Fun with the Number 1
Materials Needed
- Large paper or a whiteboard
- Crayon, marker, or pencil
- One small toy or household object
- Several safe objects for counting, such as blocks, buttons, or socks
- Paper with a large number 1 written on it
- Play dough or clay
- 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 finger when asked.
- Trace or make a number 1.
- Find examples of “one” in everyday life.
Success Criteria
I can:
- Point to the number 1.
- Give one object when asked.
- Say, “One!” while touching one object.
- Make a number 1 with a crayon, finger, or play dough.
Introduction: The Mystery of One
Time: 5 minutes
Place one special toy in front of the child. Ask:
- “What do you see?”
- “How many toys are here?”
- “Can you hold up one finger?”
Say: “Today we are learning about the number 1. One means just one thing.”
Movement warm-up: Say, “Let’s do one jump!” Help the child make one jump. Try one clap, one stomp, and one twirl.
Body of the Lesson
I Do: Teacher or Parent Demonstration
Time: 5–7 minutes
1. Show the Number
Show the paper with the large number 1. Say:
“This is the number 1. It tells us there is one thing.”
2. Count One Object
Place one block on the table. Touch it and say slowly:
“One.”
Explain: “I touch the object one time because there is one block.”
3. Model Writing
Use your finger to trace the number 1 in the air. Say:
“Start at the top. Go down. Number 1!”
Model making the number 1 with a crayon and with play dough.
Quick check: Ask, “Which number is this?” Let the child point to or say 1.
We Do: Learn Together
Time: 10 minutes
Activity 1: Find One
Invite the child to look around the room and find things that come in groups of one.
Possible examples include:
- One door
- One nose
- One sun in the sky
- One favorite toy
- One book
Each time, touch the item and say, “One ____.”
Activity 2: Give Me One
Place several objects in front of the child. Say, “Please give me one block.”
When the child gives one object, respond: “You gave me one block! Great counting.”
Repeat with different objects, such as one button, one crayon, or one sock.
Activity 3: Think, Show, and Say
Ask the child to:
- Think of something they have one of.
- Show one finger.
- Say, “I have one ____.”
Offer choices if needed: “Do you have one nose or two noses?”
Formative assessment: Observe whether the child selects one object instead of a group of objects. Gently count together if needed.
You Do: Child Practice
Time: 10–15 minutes
Activity 1: Make the Number 1
Let the child choose one way to make the number 1:
- Trace the number 1 with a crayon.
- Draw the number 1 in the air.
- Make the number 1 with play dough.
- Build the number 1 with blocks.
- Trace the number 1 with a finger on the table.
Say: “You chose how to make 1. Show me your number 1.”
Activity 2: One-Object Hunt
Give the child a small basket or bowl. Ask the child to find one object from each safe area of the room.
For each object, the child should:
- Pick up one object.
- Put it in the basket.
- Say what it is: “One spoon,” “One car,” or “One ball.”
Activity 3: Number 1 Movement Game
Play music or clap a steady beat. Call out an action and the number 1:
- “One clap!”
- “One wiggle!”
- “One big stretch!”
Pause after each action and ask, “How many did we do?” The child answers, “One!”
Feedback: Give specific praise, such as “You gave me exactly one block,” or “You started at the top and made a number 1.” If the child chooses too many objects, say, “Let’s check. We need one. Can you put the extras back?”
Real-World Connection
Talk about things the child may see every day:
- “You have one mouth for talking.”
- “We read one book at bedtime.”
- “You can wear one hat at a time.”
- “We can take one step, then another step.”
Invite the child to name one thing they like.
Conclusion: Tell What We Learned
Time: 5 minutes
Show the number 1 again and ask:
- “What number is this?”
- “Can you show me one finger?”
- “Can you give me one object?”
- “Can you make a number 1 in the air?”
Say together:
“One means one thing. The number 1 shows one.”
Exit Demonstration
Ask the child to choose one final way to show learning:
- Point to the number 1.
- Bring one object.
- Draw or build a number 1.
- Show one finger and say, “One!”
Optional Extension Activities
- Read a counting book and look for pages showing one object.
- Make a “Number 1” collage with one sticker, one drawing, and one large numeral.
- During snack, count out one cracker or one piece of fruit.
- Take a “one” walk and notice one bird, one tree, or one red car.
Differentiation and Support
For Extra Support
- Use only one object and one empty space at first.
- Guide the child’s finger while counting and tracing.
- Repeat the words “one” and “number 1” often.
- Offer two choices: “Do you want one block or one car?”
For More Challenge
- Ask the child to find one object in several different rooms.
- Invite the child to draw one object next to the numeral 1.
- Ask, “What happens if we add one more?” and introduce the idea of two without requiring mastery.
- Have the child explain why a group has one object.
Assessment Notes
Record or remember whether the child can:
- Recognize the numeral 1.
- Count one object using one-to-one touch.
- Show one finger.
- Select one object from a group.
- Attempt to write, trace, or build the number 1.
Reflection question for the child: “What is one thing you learned today?”