Fun with the Number 1
Materials Needed
- One large paper or card with the number 1
- Small objects, such as blocks, buttons, toy animals, or crayons
- Paper
- Crayons or washable markers
- Play dough or modeling clay
- One small basket or bowl
- Optional: a favorite song or music player
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, the child will be able to:
- Recognize the numeral 1.
- Say the number “one.”
- Count one object accurately.
- Show one object when asked.
- Trace or make the numeral 1 using a finger, crayon, or play dough.
Success Criteria
I can:
- Point to the number 1.
- Give one object.
- Say, “One!”
- Make a number 1.
Introduction: Meet Number 1
Time: 5 minutes
Hold up the number card and say:
“Today we are learning about the number 1. One means just one thing. One nose, one sun, and one big smile!”
Invite the child to find one body part at a time:
- “Show me one nose.”
- “Show me one mouth.”
- “Hold up one finger.”
Sing or chant together:
“One, one, number one! One small step, and we are done!”
Body of the Lesson
I Do: Show One
Time: 5 minutes
Place several objects in front of the child. Pick up just one object and say slowly:
“I have one block. Let’s count it: one.”
Place the block in the basket. Repeat with different objects:
- One toy animal
- One crayon
- One button
Point to the numeral 1 and connect it to the object:
“This is the number 1. It tells us there is one object.”
Quick Check: Ask, “How many blocks did I pick up?” Encourage the child to answer, “One.”
We Do: Find One
Time: 8 minutes
Place groups of objects around the learning space. Some groups should contain one object, and others can contain two or three objects.
Take turns giving directions:
- “Can you find one toy?”
- “Can you put one block in the basket?”
- “Can you bring me one crayon?”
After each turn, count together:
“One. You found one!”
Think-and-Talk: Ask, “Can you find one thing in this room?” Let the child choose an object, such as one book, one pillow, or one shoe.
Movement Game: One-Step Dance
Time: 5 minutes
Play music or clap a steady beat. Give one-action directions:
- “Take one step.”
- “Clap one time.”
- “Jump one time.”
- “Spin one time.”
Pause after each action and count aloud together: “One!”
We Do: Make the Number 1
Time: 8 minutes
Show the child how to make the number 1:
- Start at the top.
- Draw a straight line down.
- Say, “Down to make 1!”
Let the child practice in several ways:
- Trace a large number 1 with a finger.
- Draw a number 1 with a crayon.
- Make a number 1 from play dough.
- Build a number 1 with blocks.
Use encouraging feedback:
“You started at the top and made one straight line. That looks like 1!”
You Do: One Treasure Hunt
Time: 8 minutes
Invite the child to choose one treasure to find. Examples include:
- One soft item
- One red item
- One toy
- One round item
When the child finds the item, ask:
- “How many did you find?”
- “Can you show me one?”
- “What number tells us how many?”
Allow the child to choose the next treasure hunt. This gives the child practice and choice.
Formative Assessment: Show Me One
Time: 5 minutes
Place several objects on the table and ask the child to complete these tasks:
- “Point to the number 1.”
- “Give me one object.”
- “Put one object beside the number 1.”
- “Show me one finger.”
- “Make a number 1.”
Notice whether the child can complete each task independently. Offer a model or gentle prompt when needed.
Summative Activity: My Number 1 Page
Time: 8 minutes
Help the child make a page about the number 1:
- Write or trace a large number 1.
- Draw one favorite object, such as one sun or one toy.
- Color the picture.
- Say together: “I drew one ____.”
Demonstration of Learning: The child completes the activity successfully when they can identify the number 1, show one object, and explain that their picture shows one thing.
Differentiation and Adaptations
For Extra Support
- Use only one object at a time.
- Pair the numeral 1 with a picture of one object.
- Guide the child’s hand while tracing.
- Use simple phrases: “One block. One.”
- Repeat the same activity on another day.
For an Extra Challenge
- Ask the child to find one object in different rooms.
- Invite the child to compare one object with a group of two or three objects.
- Ask, “What would happen if we added one more?”
- Have the child make the number 1 using household items.
Flexible Learning Options
- Outdoor: Find one leaf, one rock, or one flower.
- Digital: Take a photo of one object and trace the number 1 on paper.
- Movement-based: Practice one jump, one clap, and one step.
- Quiet learning: Look through a book and find pages with one large object.
Conclusion and Recap
Time: 3 minutes
Hold up the number card again and ask:
- “What number is this?”
- “Can you show me one finger?”
- “Can you give me one high-five?”
Recap together:
“Today we learned about number 1. One means just one. We found one object, counted one, and made the number 1.”
End with one high-five and say:
“You did one wonderful job learning about 1!”
Optional Follow-Up
During the day, look for examples of one: one cup, one door, one pet, one spoon, or one moon. Each time, point and say, “That is one!”