Fun With the Number 1
Materials Needed
- Large paper or a whiteboard
- Marker or crayon
- Number cards, including the number 1
- Small objects such as blocks, buttons, or toy animals
- Paper and crayons
- One favorite toy or stuffed animal
- Optional: music for a counting song
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, the child will be able to:
- Recognize the written number 1.
- Say the number name “one.”
- Count one object correctly.
- Show one object when asked.
- Trace or attempt to write the number 1.
- Connect the number 1 to real-life examples.
Success Criteria
“I can…”
- Find the number 1.
- Show one thing.
- Say “one” when I see 1.
- Try to make the number 1.
Introduction: One Special Thing
Time: 5 minutes
Place one favorite toy in front of the child. Ask:
- “How many toys do we see?”
- “Can you touch the one toy?”
- “Can you hold up one finger?”
Say: “Today we are learning about the number 1. One means just one thing.”
Invite the child to look around the room and find one item. It could be one shoe, one book, or one spoon.
Body of the Lesson
I Do: Meet the Number 1
Time: 5 minutes
Write a large 1 on paper or a whiteboard. Say:
“This is the number 1. We say, ‘one.’ One looks like a straight line.”
Trace the number slowly while saying:
“Start at the top. Go down. That makes 1.”
Show one object beside the number 1. For example, place one block next to the written number.
Say: “The number 1 tells us there is one block.”
Quick Check
Show the child the number 1 and ask:
- “What number is this?”
- “Can you show me one finger?”
- “Can you give me one block?”
We Do: Count One Together
Time: 8 minutes
Place several objects in a small group. Ask the child to choose one object.
Say together: “One!” as the child touches or picks up one object.
Repeat with different objects:
- One block
- One crayon
- One toy animal
- One spoon
Try a “Give Me One” game. Say:
“Please give me one red block.”
If the child gives more than one, gently say: “Let’s count. One. We only need one.”
Movement Activity: One-Step Actions
Give simple directions and have the child complete each action one time:
- “Take one jump.”
- “Clap one time.”
- “Turn around one time.”
- “Tap your head one time.”
Celebrate each attempt by saying, “You did it one time!”
You Do: Number 1 Treasure Hunt
Time: 8 minutes
Tell the child: “Let’s go on a number 1 hunt!”
Invite the child to find examples of one around the home. The child may choose:
- One pillow
- One lamp
- One stuffed animal
- One book
- One plant
Each time the child finds an item, ask:
- “What did you find?”
- “How many are we choosing?”
- “Can you say ‘one’?”
Number 1 Art Activity
Time: 8 minutes
Write a large number 1 on a piece of paper. Invite the child to decorate it with crayons, stickers, or small paper dots.
As the child works, say:
“You are decorating the number 1. Let’s put one sticker on it first.”
Offer choices:
- “Would you like to use crayons or stickers?”
- “Would you like to make a blue 1 or a yellow 1?”
- “Would you like to decorate one number or make your own number 1?”
Practice Writing the Number 1
Time: 5 minutes
Model the movement again:
“Start at the top. Go straight down.”
Have the child:
- Trace the number 1 with a finger.
- Trace it with a crayon.
- Try to write one independently.
Accept attempts that may not look perfect. Say: “You made a mark that is going down. You are practicing your 1!”
Formative Assessment
Throughout the lesson, observe whether the child can:
- Point to the number 1.
- Say “one.”
- Give one object.
- Show one finger.
- Follow a one-step movement direction.
- Attempt to trace or write 1.
Give specific feedback such as:
- “You gave me exactly one block.”
- “You found the number 1.”
- “You remembered to start at the top.”
Summative Assessment: Show Me One
Time: 5 minutes
Place several objects and number cards in front of the child. Ask the child to complete these tasks:
- “Point to the number 1.”
- “Give me one object.”
- “Show me one finger.”
- “Make one group with one object.”
- “Try to write the number 1.”
The child is successful when they complete most tasks with little or no help. Continue practicing through play if the child needs support.
Conclusion: Tell What We Learned
Time: 3 minutes
Hold up the number 1 and ask:
- “What number is this?”
- “How many is one?”
- “Can you show me one finger?”
Recap together:
“Today we learned that 1 means one. We found one thing, counted one thing, and practiced making the number 1.”
Finish with a short chant:
“One, one, number one! One small step, and we are done!”
Differentiation and Support
- For extra support: Use only one object at a time. Guide the child’s hand while counting and tracing.
- For visual learners: Use a large, colorful number 1 and place one object beside it.
- For movement learners: Practice one jump, one clap, or one step.
- For language support: Repeat the words “number 1,” “one,” and “one object” slowly and clearly.
- For an extra challenge: Ask the child to find the number 1 in a book, on a clock, or on a calendar.
Everyday Learning Extension
During the day, look for natural chances to practice one:
- Put one napkin on the table.
- Choose one snack.
- Find one red item.
- Read one page of a book.
- Take one big breath.