Fun with the Number 1
Materials Needed
- Paper
- Crayons or washable markers
- One small toy or household object
- Number cards or a hand-drawn card showing “1”
- Play dough, blocks, or building pieces
- 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 item when asked.
- Trace or draw a simple number 1.
- Connect the number 1 to everyday things.
Success Criteria
“I can show one, say one, and make the number 1.”
Introduction: Hook and Objectives
Say: “Today we are number detectives! We are looking for the number 1. Can you hold up one finger?”
Show one toy. Ask:
- “How many toys do I have?”
- “Can you show me one finger?”
- “Can you find one thing near you?”
Tell the child: “Today we will learn how to see, say, count, and make the number 1.”
Body of the Lesson
1. I Do: Meet the Number 1
Show the number card with 1.
Say: “This is the number 1. We say, ‘one.’ One means just one thing.”
Place one object beside the card.
Model: “I see one block. I touch it once and say, ‘one.’”
Use your finger to trace the number in the air while saying:
“Start at the top. Go down. Number 1!”
Invite the child to trace the number in the air, on the table, or in a small tray of play dough.
2. We Do: Find One
Place a few groups of objects nearby. For example, place one block in one group, two blocks in another group, and three blocks in a third group.
Ask: “Which group has one block?”
Count together by touching the object:
“One.”
Repeat with safe household objects such as a spoon, a sock, or a stuffed animal.
Think-and-Share Questions
- “Can you find one shoe?”
- “Can you bring me one book?”
- “What is one thing you like to eat?”
- “Can you find one circle in the room?”
3. We Do: Make One
Give the child play dough or blocks.
Instructions:
- “Make one ball of play dough.”
- “Build one tower.”
- “Put one block next to the number 1.”
Celebrate each try with specific feedback:
“You made one ball. You used just one.”
4. You Do: Number 1 Art
Draw a large number 1 on a piece of paper.
Instructions:
- “Trace the number 1 with your finger.”
- “Trace it with a crayon.”
- “Decorate the number 1 with one sticker, one dot, or one small drawing.”
Let the child choose how to decorate the number. If needed, provide a dotted outline to trace.
5. Movement Game: One, Two, Freeze!
Play music or clap a simple rhythm.
When the music stops, call out an action:
- “Do one jump!”
- “Clap one time!”
- “Spin one time!”
- “Touch one toe!”
After each action, ask, “How many did you do?” The child answers, “One!”
Quick Formative Checks
Ask the child to:
- Point to the number 1.
- Hold up one finger.
- Give you one object.
- Choose the group with one object.
- Trace the number 1 in the air.
Notice whether the child can count one object without adding extra numbers or objects.
Real-World Connection
Look around the home together and find examples of one:
- One front door
- One nose
- One sun in the sky
- One favorite toy
- One cup or one spoon
Say: “The number 1 helps us talk about one thing.”
Summative Activity: Show Me One
Place several safe objects in front of the child. Ask the child to complete these tasks:
- “Show me one object.”
- “Put it beside the number 1.”
- “Count it.”
- “Trace or draw the number 1.”
Success goal: The child correctly identifies the numeral 1, gives one object, counts one object, and attempts to write or trace 1.
Differentiation and Support
For Extra Support
- Use only one object at a time.
- Guide the child’s finger while tracing.
- Repeat the phrase, “One means just one.”
- Allow pointing, speaking, or showing a finger as a response.
For an Extra Challenge
- Ask the child to find five different groups of one object.
- Invite the child to draw one flower, one animal, or one person.
- Ask, “What happens if we add one more?” Then introduce the idea of two informally.
- Have the child search for the numeral 1 in books, labels, or a calendar.
Conclusion and Recap
Hold up the number card again.
Ask:
- “What number did we learn?”
- “Can you show me one finger?”
- “Can you give me one object?”
- “How do we make the number 1?”
Recap together: “One means just one. We can say one, show one, count one, and write the number 1.”
End with a celebration: “You found the number 1!”
Optional Follow-Up
During the day, invite the child to find and name one object during everyday routines, such as “one sock,” “one spoon,” or “one book.”