Fun with the Number 1
Materials Needed
- Large paper or a whiteboard
- Crayon or washable marker
- One small toy or household object
- Several small objects, such as blocks, buttons, or toy animals
- 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.
- Count one object correctly.
- Show one object when asked.
- Trace or draw the numeral 1.
- Use the word “one” in a simple sentence.
Success Criteria
“I can…”
- Point to the number 1.
- Give you one object.
- Count one object by saying, “One.”
- Make a number 1 with my finger, body, or crayon.
Introduction: Meet Number 1
Hook: Hold up one toy and ask, “How many toys do I have?”
Help the child say, “One!” Explain:
“Today we are going to play with the number 1. One means just one thing.”
Show the numeral 1 on paper or a whiteboard.
Say together:
“This is number 1. It means one.”
Body of the Lesson
I Do: Watch Me
Place one object on the table. Touch it once and say:
“One.”
Show several objects. Move all but one away. Say:
“Now I have one block.”
Model how to make the numeral 1:
- Start at the top.
- Draw a straight line down.
Say:
“Down we go to make number 1!”
We Do: Play Together
Activity 1: Find One
Place a few groups of objects on the floor or table. Some groups should have one object, and others should have two or more.
Ask:
“Can you find the group with one?”
When the child finds it, count together:
“One!”
Activity 2: Give Me One
Place several objects in front of the child. Ask:
“Please give me one block.”
Repeat with different objects:
- “Give me one toy animal.”
- “Give me one crayon.”
- “Give me one button.”
Give specific encouragement:
“You gave me one block. You counted carefully!”
Activity 3: Number 1 Movement Game
Invite the child to move one time when you give an instruction:
- Do one jump.
- Clap one time.
- Spin one time.
- Touch one toe.
Pause often and ask, “How many did we do?” The child answers, “One!”
You Do: Show What You Know
Choice Activity A: Make Number 1
Invite the child to choose one way to make the numeral 1:
- Trace it with a crayon.
- Draw it in the air.
- Build it with one long block or craft stick.
- Make it with a finger in sand, flour, or a tray of rice.
Choice Activity B: One-Object Picture
Ask the child to draw one favorite thing, such as one sun, one flower, or one pet.
Help the child say:
“I drew one ____.”
Choice Activity C: Number Hunt
Look around the home for the numeral 1. Check books, clocks, calendars, labels, or toys.
Each time the child finds it, say:
“You found number 1!”
Formative Assessment: Quick Checks
Ask the child to:
- Point to the numeral 1 among two or three different numerals.
- Show one finger.
- Hand you one object.
- Count one object.
- Tell you what number means “one thing.”
If the child needs help, use fewer choices and model the answer. For example, place one object beside an empty space and say, “This group has one.”
Real-World Connection
Talk about things that come in ones:
- One nose
- One moon in the sky
- One spoon for snack time
- One name for each person
- One book to read together
Ask, “Can you find one thing near you?”
Summative Assessment: Number 1 Challenge
Invite the child to complete these four tasks:
- Point to the numeral 1.
- Choose one object from a group.
- Make or trace a numeral 1.
- Say, “One means one thing.”
Celebrate effort rather than perfect writing. A successful response may be spoken, pointed to, acted out, built, or drawn.
Differentiation
For Extra Support
- Use only one object at first.
- Guide the child’s hand while tracing the numeral.
- Use a large numeral 1 and bright, clear objects.
- Repeat the same short phrase: “One means one.”
- Allow pointing or showing a finger instead of speaking.
For an Extra Challenge
- Ask the child to find the numeral 1 in a book or calendar.
- Invite the child to draw one object and label it with the numeral 1.
- Ask, “What happens if we add one more?”
- Have the child sort groups into “one” and “more than one.”
Conclusion and Recap
Hold up the numeral 1 and ask:
- “What number is this?”
- “How many things does one mean?”
- “Can you show me one finger?”
Say together:
“Today we learned about number 1. Number 1 means one thing. We found one, counted one, and made number 1.”
End with one clap and say, “One great job!”
Optional Follow-Up
During the day, look for one item at a time. Ask, “Can you bring me one sock?” or “Can you find one red thing?” Repeat the word one naturally during play, meals, and cleanup.