Fun With the Number 1
Materials Needed
- Large paper or a whiteboard
- Crayon, marker, or pencil
- One small toy or household object
- Number cards or a handwritten card showing 1
- Paper and stickers, blocks, or small pieces of cereal
- Optional: a short song about the number 1
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, the child will be able to:
- Recognize the numeral 1.
- Say that “1” means one thing.
- Count one object correctly.
- Trace or draw the numeral 1.
- Find groups that have one object.
Success Criteria
I can:
- Point to the number 1.
- Show one object.
- Say, “This is one.”
- Make a number 1 with my finger, a crayon, or a block.
Introduction: Hello, Number 1! (5 minutes)
Hook
Hold up one toy and ask:
“How many toys am I holding?”
Help the child answer: “One!”
Show the number card and say:
“This is the number 1. The number 1 tells us there is one thing.”
Tell the Child What They Will Learn
“Today we will play with the number 1. We will find one thing, count one thing, and make the number 1.”
Body of the Lesson
1. I Do: See and Say One (5 minutes)
Place one object in front of the child. Touch it and count slowly:
“One.”
Show the numeral 1 and say:
“This is 1. One means just one thing.”
Give a few examples:
- “One nose.”
- “One moon.”
- “One hand.”
- “One toy.”
Invite the child to touch their nose, then say, “I have one nose.”
2. We Do: Find One (8 minutes)
Look around the learning space together. Take turns finding one item.
Use prompts such as:
- “Can you find one book?”
- “Can you bring me one block?”
- “Can you point to one chair?”
Each time, touch the item and count:
“One. We found one book.”
Quick Check
Place one block in one group and two blocks in another group. Ask:
“Which group has one block?”
Celebrate the child’s effort. If needed, count each group together.
3. We Do: Number 1 Movement Game (5 minutes)
Say an action and have the child do it one time:
- “Clap one time.”
- “Jump one time.”
- “Stomp one time.”
- “Spin one time.”
Count aloud together: “One!”
Then let the child choose one action for the adult to do.
4. I Do: Model How to Make 1 (3 minutes)
On paper or a whiteboard, slowly draw the numeral 1.
Say:
“Start at the top. Make a straight line down. This is 1.”
Trace the number with your finger while saying:
“Down, down, 1!”
5. You Do: Make the Number 1 (10 minutes)
Invite the child to choose one way to practice:
- Trace a large number 1 with a finger.
- Draw a number 1 with a crayon.
- Make a number 1 using one block or a piece of string.
- Decorate a large number 1 with stickers.
- Form the number 1 in the air with a finger.
Use gentle prompts:
- “Where do you start?”
- “Can you make one straight line?”
- “What number did you make?”
6. One-Object Treasure Hunt (8 minutes)
Give the child a small basket or container. Ask them to collect exactly one item from several safe areas.
Examples:
- One sock
- One toy car
- One pencil
- One book
After each item is found, ask:
“How many did you get?”
The child answers, “One.”
Safety note: Use only large, safe objects and supervise the activity.
Conclusion: Show What You Know (5 minutes)
Review
Show the number card again and ask:
- “What number is this?”
- “Can you show me one finger?”
- “Can you give me one object?”
- “Can you trace the number 1 in the air?”
Say together:
“1 means one. I can find one, count one, and make 1!”
Summative Demonstration
Ask the child to complete these three tasks:
- Point to the numeral 1 from two or three number cards.
- Give the adult exactly one object.
- Draw or trace the numeral 1.
Reflection
Ask:
“What was your favorite way to play with 1?”
Differentiation and Support
For a Child Who Needs More Support
- Use only one object at a time.
- Guide the child’s hand while tracing.
- Repeat the words “one” and “1” often.
- Use large materials that are easy to see and touch.
- Offer choices: “Do you want one block or one toy?”
For a Child Ready for More
- Ask the child to find one object in different rooms.
- Invite the child to draw one object beside the numeral 1.
- Ask, “What happens if we add one more?”
- Have the child make a simple page showing the number 1 and one favorite thing.
Optional Follow-Up Activities
- Read a counting book and look for pages showing one object.
- Sing a song with one clap or one stomp after each line.
- During the day, notice examples of one: one sun, one door, or one pet.
- Make a “Number 1” display with one drawing or one sticker.
Assessment Notes
Record whether the child can recognize 1, count one object, select one object, and attempt to write or trace 1. Focus on effort and understanding rather than perfect handwriting.