Body :

Process:

1) Demonstrate the important fact about the number 1: If one points with one finger at a particular item, that item becomes special. e.g. ?I want to play with this child.?

2) Have a few children stand up, point with their index finger to themselves and say: ?There is only 1 ..name .. on this planet. That is why I am special.

3) Ask for volunteers. Have children point with one finger at their best friend in class and say? ?There is only 1 ... name ... on planet Earth. S/he is my best friend. S/he is special.?

4) Discuss that anybody and anything, who/that exists only once is special. Examples: mom, dad, siblings, teacher, favorite teddy bear, doll, but also: one president, one highest mountain, etc. Have the children name other examples.

5) Do worksheet 1.

Tell the children that once they are finished you are going to collect the sheets to put 1 sticker on it for great work.

Bonus:
Write the Number ?1? on the blackboard. Tell the kids that that is how ?1? is being written. Write the letter ?I? on the blackboard. Tell the kids that that is how ?I? is being written.
Ask them if they notice something ... (That the two of them look very much alike). Explain that it is a great way to remember how number and letter look like because there is only one ?I? and that?s ?1?.



Copyright ? August 2004 by Gisela Hausmann, permission for publication under Gisela Hausmann is granted.

Conclusion Activity :

Follow-up: In the following days when you take attendance ask the children to answer the question: ?...name.. are you here?? by raising 1 arm with 1 stretched out finger and say: ?I am here. There is only 1 ..first name ...last name.... in this classroom. I am special

Internet Resources Referenced in this Lesson :

Hands on Mathematics, Numbers from 1-10