Fun with the Number 1

Materials Needed

• Large paper or a whiteboard
• Crayon or washable marker
• One small toy, block, or stuffed animal
• Play dough or modeling clay
• Small bowl and several safe objects, such as blocks or buttons
• Paper and stickers
• Optional: the child’s favorite song or music

Learning Objectives

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

• Recognize the numeral 1.
• Count one object.
• Show one object when asked.
• Practice making the shape of the numeral 1.
• Use the idea of “one” in a real-life situation.

Success Looks Like

• “I can point to the number 1.”
• “I can give you one thing.”
• “I can count: one!”
• “I can try to make a 1.”

Introduction: One Special Thing

Hook: Hold up one favorite toy and say, “Look! I have one teddy bear. How many teddy bears do I have?”

Invite the child to answer. Say:

“Today we are learning about the number 1. One means just one thing.”

Show one finger and say:

“This is one finger. Can you show me one finger?”

Body: I Do

1. See the Number 1

Write a large 1 on paper or a whiteboard. Trace it slowly with your finger while saying:

“Down we go. This is the number 1.”

Point to the number and ask:

• “What number is this?”
• “Can you find the number 1?”

Show one object next to the numeral 1. Say:

“The number 1 tells us there is one object.”

2. Count One Object

Place one block in front of the child. Touch it once and say:

“One block. I counted one block.”

Move the block and count it again. Explain that it is still one block, even when it moves.

Body: We Do

1. Find One

Place several groups of objects nearby: one toy, two blocks, and three crayons. Ask the child to find the group with one object.

Use simple prompts:

• “Can you find one toy?”
• “Which group has just one?”
• “Let’s touch it and count: one!”

Quick Check: Hold up different numbers of fingers. Ask, “Do I have one finger up?” Let the child answer yes or no.

2. Move Like One

Play a short movement game. Give one-step directions:

• “Take one jump.”
• “Clap one time.”
• “Turn around one time.”
• “Touch one toe.”

After each action, count together: “One!”

3. Make One with Play Dough

Help the child roll one long piece of play dough and shape it like the numeral 1. Trace the finished shape with a finger and say, “This is 1.”

Body: You Do

1. One-Object Hunt

Invite the child to walk around the room and find one safe object. The child may choose a toy, book, sock, or other item.

Ask the child to bring it back and say:

“I found one _____.”

Allow the child to choose the object. This gives the child a chance to make a decision and use the number in a real-life setting.

2. Sticker Number 1

Draw a large number 1 on paper. Ask the child to place stickers along the number.

When finished, ask:

• “What number did you decorate?”
• “Can you point to the top of the 1?”
• “Can you trace the 1 with your finger?”

3. Choose a Number 1 Challenge

Let the child choose one activity:

• Find one red object.
• Build one tower with blocks.
• Draw one star.
• Give one pretend snack to a stuffed animal.
• Make one sound with a musical instrument.

Real-World Connection

During snack time, give the child one safe snack item. Say:

“You have one cracker. One means just one.”

Look for other examples during the day:

• One nose
• One mouth
• One sun in the sky
• One favorite toy
• One child doing the activity

Assessment

Formative Assessment

Check understanding during the lesson by asking the child to:

• Point to the numeral 1.
• Show one finger.
• Give you one object.
• Choose which group has one object.
• Count one object aloud.

Summative Assessment: Show Me One

Place several objects in front of the child. Say:

“Please give me one object.”

Then show the numeral 1 and ask:

“What number is this?”

Finally, ask the child to draw or trace a 1. Praise effort, not perfection.

Feedback and Encouragement

• “You found one!”
• “You counted carefully.”
• “You tried to make the number 1.”
• “You remembered that one means just one.”

Differentiation

For Extra Support

• Use only one object at a time.
• Guide the child’s hand while tracing the numeral 1.
• Repeat the words “one” and “just one” often.
• Use large objects that are easy to see and touch.
• Allow pointing, showing, or choosing instead of speaking.

For an Extra Challenge

• Ask the child to find one object of a certain color.
• Invite the child to write a 1 independently.
• Ask, “What happens if we add one more?”
• Have the child find the numeral 1 in a book, calendar, or clock.
• Ask the child to explain why a group has one object.

Conclusion: Tell Me About One

Gather the materials and review the lesson with the child. Ask:

• “What number did we learn today?”
• “Can you show me one finger?”
• “Can you find one object?”
• “What does one mean?”

End with a cheerful chant:

“One, one, that was fun! One finger, one toy, one big smile!”

Optional Follow-Up

Throughout the day, invite the child to notice and name things that come in ones. Keep the practice playful and brief.