Fun with the Number 1
Materials Needed
- Large paper or a whiteboard
- Crayon, marker, or pencil
- One small toy or stuffed animal
- Small objects for counting, such as blocks, buttons, or toy cars
- Paper and stickers
- 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.”
- Count one object correctly.
- Trace or copy the number 1.
- Find examples of one in everyday life.
Success Criteria
Success looks like this:
- “I can show one object.”
- “I can find the number 1.”
- “I can make a number 1.”
Introduction: Meet the Number 1
Time: 5 minutes
Hold up one toy and say:
“Look! I have one toy. One means just one. Today we are going to play with the number 1!”
Show the written numeral 1.
Say: “This is the number 1. Can you say 1?”
Invite the child to make a “number 1” with one finger. Count together:
“One finger. One nose. One mouth.”
Body: Learn and Practice
1. I Do: Model the Number 1
Time: 5 minutes
Draw a large number 1 while saying:
“Start at the top. Go down. That makes 1.”
Place one object on the table.
Say: “I have one block. Let’s count it: 1.”
Place two or three objects beside it and explain:
“This is more than one. One means only one object.”
Quick Check: Ask, “Which group has one?” Let the child point to the group with one object.
2. We Do: One or More?
Time: 7 minutes
Put different groups of objects in front of the child: one block, two blocks, and three blocks.
Take turns asking:
- “Can you find one block?”
- “Can you give me one car?”
- “Can you make a group with one button?”
After each turn, count aloud together: “1. There is one.”
Think and Talk: Ask the child to name something they have one of, such as one bed, one favorite toy, or one nose.
3. Movement Game: One Move!
Time: 5 minutes
Give the child simple one-step instructions:
- Take one jump.
- Clap one time.
- Spin one time.
- Touch one toe.
- Give one high five.
After each action, say: “You did it one time!”
For an extra challenge, let the child give you one-action instructions.
4. We Do: Build the Number 1
Time: 5 minutes
Use a block, craft stick, piece of string, or finger to form the shape of 1.
Say:
“A number 1 can be tall and straight. Let’s make one together.”
Invite the child to build a large 1. Talk about its shape using simple words such as top, bottom, and straight.
5. You Do: Trace and Create
Time: 8 minutes
Draw several large dotted numbers 1 on paper. Invite the child to:
- Trace each number with a finger.
- Trace each number with a crayon.
- Try writing one independently.
- Decorate the number 1 with one sticker, one dot, or one small drawing.
Say: “Start at the top and go down. You are making a 1!”
Allow the child to choose a color or decorating method.
Real-World Hunt: Find One
Time: 5 minutes
Walk around the home and look for things that come in groups of one. Examples include:
- One door
- One table
- One spoon
- One lamp
- One favorite stuffed animal
Each time the child finds something, say:
“You found one! One means just one.”
Formative Assessment
During the lesson, check understanding by asking the child to:
- Point to the numeral 1.
- Give you one object.
- Show one finger.
- Choose the group containing one object.
- Trace or copy the number 1.
Summative Assessment: Show What You Know
Place several numerals and small groups of objects in front of the child. Invite the child to complete these tasks:
- Point to the number 1.
- Place one object next to it.
- Show one finger.
- Draw or trace a number 1.
- Tell you one thing they found during the hunt.
Celebrate effort with specific feedback:
“You found the number 1 and showed one object. You know that one means just one!”
Differentiation and Support
For Extra Support
- Use only one object and one group with more objects at a time.
- Guide the child’s hand while tracing.
- Use repeated language: “One means just one.”
- Let the child answer by pointing, touching, or showing a finger.
For an Extra Challenge
- Ask the child to find the number 1 in a book, calendar, or clock.
- Invite the child to collect one item from several different rooms.
- Ask, “What happens if we add one more?”
- Have the child draw one object and write the number 1 beside it.
Conclusion and Recap
Time: 3 minutes
Hold up the numeral 1 and ask:
- “What number is this?”
- “How many objects does 1 mean?”
- “Can you show me one finger?”
Review together:
“Today we learned that 1 means one. We found one object, moved one time, and practiced writing the number 1.”
Finish with a cheerful chant:
“One, one, number 1! Learning numbers is fun!”
Optional Follow-Up Activities
- Read a counting book and look for pages showing one object.
- Make a “Number 1” collage using one sticker from each color.
- At snack time, count out one cracker, one piece of fruit, or one cup.
- Sing a counting song and pause whenever you reach one.