HOLME – Sunshine Sign and Sing

When viewing video tutorials, flashcards, or other Key Word Sign (KWS) resources, it can be overwhelming and difficult to determine how to execute the sign correctly.

A helpful approach is to break down the sign and focus on each of the components or parameters that make it up. An acronym that provides an easy reminder of all the components of a sign is HOLME:

Hand shape
Orientation
Location
Movement
Expression and Non Manual Features

Hand shape

Key Word Sign borrows signs from Auslan (Australian Sign Language), which includes 38 major handshapes and another 28 variations. One or both hands may be used to execute a sign, so it’s important to note whether the handshapes are the same or different.

For example, observe which fingers, if any, are extended. Is the hand flat, clawed, or in a fist? Are any fingers touching, and if so, which ones? Are they forming a specific shape, such as a circle? Are the hands working together in some way?

Additionally, it’s helpful to practice in front of a mirror or record yourself to ensure accuracy. By paying attention to these details, you can better understand and replicate the correct handshape for each sign, thereby improving your proficiency and confidence in using Key Word Sign.

Download our free handshapes poster today to get familiar with 21 of the more common handshakes used in Key Word Sign. Click here to download today.

Additionally, observe the initial handshape shown in the video tutorial or flashcard, as it may change during the execution of the sign.

For instance, in the Key Word Sign for “please,” the handshape transitions from a flat hand to a fist with the thumb extended. Paying attention to these changes will help ensure you perform the sign accurately.

Different hand shapes with all other components being the same can alter the meaning of a sign, or make it impossible for the sign to be understood. A pair of signs that has only one component different is called a minimal pair. Below is a minimal pair for Hand shape:

Orientation

Orientation refers to the positioning of your palm during a specific sign. This encompasses various directions, such as facing outwards, inwards, horizontally, to the left, to the right, upwards, downwards, with the palm facing down, or with the palm facing up.

Similar to handshape, the orientation of your hands may shift during the movement of the sign. For instance, in the sign “family,” your palms initially face away from you, but as the movement progresses, they eventually face towards you.

Different orientation with all other components being the same can alter the meaning of a sign, or make it impossible for the sign to be understood. Below is a minimal pair for orientation:

Location

In Key Word Sign (KWS), location refers to where a sign is made on or near the body. Most signs are positioned on the face, trunk, or signing space just in front of the body to ensure they are clear and easy to see for both the signer and the person watching.

Some signs can also be moved to a more meaningful location to enhance understanding. For example, the sign for sock is usually made in front of the body but makes more sense—especially for children—when signed near the feet, where socks are worn.

The location of a sign often reflects its meaning. Some signs are placed where they naturally relate to the body, such as:

Weather signs like sun, cloud, and sky are made above the head because that’s where we see the weather.
Food and taste signs like eat, sweet, and sour are signed near the mouth, as that’s where we experience taste.
Thinking-related signs like remember, worried, and think are made near the temple, linking them to the brain.

While most signs are placed in front of the body for clarity and visibility, understanding why certain signs have specific locations can make them easier to remember and use effectively.

Pay attention to the initial location of your hand(s) when beginning a sign.

Similar to handshape and orientation, the location of your hand(s) may often change during movement.

For instance, in the sign for “dolphin,” the flat hand bounces along in front of you, ending at the other side of your body.

Different locations with all other components being the same can alter the meaning of a sign, or make it impossible for the sign to be understood. Below is a minimal pair for location:

Movement

In executing many signs, either one or both hands may need to move. In a one-handed sign, your dominant hand takes the lead, while in a two-handed sign with only one moving, it’s still your dominant hand that undertakes the movement. Common movements include circling, moving up and down, forward and backward, tapping, swaying back and forth, and wiggling.

During the execution of a sign the handshape may also change, the example of the please above shows the handshape going from a flat hand to a sideways thumbs up as the fingers curl into the hand.

Ensure you observe the movement of each hand closely. Sometimes, the non-dominant hand remains stationary while the dominant hand executes the movement, while in other instances, both hands may move simultaneously or alternately.

For example, in the sign for “grass,” the non-dominant hand remains static while the dominant hand performs the movement.

Pay attention to signs that involve multiple movements.

In the sign for “grass,” for instance, the hand not only moves across the body but also wiggles the fingers, mimicking grass blowing in the wind.

Similarly, in the sign for “shell,” the dominant hand moves away from the non-dominant hand, twists, and bunches fingers simultaneously.

The movement parameter also includes the speed at which the sign is executed. For instance, the sign for “fast” is performed quickly, while the sign for “slow” is done slowly. However, other signs can vary in speed depending on the context, such as indicating a fast or slow race or crash.

Additionally, the movement may change to account for directionality or placement. For example, the sign for “sit” can be performed in front of you or off to the side to indicate where you want the person to sit. Other signs where directionality is important include “go,” “give,” and “help.”

Different handshapes, even when all other components are the same, can change the meaning of a sign or make it unintelligible. A pair of signs that differ by only one component is called a minimal pair. Below is an example of a minimal pair for movement:

Expression

Not every sign requires expressions, but they often help when a sign indicates an emotion or when the word has an associated feeling. Expressions can make our communication more lively, like in regular conversations.

Besides facial expressions, body movements or other non-manual features can also enhance signs. For instance, when we sign “yes” or “no,” nodding for “yes” or shaking our head for “no” might be required. Additionally, when asking questions, our face often shows it, and for signs like “sandwich,” making a questioning face can indicate asking if someone wants a sandwich.

When signing danger, you may look scared, shocked or urgent as you would when warning someone of danger.

Different expressions with all other components being the same can alter the meaning of a sign. Below is a minimal pair for expression:

Hopefully, the HOLME acronym will serve as a helpful tool to remember how to execute the signs. However, remember not to worry too much or overthink it! Our flashcards and video tutorials provide all the necessary information to support you on your signing journey. So, dive in, practice, and enjoy the process of learning Children’s Key Word Sign!