The summary of "Face-to-Face Tradition in the American Deaf Community" includes a description of ABC stories. In its pure form the letters are connected to existing signs that are formed with those letters and create the story on their own. What follows is a variation that uses the alphabet (in order) to tell a biblical story. This is a first attempt, and some of the letters are admittedly awkward. However, because the letters are in alphabetical order, the physical movements (and knowing what they are intended to symbolize) help me to remember the story. I include this version of storytelling and the transcribed version below), not because I think it is a stellar example of an ABC story, but rather as an encouragement to use intentional movements in learning stories.
Luke 11:5-13 New Revised Standard Version
And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight (knock A) and say to him, ‘Friend (call out B), lend me three loaves of bread (shape of loaves C); for a friend of mine has arrived (point back D), and I have nothing to set before him.’(open cupboard E) And he answers from within (open eyes/put on glasses F), ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked (lock door G), and my children are with me in bed (indicate gathering of children H); I cannot get up (rest on chin I) and give you anything.’ (sweep area J) I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend (lower covers K), at least because of his persistence he will get up (shrug shoulders L) and give him whatever he needs (grab items M, hand them over N).
“So I say to you, Ask (call out O), and it will be given you (hand over P); search (searchlight Q), and you will find (locate and pick up R); knock (knock S), and the door will be opened for you (turn knob T). For everyone who asks (praying hands U) receives and everyone who searches (look V) finds and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened (continue V as opening door). Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? (swimming fish W) Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? (stinging X) If you then, who are evil (Y on chin -- ASL sign for wrong), know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more (move Y position to point up) will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit (expansive Z) to those who ask him!”
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