NZSL Beginner Level 1

Our Beginner Level 1 Certificate Program offers a structured pathway through foundational skills, designed to build upon each level progressively.

Progression Requirements: Complete each level in order.
Level 1 → Level 1B → Level 1C → Level 1D. (After Level 1D, you can enroll in Intermediate courses.)

Level
1

Beginner

Outcomes:
Foundations of NZSL; culture and community; concepts > words; facial expressions; everyday phrases.

Format:
6–7 weekly classes (60–90 mins).

Includes:
Practice sheets, video examples, tutor feedback.

Course Completion Certification:
Beginner 1 – Bronze
Beginner Level 1 Certificate

E-certificates are awarded upon completion of each level, provided you attend at least 80% of the sessions.

Important Notes:
These are non-credit courses aimed at personal and professional development.  All courses are accessible to learners of all backgrounds.

Course Structure:

NZSL Level 1A – Unit 1-3
‍
Introduction to core concepts. Required to progress.

Introduces basic vocabulary and simple phrases, focusing on greetings and everyday expressions, with an emphasis on visual communication and non-manual signals.


Unit 1: Meeting and Greeting

  • Exchange greetings and make introductions

  • Understand simple online class instructions

  • Learn about the role of facial expression in NZSL

  • Learn to get, and give, eyegaze before signing (requirements for visual attention)

  • Learn numbers 1–10

  • Learn the fingerspelling alphabet, spell their own name, and ask for repetition

Unit 2: Our Class

  • Identify people in the online class

  • Name language(s) they are learning

  • Give and follow simple instructions and action commands

  • Ask for clarification, correction, and confirmation

  • Ask and tell where something is in the room

  • Use appropriate phrases for arriving late to online class

  • Use numbers for counting (0–20) and simple time phrases in relation to class activities

Unit 3: Needs and Wants

  • Name common food and drink items

  • Make and respond to requests and offers for basic wants and needs

  • Ask and tell locations of familiar objects and locations in the immediate environment

  • Express likes and dislikes

  • Understand basic signs about emergency exit procedures

NZSL Level 1B – Unit 4-5

Expands on Level 1 with practical applications.

Expands vocabulary related to personal information and daily activities. Learners practice forming simple sentences and engaging in basic conversations.


Unit 4: Family and Friends

  • Tell about immediate family/whānau and relationships (e.g., friends, colleagues)

  • Give and ask personal information about self and others, such as where one lives and their pets

  • Use numbers for counting, age, ranking

Unit 5: Everyday Activities

  • Communicate about simple home and leisure daily routines and activities

  • Express feelings about activities

  • Use calendar and clock time phrases

NZSL Level 1C – Unit 6-7

Further develops knowledge from Level 1B.

Deepens understanding of NZSL grammar and structure, introducing storytelling and topics like hobbies and interests, enhancing expressive and receptive skills.


Unit 6: Small Talk

  • Start conversations with known and unknown people

  • Make compliments (e.g., appearance, clothing) and congratulations

  • Ask and tell about general wellbeing, health, and everyday life

  • Discuss the weather

  • Close a conversation

Unit 7: Community and Work

  • Communicate about essential services and locations in their community (e.g., doctor, bank, library)

  • Describe occupations, tasks, and transport in relation to work and community activities

  • Negotiate appointments and bookings

  • Discuss prices on use of services and purchases, and ways of payment

NZSL Level 1D – Unit 8-9

Final stage before transitioning to Intermediate courses.

Focuses on complex dialogues and descriptive language. Learners refine signing skills and gain confidence in using NZSL in various social contexts.


Unit 8: My Place

  • Invite others, accept and decline invitations to their home

  • Give and ask for addresses and contact details (e.g., email, mobile number)

  • Describe identifying features of their home (e.g., two-storey, brick, white fence)

  • Understand and give simple directions to their homes

  • Identify rooms in the house

  • Name essential household items relevant for visitors (e.g., meals, toilet paper)

Unit 9: Events and Celebrations

  • Communicate about events, celebrations, and holidays

  • Talk about destinations (places) and modes of travel

  • Describe and discuss plans

  • Make interruptions (e.g., to ask a third person for information or suggest a different idea)