One More, One Less – Elementary Math

Purpose

To identify one more or one less than a given number.

Overview

This activity can be done several different ways. You might show children a number with your fingers and ask them to say the number is one more than the number you are showing. Then ask children to say the number that is one less than the number you are showing. You might also reverse the activity by saying a number and asking children to show you one more and/or one less on their fingers. Finally, you might conduct the entire activity orally: say a number and ask children to tell you the number that is one more or one less than the number you said.

About the sequence

In Part 1, show a number (up to 9) using fingers and have children to say the number is one more or one less than the number you are showing. In Part 2, you say a number (up to 9) and ask the children to show you one more or one less using fingers. The extension moves to conducting the activity entirely orally.

Part 1

(Hold up some fingers). What number is one more? What number is one less?

Hold up 5 fingers.
Hold up 3 fingers.
Hold up 8 fingers.
Hold up 6 fingers
Hold up 7 fingers.
Continue play with other fingers up to 9.

While children are enjoying their building of mastery, feel free to repeat. When children are eager for more, try Part 2.

Part 2

(Say a number aloud). What number is one more? Show using your fingers. What number is one less? Show using your fingers.

5
8
1
4
9
Continue play other numbers up to 9.

As always, when children seem excited for a new challenge, move on.

Extension

I’m going to say a number aloud. What number is one more? What number is one less? (You may choose to stick with numbers 0 to 10 or include numbers to 20 as well).

Prompts:

6 (one more… 7)
5 (one less… 4)
8 (one more… 9)
3 (one less… 2)
10 (one less… 9)
4 (one more… 5)
7 (one more… 8)