If you’ve spent any time with Play With ASL, you’ve probably met Apollo — the playful monkey who guides players through their ASL learning journey. But how did a monkey become the face of an ASL app? Here’s the story.
Why a Monkey?
Monkeys are naturally expressive creatures. They communicate through gestures, facial expressions, and body language — just like ASL. When we were looking for a mascot that embodied the spirit of visual communication, a monkey felt like the perfect fit.
Plus, monkeys are playful. And “play” is literally in our name.
The Name “Apollo”
Apollo is named after the Greek god of knowledge, learning, and the arts. Our Apollo carries that same energy — he’s curious, enthusiastic, and always ready to learn something new. He represents every student who picks up the app for the first time: eager, open-minded, and ready for an adventure.
Apollo’s Many Poses
Throughout the app and our website, you’ll find Apollo in different poses — celebrating achievements, encouraging players when they’re stuck, demonstrating concepts, and generally being his energetic self. Each pose was carefully designed to express emotion without words, reinforcing the visual communication skills at the heart of ASL.
Part of the Community
Apollo has become more than just a mascot. He’s a recognizable character that brings our community together. We see students drawing Apollo in class, teachers using Apollo stickers as rewards, and families referencing “the monkey” when talking about their learning sessions.
What’s Next for Apollo
As Play With ASL grows, so does Apollo’s world. You’ll see more of him in upcoming features, animations, and content. He’s growing alongside our community — learning new things, trying new game modes, and always staying curious.
Want to see Apollo in action? Download Play With ASL and start your learning adventure together.