Abstract: Visual and kinetic educational systems and methods are disclosed for promoting literacy for users of American Sign Language (ASL). Embodiments of the systems and methods give ASL a lasting visual component. Embodiments provided include sandpaper handshapes, object bags, a moveable sign encoding system, and a grammar system. There are provided systems and methods for encoding and decoding American Sign Language. These are designed to meet the unique learning needs of severely/profoundly, prelingually deafened children. Exemplary embodiments drastically modify the phonetically based Montessori Language Curriculum making the Montessori Method available for use with severely/profoundly, prelingually deafened children.