Fun with the Number 1
Materials Needed
- One favorite toy
- Paper and crayons
- Large card or paper with the number 1
- Small objects for counting, such as blocks, buttons, or toy animals
- Play dough or modeling clay
- Optional: music for a movement game
Lesson Overview
Age: 4 years old
Time: 20–30 minutes, with short breaks as needed
Big idea: The number 1 means “one.”
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 make the shape of the number 1.
- Use the word “one” in a simple sentence.
Success Criteria
“I can show one thing, say ‘one,’ find the number 1, and make a number 1.”
Introduction: Hook and Objectives
Hold up one favorite toy and say:
“Look! I have one toy. Can you hold up one finger?”
Count slowly while holding up one finger:
“One. There is one finger.”
Tell the child:
“Today we will learn about the number 1. We will find it, count one thing, and make it.”
Body of the Lesson
1. I Do: Meet the Number 1
Show the large number card.
Say:
“This is the number 1. It tells us there is one thing.”
Use one object, such as one block.
Say:
“One block. Let’s count: one.”
Trace the number 1 in the air with your finger:
“Start at the top. Go down. Number 1!”
Invite the child to trace the number in the air with you.
2. We Do: Find One
Place several groups of objects in front of the child. Make groups with one, two, and three objects.
Ask:
- “Which group has one toy?”
- “Can you touch one block?”
- “Can you give me one button?”
Count together. Touch only one object as you say:
“One.”
Quick Check: Hold up two different objects, one at a time. Ask, “How many?” Celebrate when the child identifies one.
3. Movement Game: Number 1 Actions
Give simple directions. The child should do each action one time:
- Take one jump.
- Clap one time.
- Spin one time.
- Touch one toe.
- Give one high-five.
Say:
“We did one jump. One means just one time.”
4. We Do: Make the Number 1
Use play dough to make a long roll. Help the child bend or place it to look like the number 1.
Say:
“Let’s make number 1. It goes down.”
Next, invite the child to trace the number 1 on paper with a crayon. Guide the hand if needed.
5. You Do: Number 1 Treasure Hunt
Ask the child to find one object in the room.
Give choices:
- Find one red thing.
- Find one soft thing.
- Find one toy.
- Find one book.
Each time, ask:
“How many did you find?”
Encourage the child to answer:
“I found one!”
6. Creative Choice Activity
Let the child choose one activity:
- Draw one big number 1 and decorate it.
- Make one play-dough number 1.
- Glue one piece of paper onto a large number 1.
- Draw one favorite thing next to the number 1.
Ask:
“What one thing will you make?”
Formative Assessment
During the lesson, observe whether the child can:
- Point to the number 1.
- Show one finger.
- Choose one object from a group.
- Count one object without adding extra objects.
- Follow a direction one time.
Use gentle prompts when needed:
- “Let’s touch just one.”
- “Look at the number card. Which one looks the same?”
- “Try counting slowly with me.”
Summative Assessment: Show What You Know
Ask the child to complete these five tasks:
- Point to the number 1.
- Hold up one finger.
- Give you one object.
- Count one object.
- Trace or make the number 1.
Celebrate effort and say:
“You found the number 1, counted one thing, and made a number 1!”
Differentiation and Support
For Extra Support
- Use only one object at a time.
- Model each action before asking the child to try.
- Use hand-over-hand guidance for tracing if appropriate.
- Repeat the word “one” often.
- Keep activities short and include movement breaks.
For an Extra Challenge
- Ask the child to find the number 1 in a book or on a label.
- Invite the child to draw one object and write or trace 1 beside it.
- Ask, “What is one thing you like?”
- Compare one object with a group of two or three objects.
Conclusion and Recap
Hold up the number card again and ask:
- “What number is this?”
- “How many is one?”
- “Can you show me one finger?”
Say together:
“The number 1 means one. One is just one thing!”
Finish with one clap, one high-five, or one happy jump.
Optional Everyday Practice
During the day, look for chances to practice:
- “Please bring me one sock.”
- “Can you choose one snack?”
- “Let’s read one book.”
- “Can you find the number 1 on this page?”