Fun With the Number 1
Materials Needed
- Large paper or a small whiteboard
- Crayon or washable marker
- One small toy, block, or stuffed animal
- Several small objects, such as buttons, blocks, or pom-poms
- Paper and child-safe scissors
- 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 accurately.
- Show one object when asked.
- Trace or make a simple numeral 1.
- Use the word “one” in a sentence.
Success Criteria
Success looks like:
- “I can find the number 1.”
- “I can give you one thing.”
- “I can count one object.”
- “I can try to write or trace 1.”
Introduction: Meet the Number 1
Hook: Hold up one favorite toy and ask, “How many toys do I have?” Let the child answer or help them say, “One!”
Say: “Today we are learning about the number 1. One means just one thing. We will look, count, move, and play with one.”
Quick Talk
- “Can you show me one finger?”
- “Can you find one toy?”
- “How many noses do you have?”
- “How many suns are in the sky?”
Body of the Lesson
I Do: Watch Me
Place one toy on the table. Point to it and slowly say:
“One toy. I see one.”
Show the numeral 1 on paper. Explain:
“This is the number 1. It tells us there is one thing.”
Model how to make the number 1:
- “Start at the top.”
- “Make a straight line down.”
- “That is a 1!”
Invite the child to watch you count one object. Touch it once and say, “One.”
We Do: Count and Find One
Work together through each activity.
1. One-Finger Game
Say a direction, and have the child respond:
- “Show me one finger.”
- “Touch your nose one time.”
- “Clap one time.”
- “Jump one time.”
2. Give Me One
Place several objects in front of the child. Ask:
“Please give me one block.”
Help the child choose only one object. Repeat with different objects. Celebrate by saying, “You gave me one!”
3. Number 1 Hunt
Look around the learning space together for the numeral 1. It might be on a book, clock, calendar, puzzle, or paper.
Each time the child finds a 1, say, “You found the number 1!”
Formative Check
Ask the child:
- “Which number is this?” while showing 1 and another numeral.
- “Can you give me one object?”
- “How many objects are in my hand?” while holding one object.
You Do: Show What You Know
Choice Activity A: Make a Number 1 Picture
Ask the child to draw or decorate one large number 1. The child may:
- Color the number.
- Cover it with stickers.
- Glue one small item beside it.
- Draw one sun, one flower, or one balloon.
Choice Activity B: Number 1 Movement Story
Tell this short story and invite the child to act it out:
“One little bunny wakes up. The bunny takes one hop. The bunny sees one flower. The bunny gives the flower one sniff. Then the bunny waves goodbye.”
Choice Activity C: Trace the Number 1
Write several large dotted 1s on paper. Have the child trace them with a finger, crayon, or marker.
Say the steps each time: “Start at the top. Go straight down.”
Real-World Connection
Invite the child to find examples of one during the day:
- One toothbrush
- One spoon
- One shoe
- One pet or stuffed animal
- One favorite snack
Ask, “What is one thing you can see?”
Feedback and Encouragement
Give specific praise:
- “You chose one block. You counted carefully.”
- “You found the number 1.”
- “You started your 1 at the top.”
- “You kept trying. That was good learning.”
Conclusion and Recap
Hold up the numeral 1 and ask the child to repeat:
“1 means one. One means just one thing.”
Ask the child to complete these sentences:
- “The number I learned is ___.”
- “I can show one by holding up ___ finger.”
- “One means ___ thing.”
Finish with a celebration: clap one time and say, “Hooray for number 1!”
Assessment
Informal Assessment
Observe whether the child can:
- Point to the numeral 1.
- Count one object without adding more.
- Give one object when asked.
- Attempt to trace or draw 1.
End-of-Lesson Demonstration
Place three different numerals or number cards in front of the child. Ask the child to:
- Point to 1.
- Give you one object.
- Show one finger.
- Trace or draw 1.
Differentiation
For a Child Who Needs More Support
- Use only two choices at a time.
- Guide the child’s hand while counting or tracing.
- Use larger objects and large number cards.
- Repeat the same activity later in the day.
For a Child Ready for More
- Ask the child to find the number 1 in a book or magazine.
- Invite the child to draw one object and write 1 beside it.
- Compare one object with a group of two or three objects.
- Ask, “Can you find one thing that is red?”
Optional Follow-Up
During snack time, give the child one piece of a food item and ask, “How many do you have?” At bedtime, look for one moon, one pillow, or one favorite stuffed animal.