Fun With the Number 1
Materials Needed
- One large paper or whiteboard
- Crayons or washable markers
- Small objects such as blocks, buttons, or toy animals
- Number cards showing 1–3, if available
- Play dough or modeling clay
- Paper and pencil
- One favorite toy or stuffed animal
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, the child will be able to:
- Recognize the numeral 1.
- Say that “1” means one object.
- Count one object correctly.
- Trace or make the number 1.
- Find examples of one item in everyday life.
Success Looks Like
- “I can show one thing.”
- “I can find the number 1.”
- “I can count one object: 1.”
- “I can make a number 1.”
Introduction: Meet the Number 1
Hook: Hold up one favorite toy and say, “Look! I have one toy. How many toys do you see?”
Invite the child to answer. Say, “One means just one. Today we are going to play with the number 1!”
Talk Together
- “Can you show me one finger?”
- “Can you find one toy?”
- “Do you have one nose? Let’s touch it!”
Body of the Lesson
I Do: Show and Explain
Show the numeral 1 on paper or a card.
Say, “This is the number 1. The number 1 tells us there is one thing.”
Place one block on the table. Touch it and count slowly: “One.”
Draw a large number 1 while saying, “Start at the top. Go down.”
Quick Check
Show the child groups of one, two, and three objects. Ask, “Which group has one?” Let the child point to the answer.
We Do: Count One Together
Place several objects nearby. Work together to choose exactly one object.
- Ask the child to pick one object.
- Touch the object together.
- Say, “One!”
- Move the object to a special “one” spot.
Repeat with different objects, such as:
- One block
- One spoon
- One toy animal
- One crayon
Movement Game: Number 1 Action
Say, “When I show the number 1, do one action!”
- One jump
- One clap
- One twirl
- One stomp
- One big stretch
Pause between actions and ask, “How many did we do?” Help the child answer, “One!”
We Do: Number 1 Hunt
Look around the home together for things that come in groups of one. The child may choose the place to search.
Possible examples include:
- One front door
- One refrigerator
- One table
- One television
- One favorite stuffed animal
Each time, say, “We found one!”
You Do: Make the Number 1
Let the child choose one way to make the number 1:
- Trace a large number 1 with a finger.
- Draw a number 1 with a crayon.
- Build a number 1 with play dough.
- Make a number 1 using one long block or craft stick.
- Form a number 1 with a finger in the air.
Encourage the child by saying, “You started at the top and went down. You made a 1!”
Creative Activity: One Special Thing
Ask the child to draw one special thing, such as one sun, one flower, one pet, or one toy.
After drawing, ask:
- “What did you draw?”
- “How many did you draw?”
- “Can you write or trace the number 1 beside it?”
Formative Assessment
During the activities, observe whether the child can:
- Point to the numeral 1.
- Give one object when asked.
- Count one object without adding another.
- Use the word “one.”
- Attempt to draw or form the number 1.
Summative Activity: Show Me One
Place three small groups of objects in front of the child:
- A group with one object
- A group with two objects
- A group with three objects
Ask the child to:
- Point to the group with one object.
- Hand you one object.
- Find the number 1 card or paper numeral.
- Make a number 1 in the air or with a finger.
Celebrate each attempt. A successful response may be spoken, pointed to, shown with objects, or demonstrated through movement.
Differentiation and Support
If the Child Needs More Support
- Use only one object and say “one” several times.
- Guide the child’s hand while tracing the number 1.
- Use large, easy-to-hold objects.
- Practice for short periods with movement breaks.
- Accept pointing, gestures, or showing one finger instead of speaking.
If the Child Is Ready for More
- Ask the child to find the number 1 in a book or on a calendar.
- Ask, “Can you make a group with one red object?”
- Compare one object with groups of two and three.
- Invite the child to draw one object and label it with the number 1.
- Play a “one more” game: add one object and count again.
Conclusion and Recap
Hold up the number 1 and say, “Today we learned about 1.”
Ask the child to complete these sentences:
- “One means…”
- “I can show one by…”
- “The number 1 looks like…”
Finish with one clap and say, “One clap for learning about number 1!”
Optional Everyday Practice
During the day, invite the child to find one item during routines:
- One sock
- One cup
- One book
- One toothbrush
- One toy to put away