Fun with the Number 1
Materials Needed
- One small toy or stuffed animal
- Number cards or a paper with the number 1
- Crayons or washable markers
- Paper
- Small objects to count, such as blocks, buttons, or toy animals
- Play dough or clay
- 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.
- Show one object when asked.
- Trace or create the shape of the number 1.
- Use the word “one” in a simple sentence.
Success Criteria
Success looks like this:
- “I can find the number 1.”
- “I can give you one thing.”
- “I can count one object.”
- “I can make a number 1.”
Introduction: The One-Thing Hunt
Time: 5 minutes
Hold up one toy and say:
“Look! I have one toy. One means just one. Can you show me one finger?”
Invite the child to hold up one finger. Then look around the room together and find things that come in groups of one, such as one door, one table, or one favorite toy.
Quick Questions
- “How many toys am I holding?”
- “Can you find one block?”
- “Can you show me one finger?”
Body: Learn and Practice
1. I Do: Meet the Number 1
Time: 5 minutes
Show the child the numeral 1. Say:
“This is the number 1. We say one. One tells us that there is only one thing.”
Point to the numeral and trace it slowly with your finger while saying:
“Start at the top. Go straight down. This is 1.”
Place one object beside the number 1 and say:
“The number 1 matches one object.”
2. We Do: Count One Object
Time: 7 minutes
Place a few objects in front of the child. Ask the child to choose one object.
Practice together:
- Touch one object.
- Say, “One.”
- Move the object next to the number 1.
Repeat with different objects, such as one block, one button, or one toy animal.
Think and Talk
Ask:
- “Can you give me one block?”
- “Is this one block or two blocks?”
- “What is one toy you like?”
3. Movement Game: One, Stop!
Time: 5 minutes
Explain:
“When I say ‘one,’ do one action. Then stop.”
Try these actions:
- One jump
- One clap
- One twirl
- One stomp
- One silly face
After each action, ask, “How many did you do?” Encourage the child to answer, “One!”
4. We Do: Make the Number 1
Time: 8 minutes
Let the child choose one way to make a number 1:
- Trace a large number 1 with a crayon.
- Build a number 1 with play dough.
- Make a number 1 using blocks.
- Draw the number 1 in the air with a finger.
As the child works, repeat:
“Start at the top and go straight down. You made a 1!”
5. You Do: One-Object Challenge
Time: 8 minutes
Give the child several small objects. Say:
“Your job is to make groups with one object in each group.”
For example, the child may place one block on one piece of paper and one toy animal on another piece of paper.
Then ask the child to:
- Find the number 1.
- Place one object beside it.
- Say, “Number 1 means one.”
Real-World Connection: One for Me
Time: 5 minutes
Pretend to prepare a snack, pack a bag, or set up a pretend shop. Ask the child to choose one item.
Use simple sentences such as:
- “Please give me one spoon.”
- “I need one cup.”
- “Let’s put one toy in the bag.”
Explain that we use numbers every day to tell how many things we need.
Formative Assessment: Show Me One
Throughout the lesson, check understanding by asking the child to:
- Point to the number 1.
- Hold up one finger.
- Give you one object.
- Count one object.
- Tell you what the number 1 means.
Give specific encouragement, such as:
“You gave me exactly one block. You counted carefully!”
Summative Assessment: Number 1 Show-and-Tell
Ask the child to complete these four tasks:
- Find the number 1 from two or three number cards.
- Place one object beside the number 1.
- Show one finger.
- Make or trace the number 1.
The child meets the goal when they complete at least three of the four tasks with little or no help.
Differentiation and Choices
For Extra Support
- Use only one object at a time.
- Guide the child’s hand while tracing the number 1.
- Repeat the words “one” and “number 1” often.
- Use large objects that are easy to see and hold.
For an Extra Challenge
- Ask the child to find one item in different rooms.
- Compare one object with a group of two or three objects.
- Invite the child to draw one sun, one flower, or one animal.
- Ask the child to use “one” in a sentence, such as “I have one ball.”
Learning Choices
The child may choose to practice by:
- Moving and clapping
- Drawing or tracing
- Building with blocks
- Playing with toys
- Using play dough
Conclusion: Tell What We Learned
Time: 3 minutes
Review the lesson by saying:
“Today we learned about the number 1. The number 1 means one thing. We showed one finger, counted one object, and made a number 1.”
Ask the child:
- “What number did we learn?”
- “What does 1 mean?”
- “Can you show me one finger?”
- “Can you find one thing to tell me about?”
Finish with a celebration:
“You did one wonderful job learning about 1!”
Optional Follow-Up Activity
During the day, look for the number 1 on books, clocks, signs, or packaging. Each time the child finds it, invite them to say:
“I found the number 1. It means one!”