Learning the Concept of One

Your Child Will Learn

That the word “one” is talking about “how many” items there are (one!)

Here’s What to Do

1. Throughout the day, point out when there’s one of something.
2. Play a quick body part game, talking about which body parts I have two of and which I only have one (i.e. nose vs. feet).
3. Play “find one.” Place one object in a bowl, and then place many of the same object in a second bowl. Ask me to pick the bowl that has just one.
4. Play “pass me one.” Ask me to pass you one item. If I give you more than one, explain that you only need one and give me back the rest.

Put PEER Into Action

PAUSE

• Hold up one finger. Encourage me to hold up one finger too and to tap your finger.

ENGAGE

• Talk about one throughout the day: “Only one cracker left!”, “We found one shoe!”, “There’s one doggie in the picture.”
• “Which bowl has one block in it?”

ENCOURAGE

• Gently correct me when needed: “Give me one block. (I give you two) Thank you, but I only need one.” (hand extra block back to me)
• Celebrate when I find “one”: “That’s right, that’s the bowl with one!”

REFLECT

• Do I seem to understand what “one” means? If yes, I can begin working on “two.”

Not Quite Ready

Continue pointing out when there is “one” object throughout the day. Over time, I’ll begin to understand.

Ready for More

If I can identify “one” easily, play the same games with “two.”

As Your Child Masters This Skill

They will understand that the word “one” means a quantity of one thing

Time to Complete

15 minutes

Materials Needed

A few objects of the same kind to practice