All About the Number 1
Materials Needed
- Large paper with the number 1
- Small objects to count, such as blocks, buttons, toy animals, or crayons
- Paper
- Crayons or washable markers
- Play dough
- Optional: a book or song about counting
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, the child will be able to:
- Recognize the number 1.
- Say the word “one.”
- Count one object.
- Trace or make the number 1.
- Find examples of “one” in everyday life.
Success Criteria
Success looks like this:
- “I can show one object.”
- “I can point to the number 1.”
- “I can say one.”
- “I can try to write or build a 1.”
Introduction: Let’s Find One!
Hook: Hold up one toy or object and say, “Look! I have one toy. Can you show me one finger?”
Invite the child to hold up one finger. Say:
“Today we are learning about the number 1. One means just one thing. One nose, one sun, and one you!”
Show the large number 1. Trace it with your finger while saying:
“Down we go. This is 1!”
Body of the Lesson
I Do: Teacher or Parent Demonstration
1. Show One Object
Place one object on the table. Touch it and say, “One block.” Slowly count:
“One.”
Show several objects, then take away all but one. Ask:
- “How many blocks are here?”
- “Can you touch the one block?”
2. Model the Number 1
Use your finger to trace the number 1 on the paper. Say:
“Start at the top. Make a straight line down. This is 1.”
Make a number 1 with play dough. Let the child watch as you roll one long piece and place it upright.
Quick Check
Show the numbers 1 and 2. Ask:
“Which one is 1?”
Celebrate all attempts. If needed, point to the number 1 and say, “This is 1. Can you touch it?”
We Do: Learn Together
1. One-Object Hunt
Look around the learning space together. Find things that come in groups of one.
Use simple examples:
- One door
- One table
- One nose
- One favorite toy
- One book
For each item, say, “We found one!” Let the child touch or hold the object.
2. Give Me One
Place a small group of objects nearby. Give these instructions one at a time:
- “Give me one block.”
- “Put one crayon on the paper.”
- “Give one toy animal a snack.”
After each turn, count the object together: “One!”
3. Move One Time
Play a movement game. Give directions such as:
- “Clap one time.”
- “Jump one time.”
- “Spin one time.”
- “Stomp one time.”
Ask, “How many times did we clap?” Help the child answer, “One!”
You Do: Child Practice
Choice A: Make a Number 1
Invite the child to choose one way to make the number 1:
- Trace a large number 1 with a crayon.
- Build a 1 with play dough.
- Make a 1 with blocks.
- Draw a 1 in the air with a finger.
- Trace a 1 in sand, rice, or flour.
Choice B: One-Thing Picture
Ask the child to draw one favorite thing. It could be one cat, one flower, one ball, or one person.
Ask:
- “What did you draw?”
- “How many did you draw?”
Help the child say, “I drew one ____.”
Choice C: Number 1 Snack or Toy Activity
Give the child a small group of safe snacks or toys. Ask the child to make groups of one.
For example:
- One cracker on each napkin
- One toy in each cup
- One block beside each picture
Count each group together: “One.”
Real-World Connection
Talk about things the child has or does one at a time:
- “You have one body.”
- “You can wear one hat.”
- “We read one book.”
- “You can choose one toy.”
Invite the child to name one thing they see in the room.
Formative Assessment
During the lesson, observe whether the child can:
- Point to the number 1 when shown different numbers.
- Give or select one object.
- Say “one” while counting one object.
- Attempt to trace, draw, build, or form the number 1.
If the child is unsure, provide a model and try again: “Watch me. I take one. Now you try.”
Conclusion: Tell What We Learned
Hold up the number 1 and ask:
- “What number is this?”
- “Can you show me one finger?”
- “Can you bring me one object?”
- “Can you make a 1 in the air?”
Say together:
“One means just one. We can find one, count one, and make the number 1!”
Exit Activity
Ask the child to find one item to place in a special “number 1” spot. Celebrate by saying:
“You found one! You learned about 1!”
Differentiation and Extensions
For Extra Support
- Use only one object at a time.
- Use large, easy-to-touch materials.
- Guide the child’s hand while tracing the number 1.
- Repeat the same language: “One object. One.”
- Allow pointing, signing, or showing one finger instead of speaking.
For an Extra Challenge
- Ask the child to find the number 1 in a book, calendar, or clock.
- Invite the child to sort objects into groups containing one item.
- Ask, “What happens if we add one more?”
- Have the child make a page with one sticker, one drawing, and one written number 1.
Optional Follow-Up
Throughout the day, look for natural examples of one. Say, “We have one cup,” “You picked one book,” or “I see one bird.” Keep the conversation short, playful, and encouraging.