Learning About the Number 1: “One Is Fun!”
Materials Needed
- Large paper or a whiteboard
- Crayon or washable marker
- One small toy, block, spoon, or sock
- Several small objects, such as buttons, blocks, or pom-poms
- Paper and crayons
- Optional: number cards or a simple counting song
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, the child will be able to:
- Recognize the numeral 1.
- Say that 1 means “one.”
- Count one object correctly.
- Trace or draw the numeral 1.
- Find groups that have only one object.
Success Criteria
“I can show one, say one, and make the number 1.”
Introduction: One Big Surprise
Time: 5 minutes
Place one special object in front of the child.
Say: “Look! I have one toy. How many toys do I have?”
Help the child say, “One!” Hold up one finger and say, “This is one finger. Today we are learning about the number 1.”
Learning Goals for the Child
“Today we will:
- Find one thing.
- Count one thing.
- Look at the number 1.
- Make the number 1.”
Body of the Lesson
1. I Do: Meet the Number 1
Time: 5 minutes
Draw a large numeral 1 on paper or a whiteboard.
Say: “This is the number 1. We say, ‘one.’ The number 1 tells us there is one thing.”
Point to one object.
Say: “One block. I see one block.”
Show one finger.
Say: “One finger. I see one finger.”
Model how to write the number:
- “Start at the top.”
- “Go down.”
- “Make a little line at the top.”
Let the child watch you trace the number 1 with your finger.
Quick Check
Ask:
- “What number is this?”
- “Can you show me one finger?”
- “Can you find one toy?”
2. We Do: Find One
Time: 8 minutes
Place small groups of objects in front of the child. Include groups with one, two, and three objects.
Say: “Let’s find the group with one object. Touch each object and count.”
Count together slowly:
- “One block. This group has one.”
- “One button, two buttons. This group has two.”
- “One ball, two balls, three balls. This group has three.”
Ask the child to point to the group with only one object.
Think-and-Talk Questions
- “Which group has one?”
- “Which group has more than one?”
- “Can you bring me one book?”
- “Can you find one blue thing?”
Movement Game: One-Step March
Give simple directions:
- “Take one step.”
- “Clap one time.”
- “Jump one time.”
- “Tap your knees one time.”
Pause after each action and count, “One!”
3. We Do: Number 1 Sensory Trace
Time: 5 minutes
Draw a large number 1. Invite the child to trace it with:
- A finger
- A crayon
- A toy car
- A piece of yarn or a finger in the air
Say: “Start at the top and go down. You made a number 1!”
Use a cheerful chant:
“Down we go, number 1! Learning numbers can be fun!”
Formative Assessment
Watch to see whether the child:
- Recognizes the numeral 1.
- Uses one-to-one counting by touching one object.
- Follows the direction from the top down.
4. You Do: Make a “One” Picture
Time: 10 minutes
Give the child paper and crayons.
Instructions:
- “Draw one big number 1.”
- “Draw one thing you like.”
- “Color your picture.”
The child might draw one sun, one flower, one pet, or one person.
Ask the child to tell you about the picture:
“What did you draw one of?”
Write the child’s words underneath the picture, such as, “I drew one cat.”
5. Choice Activity
Time: 5–10 minutes
Let the child choose one activity:
- Number Hunt: Find the number 1 on books, packages, or a calendar.
- Snack Count: Put one snack on a plate and say, “One snack.”
- Block Build: Build a tower using one block.
- Nature Find: Find one leaf, one rock, or one flower outdoors.
- Song and Movement: Sing a counting song and hold up one finger when you hear “one.”
Conclusion: Tell What We Learned
Time: 5 minutes
Show the number 1 again.
Say: “Today we learned about the number 1. The number 1 means one. We can show one with one finger. We can count one object. We can draw the number 1.”
Child Recap
Invite the child to complete these sentences:
- “This is the number ____.”
- “The number 1 means ____.”
- “I can show one with ____ finger.”
Exit Challenge
Place two or three objects nearby and ask:
“Can you give me one object?”
Celebrate the child’s effort: “You found one! You learned the number 1!”
Assessment
Formative Assessment During the Lesson
- Ask the child to identify the numeral 1.
- Ask the child to show one finger.
- Ask the child to select one object from a group.
- Observe the child tracing the number 1.
Summative Demonstration
Ask the child to complete all four tasks:
- Point to the number 1.
- Count one object.
- Show one finger.
- Draw or trace the number 1.
Differentiation and Support
For a Child Who Needs More Support
- Use only one object at first.
- Guide the child’s hand while counting and tracing.
- Use large, colorful materials.
- Repeat the words “one” and “number 1” often.
- Let the child respond by pointing, touching, or showing a finger instead of speaking.
For a Child Ready for More
- Ask the child to find the number 1 in different places.
- Ask the child to make several groups with one object each.
- Invite the child to compare one object with two objects.
- Ask the child to draw one object and write the numeral 1 beside it.
Real-World Connection
Throughout the day, look for chances to practice one:
- “You have one toothbrush.”
- “You are wearing one hat.”
- “Let’s put one cup on the table.”
- “You chose one book.”
Keep the practice playful, brief, and connected to things the child can see and touch.