Fun with the Number 1
Materials Needed
- Number cards or a paper with the number 1
- Small objects such as blocks, buttons, toy animals, or crackers
- Paper and crayons
- Play dough or modeling clay
- One favorite toy
- Optional: music for a movement game
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, the child will be able to:
- Recognize the number 1.
- Count one object.
- Show one object when asked.
- Trace or make the number 1.
- Find examples of “one” in everyday life.
Success Criteria
I can:
- Point to the number 1.
- Give you one object.
- Say, “One!” when I see one thing.
- Make a number 1 with a crayon, finger, or play dough.
Introduction: The One Treasure Hunt
Say: “Today we are going on a number hunt! We are looking for things that come in a group of one.”
Show the child one favorite toy.
Ask: “How many toys do I have?”
Help the child answer, “One!”
Explain:
“The number 1 means just one thing. One toy. One nose. One sun.”
Body: Learn and Practice
1. I Do: Meet the Number 1
Show a number card or write a large 1 on paper.
Say: “This is the number 1. It looks like a straight line. Let’s say it together: one.”
Trace the number slowly with your finger while saying:
“Start at the top. Go straight down. That makes 1.”
Give examples:
- “I have one nose.”
- “There is one moon in the sky.”
- “I am holding one toy.”
Quick Check: Show the child the number 1 beside another number or a scribble. Ask, “Which one is 1?”
2. We Do: Count One Object
Place one block in front of the child.
Say: “Let’s touch the block and count it. One.”
Repeat with different objects:
- One toy animal
- One crayon
- One button
- One snack
Let the child place one object in a bowl or on a plate. Ask:
“How many did you put there?”
Encourage the child to answer, “One.”
3. Movement Game: Jump One Time
Invite the child to stand up.
Say: “When I say 1, jump one time!”
- Say, “One!” and help the child make one jump.
- Clap one time.
- Stomp one time.
- Spin one time.
- Touch one toe.
Ask: “How many jumps did you make?”
Repeat the game with the child giving the instructions.
4. We Do: One or More?
Place one object in one group and two or three objects in another group.
Ask:
- “Which group has one?”
- “Can you touch the group with one?”
- “Can you give me one object?”
Mix up the objects and repeat several times.
5. You Do: Number 1 Art
Give the child paper and crayons.
Invite the child to choose one art idea:
- Trace a large number 1.
- Decorate one large number 1 with dots or stickers.
- Draw one sun, one flower, or one favorite toy.
- Make the number 1 with play dough.
As the child works, ask:
- “What number are you making?”
- “How many big things did you draw?”
- “Can you show me one sticker?”
6. Real-World Number Hunt
Walk around the home together and look for things that come in groups of one.
Possible examples include:
- One front door
- One refrigerator
- One table
- One pet
- One favorite cup
Let the child choose one item to show or draw.
Choice: The child may complete the hunt indoors, outdoors, or by looking at pictures in a book.
Formative Assessment: Show Me One
Place several small objects nearby. Give directions one at a time:
- “Show me one block.”
- “Put one crayon on the paper.”
- “Point to the number 1.”
- “Make one clap.”
Give specific feedback:
“You gave me one block. You counted carefully!”
Summative Assessment: The Number 1 Challenge
Ask the child to complete these tasks independently or with a small amount of help:
- Point to the number 1.
- Count one object.
- Give one object to the adult.
- Make one jump or clap.
- Trace, draw, or build the number 1.
Success benchmark: The child completes at least four of the five tasks.
Conclusion: Tell What We Learned
Show the number 1 again.
Ask:
- “What number is this?”
- “How many is one?”
- “Can you show me one finger?”
- “What is one thing you found today?”
Say together:
“One means one thing. Today we learned the number 1!”
Differentiation and Adaptations
For Extra Support
- Use only two choices at a time.
- Guide the child’s finger while tracing the number 1.
- Use large objects that are easy to see and hold.
- Count slowly while touching one object.
- Repeat the lesson in short five-minute activities.
For an Extra Challenge
- Ask the child to find the number 1 in a book, calendar, or toy.
- Ask the child to collect one item from several rooms.
- Compare one object with a group of two or three objects.
- Invite the child to make a number 1 using sticks, blocks, or household items.
- Ask the child to draw one picture and explain it.
Optional Follow-Up Activity
At snack time, give the child one snack item first. Ask, “How many do you have?” Later, look for the number 1 on labels, books, clocks, or calendars.