All About the Number 1
Materials Needed
- One large piece of paper
- Crayon or washable marker
- Small objects, such as blocks, buttons, or toy animals
- Number cards or a paper with the number 1 written on it
- Play dough or modeling clay
- Optional: music for a movement game
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, the child will be able to:
- Recognize the number 1.
- Say the number 1.
- Count one object.
- Trace or make the numeral 1.
- Find examples of “one” in everyday life.
Success Criteria
Success looks like this:
- “I can show one object.”
- “I can say one.”
- “I can find the number 1.”
- “I can make a number 1.”
Introduction: The Mystery of One
Hook: Hold up one toy animal or one block.
Say: “Look! I have one toy. Can you say one?”
Invite the child to look around and find one thing, such as one shoe, one spoon, or one book.
Explain: “Today we are learning about the number 1. The number 1 tells us there is just one thing.”
Quick Warm-Up
Ask:
- “Can you show me one finger?”
- “Can you give me one clap?”
- “Can you take one big step?”
Celebrate each attempt with encouraging words such as, “You showed one!”
Body: Learn and Practice
I Do: Watch Me
Place one object on the table. Touch it once and say slowly, “One.”
Show the numeral 1 and say: “This is the number 1. It means one.”
Model how to draw it:
- “Start at the top.”
- “Slide down.”
- “Make a little line at the bottom.”
Draw the number 1 in the air with your finger. Invite the child to copy you.
We Do: Count One Together
Place several objects in front of the child. Say:
“Let’s choose only one. Pick up one block.”
Count the object together by touching it once: “One.”
Repeat with different objects. Ask the child to choose one item each time.
Think-and-Talk Questions
- “How many blocks are in your hand?”
- “Can you show me one toy?”
- “What is one thing you like to play with?”
Hands-On Activity: One Treasure Hunt
Say: “Let’s go on a one treasure hunt!”
Ask the child to find one item from each category:
- One soft thing
- One red thing
- One toy
- One book
- One small thing
After each discovery, have the child hold up the item and say, “I found one!”
We Do: Make the Number 1
Use play dough to make a long snake. Help the child bend it into the shape of the number 1.
Say: “Our play dough number says one.”
For another option, draw a large number 1 on paper. Let the child:
- Trace it with a crayon.
- Cover it with stickers.
- Place small pieces of play dough along the line.
You Do: Number 1 Game
Place the number 1 card beside a few other simple number cards, if available.
Say: “Can you find the number 1?”
When the child finds it, ask them to place one object beside the card.
Repeat the game several times, changing the objects or hiding the number card in an easy-to-find place.
Movement Game: One, Two, Freeze
Play music or clap a steady beat.
Give the child simple directions:
- “Do one jump.”
- “Take one turn.”
- “Clap one time.”
- “Touch one toe.”
Pause between directions and let the child show the action.
Formative Assessment: Quick Checks
During the activities, check whether the child can:
- Show one finger.
- Give one object when asked.
- Identify the number 1.
- Say the word “one.”
- Match one object to the numeral 1.
If the child is unsure, model the answer and try again without pressure.
Creative Choice Activity
Let the child choose one activity:
- Art: Draw one favorite animal.
- Building: Build one tower.
- Storytelling: Tell a story about one little bear.
- Nature: Find one leaf or one rock outside.
- Cooking pretend play: Make one pretend sandwich or one pretend cupcake.
Ask: “What did you make? How many did you make?” Encourage the child to answer, “One.”
Summative Assessment: Show What You Know
Place three or four objects on the table and ask the child to complete these tasks:
- “Show me one object.”
- “Point to the number 1.”
- “Say the number.”
- “Make a number 1 with your finger, crayon, or play dough.”
Give specific feedback: “You picked one block and matched it to the number 1. You counted carefully!”
Differentiation and Support
For Extra Support
- Use only two choices at a time.
- Use large objects that are easy to see and hold.
- Count slowly while touching the object once.
- Guide the child’s hand while tracing the number 1.
- Repeat the same activity on another day.
For an Extra Challenge
- Ask the child to find one item in each room.
- Ask, “What happens if we add one more?”
- Have the child draw one object and write the number 1 beside it.
- Invite the child to teach a toy how to find one.
Conclusion: Tell What We Learned
Review the lesson by saying:
“Today we learned about the number 1. The number 1 means one thing. We showed one, counted one, found the number 1, and made the number 1.”
Ask the child:
- “What number did we learn?”
- “Can you show me one finger?”
- “Can you find one thing near you?”
Finish with one clap and say together: “One is fun!”
Optional Follow-Up
Throughout the day, look for examples of one: one cup, one pet, one sun, or one bedtime story. Each time, say, “That is one!”