Fun with the Number 1
Materials Needed
- One large paper or card with the number 1
- Small objects to count, such as blocks, buttons, or toy animals
- Paper and crayons
- Play dough
- One small basket or bowl
- Optional: music for a movement game
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, the child will be able to:
- Recognize the numeral 1.
- Count one object.
- Show one item when asked.
- Trace or make the shape of the number 1.
- Connect the number 1 to real-life examples.
Success Looks Like
The child can:
- Point to the number 1.
- Give you one object.
- Say, “One!” while counting.
- Make a number 1 using a crayon, finger, or play dough.
Introduction: What Is One?
Adult talking point: “Today we are going to play with the number 1. One means just one thing.”
Show the child the number card.
Ask:
- “Can you find the number 1?”
- “How many noses do you have?”
- “Can you show me one finger?”
Invite the child to hold up one finger and say, “One!”
Body of the Lesson
1. I Do: Show One
Place several objects in front of the child. Slowly pick up one object.
Adult talking point: “I have one block. Let’s count it: one.”
Place the block in the basket and say:
“One block goes in the basket.”
Repeat with different objects, such as one toy animal, one button, or one crayon.
Quick check: Hold up one object and ask, “How many?” Help the child answer, “One.”
2. We Do: Find One
Put a few groups of objects nearby. Make some groups have one object and others have two or three.
Instructions:
- Point to a group.
- Ask, “Which group has one?”
- Let the child choose.
- Count the objects together.
Adult talking point: “You found one teddy bear. Let’s touch it and count: one!”
Give specific encouragement:
“You looked carefully and found one object.”
3. Movement Game: One-Step Dance
Play music or clap a simple beat.
Instructions:
- Take one step.
- Clap one time.
- Jump one time.
- Tap one drum or box one time.
After each movement, say, “One!”
Ask: “Can you take one big step?”
4. We Do: Make the Number 1
Show the child how to make a number 1.
Adult talking point: “Start at the top. Go straight down. This is the number 1.”
Practice in several ways:
- Trace the number 1 with a finger.
- Draw the number 1 with a crayon.
- Make the number 1 with play dough.
- Trace the number 1 in the air.
Choice: Let the child choose crayons, play dough, or air writing.
5. You Do: One-Item Treasure Hunt
Ask the child to find one item in the room.
Instructions:
- Say, “Find one safe thing.”
- Let the child choose an object.
- Ask, “What did you find?”
- Count it together: “One!”
- Place it in the basket.
Repeat two or three times with different objects.
Real-world connection: “You found one spoon. We use one spoon when we eat our yogurt.”
6. Creative Activity: Draw One
Give the child paper and crayons.
Instructions:
- Draw one sun.
- Draw one flower.
- Draw one favorite toy.
Ask the child to point to the one item and say what it is.
Adult talking point: “You drew one flower. There is one flower in your picture.”
Formative Assessment: Quick Checks
During the lesson, ask the child to:
- Point to the number 1.
- Show one finger.
- Give you one block.
- Find the group with one object.
- Make a number 1 in the air.
If the child is unsure, model the answer and invite the child to try again.
Summative Assessment: Show What You Know
Place three groups of objects in front of the child. Ask:
- “Which group has one?”
- “Can you give me one object?”
- “Can you point to the number 1?”
- “Can you make a number 1?”
The child demonstrates success by completing at least three of the four tasks with little or no help.
Differentiation and Support
If the child needs more support
- Use only one object at a time.
- Hold up one finger while saying, “One.”
- Use hand-over-hand help for tracing.
- Repeat the same activity on another day.
- Use large objects that are easy to see and touch.
If the child is ready for more
- Ask the child to find one object that is red, soft, or round.
- Ask, “What happens if we add one more?”
- Invite the child to make a picture with one item in each of two spaces.
- Look for the number 1 in books, signs, or a calendar.
Conclusion and Recap
Gather the objects and number card together.
Adult talking point: “Today we learned about the number 1. One means just one thing. We found one object, moved one time, and made the number 1.”
Ask the child:
- “What number did we learn?”
- “Can you show me one finger?”
- “Can you find one thing near you?”
Finish with a cheerful chant:
“One, one, everyone! One is fun!”
Optional Follow-Up
Throughout the day, look for examples of one: one cup, one shoe, one pet, one book, or one button. Each time, encourage the child to point, touch, and say, “One.”