remember to keep your eyebrows raised and lean forward slightly while signing 'fairytale' at the end of the sentence to prompt a response.
To sign this, establish the time (before bed) and the action (reading to your daughter), then use the compound sign for 'fairytale'. Ensure the magical wiggling motion is distinct from the pulling motion of 'story'.
When signing this, use 'fairytale' to describe the magical, perfect atmosphere of the wedding. You can emphasize the first half of the sign (the wiggling fingers) to really highlight the enchanting, dream-like quality of the event.
Sign 'believe' and then 'fairytale'. Since this is a yes/no question, remember to keep your eyebrows raised and lean forward slightly while signing 'fairytale' at the end of the sentence to prompt a response.
If you are already talking about princesses, dragons, and castles, signing just 'story' might be understood by context. However, adding the 'magic' sign beforehand specifically clarifies that it is a fairytale rather than just a regular fictional book.
The '8' handshape (where your thumbs and middle fingers touch) is the standard and most widely recognized way to sign 'story' in ASL. While you might occasionally see some signers use an 'F' handshape, sticking to the '8' handshape is highly recommended for beginners.
Usually, pulling your hands apart two times is sufficient to convey the meaning of 'story' in this compound sign. You don't need to overdo it; a quick, double pulling motion is the natural, conversational way to complete the sign.
