Fun with the Number 1

Materials Needed

• Large paper or a whiteboard
• Crayon or washable marker
• One small toy or stuffed animal
• Blocks, buttons, or large craft items
• Number cards, including the number 1
• Play dough or modeling clay
• Optional: music for a counting song

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, the child will be able to:

• Recognize the numeral 1.
• Say that “1” means one thing.
• Count one object accurately.
• Trace or make the shape of the numeral 1.
• Find examples of one item in everyday life.

Success Criteria

“I can…”

• Point to the number 1.
• Show one object when asked.
• Say, “This is one.”
• Make a number 1 with a crayon, finger, or play dough.

Introduction: The Number 1 Adventure

Time: 5 minutes

Place one toy in front of the child. Say:

“Look! I have one toy. Can you show me one finger? Today we are going on a number adventure to learn about the number 1!”

Sing or say together:

“One, one, number one! One bright sun, one is fun!”

Tell the child:

“Today we will find one thing, count one thing, and make the number 1.”

Body of the Lesson

I Do: Watch Me Learn About 1

Time: 5 minutes

1. Show the numeral 1 on a card or write it on paper.
2. Say, “This is the number 1.”
3. Hold up one finger and say, “One finger.”
4. Place one block beside the number 1 and say, “The number 1 tells us there is one block.”
5. Model how to write it: “Start at the top. Go down. Now we have 1!”

Quick Check: Ask, “Can you point to the number 1?” and “How many blocks do you see?”

We Do: Find One

Time: 8 minutes

Explore the room together. Take turns finding one item.

1. Say, “Let’s find one red thing.”
2. Help the child choose one red item.
3. Count it together: “One.”
4. Repeat with prompts such as:
   • “Can we find one spoon?”
   • “Can we find one book?”
   • “Can you bring me one block?”

Show two or more objects occasionally and ask, “Is this one? Let’s count to check.” Gently emphasize that one means only one object.

We Do: One or Not One?

Time: 5 minutes

Place groups of objects on the table: one block, two blocks, and three blocks. Ask the child to identify which group has one.

Use simple questions:

• “Which group has one?”
• “Can you touch one block?”
• “Can you move one block to this circle?”

Think-and-Tell: Ask, “Where do you see one thing in our home?” Accept answers such as one door, one table, or one pet.

You Do: Number 1 Practice Stations

Time: 12–15 minutes

Let the child choose which activity to do first. Complete two or more activities.

Choice A: Make the Number 1

• Trace the number 1 with a finger.
• Draw the number 1 with a crayon.
• Build the number 1 using play dough.

Choice B: Give the Toy One Item

• Place the stuffed animal or toy in front of the child.
• Say, “The toy wants one snack.”
• Have the child give the toy one pretend snack or one block.
• Count it together: “One snack for the toy.”

Choice C: Number 1 Hunt

• Look around the home for the numeral 1.
• Search on books, clocks, packages, or calendars.
• Each time the child finds one, say, “You found 1!”

Choice D: One-Movement Game

Give directions that use one action:

• “Do one jump.”
• “Clap one time.”
• “Turn one time.”
• “Touch one toe.”

Formative Assessment

During the activities, observe whether the child can:

• Recognize the numeral 1.
• Choose one object from a group.
• Count one object without adding another.
• Use the word “one” correctly.
• Attempt to draw or build the numeral 1.

Give specific feedback:

• “You chose just one block. You counted carefully!”
• “Your number 1 starts at the top and goes down.”
• “You found one spoon. Great number hunting!”

Summative Assessment: Show What You Know

Time: 5 minutes

Place several objects and number cards in front of the child. Ask the child to:

1. Point to the number 1.
2. Give you one object.
3. Count the object aloud.
4. Make a number 1 using a crayon, finger, or play dough.
5. Tell you one thing found in the home.

The child does not need to perform every task perfectly. Celebrate attempts and repeat the lesson on another day if needed.

Conclusion: Number 1 Recap

Time: 3–5 minutes

Hold up the number 1 and review:

• “What number is this?”
• “How many things does 1 mean?”
• “Show me one finger.”

Say together:

“1 means one. One finger, one toy, one big smile!”

End with a short celebration song:

“Number 1, number 1, learning numbers is such fun! One clap, one jump, one big cheer—number 1 is here!”

Differentiation and Adaptations

For a Child Who Needs More Support

• Use only one object at a time.
• Guide the child’s hand while counting or tracing.
• Repeat the phrase, “One means one thing.”
• Use large objects and a large numeral card.
• Focus on pointing and choosing before expecting the child to say “one.”

For a Child Ready for More Challenge

• Ask the child to make groups of one independently.
• Invite the child to draw one object beside the numeral 1.
• Compare one with zero and two.
• Ask the child to find the number 1 in a book, calendar, or simple number line.

Flexible Learning Options

• Movement-based: Use the one-movement game.
• Quiet learning: Trace, draw, or build the number 1.
• Outdoor learning: Find one leaf, one rock, or one flower.
• Digital option: Show a numeral 1 on a screen and have the child find one matching object nearby.

Optional Follow-Up Activity

Create a “My Number 1” page. The child can draw one favorite object, glue one large paper shape onto the page, or add one sticker. Write the sentence:

“I have one ______.”