Fun with the Number 1
Materials Needed
- Large paper or a whiteboard
- Crayon or washable marker
- One small toy, block, or stuffed animal
- Several safe objects, such as blocks, buttons, or toy animals
- Paper and crayons
- Optional: a children’s song about counting
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, the child will be able to:
- Recognize the numeral 1.
- Say the number name “one.”
- Count one object correctly.
- Trace or draw the numeral 1 with help or independently.
- Find groups that have one object.
Success Criteria
I can:
- Point to the number 1.
- Show one finger.
- Give you one object.
- Make or trace a 1.
Introduction: Meet the Number 1
Hook: Hold up one toy and ask, “How many toys do I have?”
Help the child say, “One!” Hold up one finger and say, “This is one. One means just one thing.”
Tell the child: “Today we will learn about the number 1. We will find one thing, count one thing, and make the number 1.”
Movement Warm-Up
- Ask the child to hold up one finger.
- Ask the child to take one big step.
- Ask the child to clap one time.
- Ask the child to jump one time.
Say, “You did one clap!” or “You took one step!”
Body: Learn and Practice
I Do: Teacher or Parent Demonstration
Place one object on the table. Touch it once and say slowly, “One.”
Show a card or write the numeral 1. Say, “This is the number 1. It tells us there is one thing.”
Model counting:
- Point to the object.
- Say, “One.”
- Move the object slightly to show that it has been counted.
Draw a large 1 while saying:
“Start at the top, go straight down. That makes a 1!”
Quick Check
Ask:
- “Which number is this?” 1
- “How many toys are here?” Show one toy.
- “Can you show me one finger?”
Celebrate effort with encouraging words such as, “You found one!”
We Do: Find One
Place several groups of objects on the table. For example, make groups with one block, two blocks, and three blocks.
Say, “Let’s find the group with one object.” Work together to look carefully.
- Look at each group.
- Touch the objects as you count.
- Choose the group with only one object.
- Say, “This group has one.”
Think and Talk
Ask the child to name things that come in ones:
- “Can you find one shoe?”
- “Can you show me one nose?”
- “Can you find one favorite toy?”
We Do: Make a Number 1
Draw a large dotted 1. Invite the child to trace it with a finger first. Then trace it with a crayon or marker.
Use different ways to make the shape:
- Trace the 1 in the air.
- Make a 1 with a finger on the table.
- Build a 1 with blocks or craft sticks.
- Draw a 1 with a crayon.
You Do: One-Object Hunt
Invite the child to walk around the room and find three different things that can be counted as one.
For example, the child might find:
- One book
- One sock
- One stuffed animal
For each item, ask the child to:
- Bring or point to the item.
- Hold up one finger.
- Say, “I found one.”
Creative Activity: Make One
Give the child paper and crayons. Ask the child to choose one thing to draw, such as one sun, one flower, or one pet.
Help the child write or trace the number 1 next to the drawing.
Say, “You made one picture of one thing!”
Real-World Connection
Explain that we use the number 1 every day:
- One person can hold one spoon.
- One child can wear one hat.
- We can take one turn at a time.
- We can give one snack to each person.
Formative Assessment
During the lesson, observe whether the child can:
- Point to the numeral 1.
- Say “one” when shown one object.
- Give one object when asked.
- Show one finger.
- Trace or attempt to write the numeral 1.
Summative Activity: The Number 1 Challenge
Ask the child to complete these five tasks:
- Point to the numeral 1.
- Show one finger.
- Count one toy.
- Give you one object.
- Trace or draw a 1.
Success goal: The child completes at least four of the five tasks with little or no help.
Differentiation and Support
For a Child Who Needs More Support
- Use only one object at a time.
- Guide the child’s hand while counting and tracing.
- Repeat the words “one” and “number 1” often.
- Use large objects that are easy to see and touch.
For a Child Ready for More
- Ask the child to sort groups with one, two, and three objects.
- Invite the child to find the numeral 1 in a book or around the home.
- Ask, “What comes after one?” and introduce the number 2 if appropriate.
- Have the child make a small collection of one object in several different colors.
Conclusion and Recap
Hold up the numeral 1 and ask:
- “What number is this?”
- “How many things does one mean?”
- “Can you show me one finger?”
Say together:
“One means just one. The number 1 shows one thing.”
Closing Celebration
Invite the child to choose one favorite activity from the lesson and do it one more time. End by saying, “You learned about the number 1!”
Optional Follow-Up
Throughout the day, ask the child to find one item during daily routines, such as one cup, one book, or one sock. Each time, encourage the child to say, “One!”