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
- A small basket or bowl
- 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 the number word “one.”
- Count one object.
- Show one object when asked.
- Trace or make the shape of the numeral 1.
Success Criteria
“I can show one thing, say ‘one,’ and make the number 1.”
Introduction: The Number 1 Is First
Time: 5 minutes
Show the child the large numeral 1.
Say:
“This is the number 1. One means just one thing. Can you hold up one finger?”
Invite the child to hold up one finger. Then look around the room together and find one item.
Ask:
- “Can you find one toy?”
- “Can you touch one table?”
- “Can you give me one clap?”
Child-friendly goal: “Today we will play games with one!”
Body: Learn and Practice
1. I Do: Watch Me Count One
Time: 5 minutes
Place several objects on the table. Slowly move only one object into the basket.
Say:
“I am putting one block in the basket. Let’s count it: one. There is one block.”
Point to the numeral 1 and say:
“This number tells us there is one.”
Model the difference between one and more than one:
- Hold up one toy: “One toy.”
- Hold up two toys: “This is more than one.”
Quick check: Hold up one object and ask, “How many?” Wait for the child to answer or show one finger.
2. We Do: One-Object Hunt
Time: 7 minutes
Give the child the basket. Search together for objects around the home.
Take turns giving directions:
- “Find one spoon.”
- “Find one soft toy.”
- “Find one red thing.”
- “Put one object in the basket.”
After each turn, count aloud together: “One!”
Think and talk:
- “What did you find?”
- “How many did you put in the basket?”
- “Can you show me one finger?”
3. We Do: Move One Time
Time: 5 minutes
Play music or clap a simple beat. Give one-step movement directions:
- “Take one jump.”
- “Spin one time.”
- “Clap one time.”
- “Tap your knees one time.”
Pause often and ask, “How many did we do?” Encourage the child to answer, “One.”
4. I Do: Make the Number 1
Time: 5 minutes
Use your finger to trace the numeral 1 in the air.
Say:
“Start at the top. Go down. The number 1 is finished!”
Model making a number 1 with play dough or a crayon. Do not worry about perfect handwriting.
5. You Do: Number 1 Art
Time: 8–10 minutes
Invite the child to choose one way to make the number 1:
- Trace a large numeral 1 with a crayon.
- Build a numeral 1 with play dough.
- Make a numeral 1 using blocks.
- Draw one favorite object beside the numeral 1.
- Dip one finger in washable paint and make one fingerprint.
As the child works, use simple prompts:
- “What number are you making?”
- “How many objects did you draw?”
- “Can you show me one?”
Real-World Connection: One Special Thing
Time: 5 minutes
Ask the child to choose one special item, such as one favorite toy, one book, or one stuffed animal.
Invite the child to describe it:
“I have one ______.”
Explain:
“We use numbers every day. We might choose one snack, wear one hat, or read one book.”
Formative Assessment: Show Me One
Ask the child to complete these tasks:
- Point to the numeral 1.
- Hold up one finger.
- Give you one object.
- Count one object.
- Trace or make the numeral 1.
Give specific encouragement:
- “You gave me one block.”
- “You counted carefully.”
- “You started at the top when you made the number 1.”
Summative Assessment: Number 1 Challenge
Invite the child to complete the challenge independently:
“Show me number 1!”
The child should:
- Choose the numeral 1 from two or three cards.
- Place one object beside it.
- Say “one” or show one finger.
- Make or trace the numeral 1.
Meeting the goal: The child completes at least three of the four tasks with little help.
Differentiation and Support
For a Child Who Needs More Support
- Use only one object at a time.
- Give hand-over-hand help when tracing.
- Repeat the words “one” and “number 1” often.
- Use large objects and a large numeral card.
- Allow pointing, touching, or showing one finger instead of speaking.
For a Child Ready for More
- Ask the child to find the numeral 1 in a book or on a sign.
- Invite the child to draw one object for each of several people or toys.
- Compare one object with a group of two or three objects.
- Ask, “What happens if we add one more?”
Conclusion and Recap
Time: 3 minutes
Review the lesson with the child:
- “What number did we learn?”
- “How many is one?”
- “Can you show one finger?”
- “Can you find one thing near you?”
Finish with a short chant:
“One little finger, held up high.
One little number, 1, is nearby.
One means one—now we know!
Number 1, watch us go!”
Celebrate the child’s effort and display the number 1 artwork.
Optional Follow-Up Activities
- Look for the numeral 1 during a walk or while reading a book.
- Serve one small snack and count it together.
- Sing a song about one little star, one little duck, or one little monkey.
- Make a “Number 1” page with one sticker, one drawing, and one fingerprint.