Fun with the Number 1
Materials Needed
- Large paper or a whiteboard
- Crayon or washable marker
- Number cards or paper cards labeled 1–3
- Small toys, blocks, or buttons
- Play dough
- One favorite toy or stuffed animal
- Paper and crayons
- Optional: music for a movement game
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, the child will be able to:
- Recognize the numeral 1.
- Say that “1” means one thing.
- Count one object accurately.
- Trace or make the shape of the numeral 1.
- Find examples of one object in everyday life.
Success Criteria
I can:
- Point to the number 1.
- Give you one object when asked.
- Count, “One!” for one object.
- Make a number 1 with a finger, crayon, or play dough.
Introduction: One Special Thing
Time: 5 minutes
Place one favorite toy in front of the child.
Say: “Look! I have one toy. One means just one. Can you show me one finger?”
Invite the child to hold up one finger and repeat, “One!”
Talk Together
- “How many toys do we see?”
- “Can you find one nose?”
- “Can you show me one clap?”
Tell the child: “Today we will learn about the number 1. We will find one thing, count one thing, and make the number 1.”
Body of the Lesson
1. I Do: Meet the Number 1
Time: 5 minutes
Show a large numeral 1.
Say: “This is the number 1. It looks like a straight line. The number 1 tells us there is one thing.”
Place one block beside the numeral 1.
Point and say slowly: “Number 1. One block.”
Trace the numeral in the air while saying: “Down we go. That makes 1.”
Quick Check
Show the child two or three number cards, including 1. Ask: “Can you point to number 1?”
Celebrate effort with specific feedback: “You found 1! You looked carefully.”
2. We Do: Find One
Time: 8 minutes
Place several groups of objects in front of the child. For example, place one block, two buttons, and three toy cars in separate groups.
Say: “Let’s find the group with one thing.”
Count each group together by touching each object.
Ask: “Which group has one?”
One-Thing Hunt
Walk around the room and look for things that come in ones.
- One door
- One table
- One book chosen by the child
- One stuffed animal
- One spoon
Each time the child finds an object, say: “Yes, that is one book. Let’s count: one!”
Think and Talk
Ask: “What is one thing you would take on a picnic?” Let the child choose and explain the choice.
3. We Do: Move One Time
Time: 5 minutes
Give movement directions that use one action:
- “Clap one time.”
- “Jump one time.”
- “Stamp one foot one time.”
- “Turn around one time.”
Switch roles and let the child give you one-action directions.
Say: “You gave me one direction. You are the teacher!”
4. You Do: Make the Number 1
Time: 8 minutes
Invite the child to choose one way to make the number 1:
- Trace a large 1 with a crayon.
- Draw a 1 in the air with one finger.
- Build a 1 with play dough.
- Make a 1 using blocks or craft sticks.
- Walk along a large 1 drawn on the floor.
Give simple directions: “Start at the top. Move your finger down. Stop at the bottom.”
Do not require perfect handwriting. Praise control and effort: “You made a long line. It looks like 1!”
5. You Do: Give Me One
Time: 5 minutes
Place a small pile of objects nearby. Ask the child to give you one object at a time.
- “Please give me one block.”
- “Please give your toy one button.”
- “Please put one crayon on the paper.”
After each turn, ask: “How many did you give me?” Encourage the child to answer, “One.”
6. Creative Activity: My One-Thing Picture
Time: 8–10 minutes
Give the child paper and crayons. Invite the child to draw one large object, such as one sun, one flower, one balloon, or one pet.
Say: “Draw one thing. You may choose what it is.”
Help the child write or trace the numeral 1 beside the drawing.
Ask the child to describe the picture using a sentence:
“I drew one ______.”
Formative Assessment
Check understanding during the lesson by asking the child to:
- Point to the numeral 1.
- Choose one object from a group.
- Count one object aloud.
- Show one finger.
- Make or trace the numeral 1.
If the child is unsure, model the answer and try again with fewer objects.
Summative Assessment: Number 1 Challenge
Time: 5 minutes
Place the numeral cards 1, 2, and 3 on the table. Ask the child to complete these challenges:
- “Point to number 1.”
- “Put one block next to it.”
- “Show me one finger.”
- “Count the block.”
- “Make a number 1 in the air.”
Suggested mastery: The child completes at least four of the five challenges with little or no help.
Differentiation and Support
For a Child Who Needs More Support
- Use only one object and the numeral 1 at first.
- Guide the child’s hand while counting or tracing.
- Use large objects and a large number card.
- Repeat the phrase: “1 means one.”
- Allow pointing, showing fingers, or speaking as answers.
For a Child Ready for More
- Find the numeral 1 in books, signs, or a calendar.
- Sort groups that have one object from groups that have more than one.
- Make a collection of five different examples of one thing.
- Practice writing the numeral 1 independently.
- Compare one object with two objects: “Which group has more?”
Conclusion: Tell What We Learned
Time: 3–5 minutes
Hold up the numeral 1 and ask:
- “What number is this?”
- “What does 1 mean?”
- “Can you show me 1 finger?”
Say together: “The number 1 means one thing. We can find one, count one, and make 1.”
End with one final action: “Let’s give one big clap for learning about 1!”
Optional Everyday Practice
During the day, look for the number 1 and examples of one object. Ask playful questions such as:
- “Can you bring me one sock?”
- “Can you find one red item?”
- “Can you put one toy in the basket?”