Fun with the Number 1

Materials Needed

• One large paper or cardboard number 1
• Small objects to count, such as blocks, buttons, or toy animals
• Paper
• Crayons or washable markers
• Play dough
• Optional: a book about counting or the number 1

Learning Objectives

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

• Recognize the written number 1.
• Say the number word “one.”
• Count one object accurately.
• Show one object when asked.
• Trace, draw, or build the number 1.

Success Criteria

The child is successful when they can:

• Point to the number 1.
• Give one object when asked for “one.”
• Count one object by saying, “One.”
• Make a number 1 using a crayon, finger, or play dough.

Introduction: A Number 1 Adventure

Time: 5 minutes

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. Sing or say:

“One little finger, point up high. One little finger, touch the sky!”

Tell the child:

“Today we are going on a number 1 adventure. We will find one, count one, and make the number 1.”

Body of the Lesson

I Do: Meet the Number 1

Time: 5 minutes

1. Show the large number 1.
2. Trace it slowly with your finger from top to bottom.
3. Say, “This is the number 1. We say one.”
4. Place one object beside the number 1.
5. Touch the object once and say, “One.”

Explain in simple language:

“The number 1 tells us there is just one thing.”

Quick check: Ask, “What number is this?” and “How many objects do you see?”

We Do: Find One

Time: 8 minutes

Place small groups of objects in front of the child. Some groups should have one object, and some should have two or more.

1. Ask the child to find the group with one object.
2. Count the object together: “One.”
3. Ask the child to give you one block, one button, or one toy.
4. Take turns finding one object around the room.

Use playful prompts:

• “Can you find one red thing?”
• “Can you bring me one toy?”
• “Can your teddy bear have one block?”

Think and share: Ask, “What is one thing you like to play with?” Let the child answer with words, gestures, or by showing an object.

Movement Game: Number 1 Freeze

Time: 5 minutes

1. Play music or clap a simple beat.
2. When the music stops, call out, “One!”
3. The child freezes while holding up one finger.
4. Repeat with fun actions, such as one jump, one clap, or one turn.

Say each action clearly:

“Do one jump.” “Do one clap.” “Take one big step.”

We Do: Build the Number 1

Time: 7 minutes

Use play dough, blocks, or craft sticks to make the number 1.

1. Model making a straight line for the number 1.
2. Help the child make their own number 1.
3. Trace the finished number with a finger while saying, “One.”
4. Place one object next to the number.

Choice: The child may build the number 1 with play dough, blocks, a finger in the air, or a finger on a table.

You Do: Number 1 Art

Time: 8 minutes

Give the child paper and crayons or markers.

1. Invite the child to trace or draw the number 1.
2. Ask the child to draw one favorite thing next to it.
3. Help the child say, “One ___,” such as “one sun” or “one dog.”
4. Allow the child to decorate the number with colors, stickers, or dots.

There is no need for perfect handwriting. Praise effort and clear ideas:

“You made a number 1!” or “You drew one flower. I see one flower.”

Real-World Connection

Look for the number 1 during the day. The child might find it on a calendar, a book page, a door, a clock, or a food package.

Ask:

• “Can you find the number 1?”
• “Can you bring one spoon?”
• “Can you put one napkin on the table?”

Formative Assessment

During the activities, observe whether the child can:

• Point to the written number 1.
• Say “one.”
• Give one object without giving too many.
• Count one object one time.
• Make a shape that resembles the number 1.

If the child is unsure, model the answer and try again with fewer objects.

Summative Assessment: Show Me One

Time: 5 minutes

Invite the child to complete these challenges:

1. Point to the number 1.
2. Show one finger.
3. Give you one object.
4. Count one object.
5. Make or draw the number 1.

Celebrate the child’s work with a high five or a cheerful “You found one!”

Differentiation and Support

• For extra support: Use only one object at a time. Guide the child’s hand as they trace the number 1. Repeat the word “one” often.
• For a child ready for more: Ask the child to find several examples of one object, such as one shoe, one book, and one cup.
• For sensory learning: Trace the number 1 in sand, rice, shaving foam, or flour.
• For digital learning: Use a simple number-writing or counting activity on a tablet while the child also counts real objects.
• For language development: Practice phrases such as “one ball,” “one big bear,” or “I see one.”

Conclusion and Recap

Time: 3 minutes

Hold up the number 1 and ask:

• “What number is this?”
• “How many fingers are we showing?”
• “Can you show me one toy?”

Recap together:

“Today we learned about the number 1. One means just one thing. We found one, counted one, and made the number 1.”

End with a short chant:

“One, one, number one! Learning numbers is so much fun!”