To sign "notebook," you will combine the signs for "write" and "book." First, hold your non-dominant hand flat with the palm facing up. With your dominant hand, pinch your thumb and index finger together as if holding a pen, and pretend to write across your non-dominant palm. Finally, bring both hands together palm-to-palm and open them up, keeping your pinky fingers touching, just like opening a book.
Sign "I", "forget", "my", "notebook", and "home". Emphasize the compound nature of the sign by transitioning smoothly from the writing motion directly into opening the book.
Sign "Please", "write", "your", "name", "in", "notebook". You can point to the open 'book' at the end of the sign to indicate exactly where the person should write.
Sign "You", "need", "new", "notebook", "for", "class". Remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly at the end to indicate that you are asking a yes/no question.
Sign "I", "forget", "my", "notebook", and "home". Emphasize the compound nature of the sign by transitioning smoothly from the writing motion directly into opening the book.
Sign "Please", "write", "your", "name", "in", "notebook". You can point to the open 'book' at the end of the sign to indicate exactly where the person should write.
Sign "You", "need", "new", "notebook", "for", "class". Remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly at the end to indicate that you are asking a yes/no question.
Yes, 'notebook' is a compound sign made of 'write' and 'book.' While fluent signers might perform it very quickly, both parts are necessary to distinguish it from just a regular reading book.
You should always use your dominant hand to do the writing motion, just as you would hold a real pen. Your non-dominant hand acts as the paper or the base of the book.
A quick, single motion or a brief double scribble is sufficient. Because it is part of a compound sign, the 'write' portion is often shortened so you can smoothly transition into the 'book' portion.
