Fun with the Number 1
Materials Needed
- Large paper or a whiteboard
- Crayons or washable markers
- One small toy or stuffed animal
- Small objects to count, such as blocks, buttons, 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 correctly.
- Show one object when asked.
- Trace or draw the numeral 1.
- Use the word “one” in a simple sentence.
Success Criteria
I can:
- Point to the number 1.
- Give you one object.
- Say, “This is one.”
- Make or trace a number 1.
Introduction: Meet Number 1
Hook: Hold up one favorite toy and say, “Look! I have one teddy bear. Can you show me one finger?”
Invite the child to hold up one finger. Say:
“Today we are going to play with the number 1. One means just one thing.”
Show the child a large numeral 1. Trace it in the air with your finger and say:
“This is number 1. It looks like a straight line.”
Body of the Lesson
I Do: Model the Number 1
- Place one block on the table.
- Touch the block and say, “One block.”
- Show the numeral 1 and say, “The number 1 tells us there is one block.”
- Demonstrate writing the number 1: “Start at the top. Go down.”
- Draw a large number 1 in the air, on paper, and with your finger on the table.
Quick Check: Ask, “How many blocks do we have?” Encourage the child to answer, “One.”
We Do: Find One
Place groups of objects on the table. Some groups should have one object, and others may have two or three.
Say:
“Let’s find the group with one object. Touch the group that has one.”
Practice with different objects:
- One block
- One crayon
- One spoon
- One toy animal
After each turn, ask:
- “How many are there?”
- “Can you give me one?”
- “What is one thing you see in this room?”
Movement Game: One-Step Dance
Play music or clap a steady beat. Give one-step directions:
- “Take one step.”
- “Clap one time.”
- “Jump one time.”
- “Touch one toy.”
- “Turn around one time.”
Pause after each direction and let the child complete it. Celebrate with, “You did one!”
We Do: Make a Number 1 Collage
- Draw a large number 1 on paper.
- Help the child cut or tear small pieces of paper.
- Let the child glue pieces onto the number 1.
- Count one piece at a time as the child places them.
Offer a choice:
- “Would you like blue paper or yellow paper?”
- “Would you like to decorate your 1 with paper or crayons?”
You Do: Number 1 Treasure Hunt
Invite the child to find one item in the room. Give clear instructions:
- “Find one soft thing.”
- “Find one red thing.”
- “Find one toy.”
- “Bring me one item.”
Each time the child returns, ask the child to show the item and say:
“I found one ____.”
You Do: Trace and Draw Number 1
- Write several large dotted numbers 1 on paper.
- Ask the child to trace each one with a finger first.
- Invite the child to trace with a crayon or marker.
- Ask the child to try drawing one number 1 independently.
- Let the child draw one object beside the number 1.
Say:
“You made a number 1 and one picture to match it!”
Formative Assessment
Check understanding throughout the lesson by asking the child to:
- Point to the numeral 1 among two or three numerals.
- Hold up one finger.
- Give one object when asked.
- Count one object aloud.
- Choose which group has one object.
Summative Assessment: Show What You Know
Give the child this short challenge:
- “Point to the number 1.”
- “Give me one block.”
- “Show me one finger.”
- “Draw a number 1.”
- “Tell me one thing you like.”
Suggested benchmark: The child completes at least four of the five tasks with little or no help.
Differentiation and Support
For Extra Support
- Use only one object at a time.
- Guide the child’s hand while counting or tracing.
- Repeat the phrase, “One means just one.”
- Use large objects and a large written numeral.
- Allow pointing, touching, or showing a finger instead of speaking.
For an Extra Challenge
- Ask the child to find the numeral 1 in a book or around the home.
- Ask, “Can you make a group of one and a group of two?”
- Invite the child to draw one favorite animal and label it with the number 1.
- Ask the child to explain, “How do you know this group has one?”
Closure and Recap
Gather the materials and hold up one object. Ask:
- “What number did we learn today?”
- “How many objects are here?”
- “Can you show me one finger?”
- “What is one thing you did today?”
Finish with this chant while holding up one finger:
“One is fun! One is neat!
One little number cannot be beat!”
Celebrate the child’s effort by saying:
“Today you found, counted, and made the number 1!”