It is important that all students learn the difference between wants and needs. Needs, are things that we can not live without, things we rely on to survive, such as food, water, shelter, and air. Wants, are things that would be nice to have but are not essential to our health, hygiene, or survival, such as toys, games, electronic devices.
No matter how much or how little we have, it is important that students understand the reality of what is needed and what is simply wanted. Teaching kids that they can’t always have what they want will help them prioritize their needs later in life, and will help increase the value of the things they do have.
As educators, it is our job to help students differentiate between wants and needs and show them ways to help other meet their needs.
First, introduce students to something they are most familiar with...things they want. Typically, it is easy for young students to come up a long list of things they want. This song introduces students to the concept of wants (vs. needs) via shopping. It lists several categories of things students could shop for: toys, stuffed animals, candy, games, costumes,etc..
Source: Amanda Ellis. (2013, February 7). Things I Want. [Video File]. Retrieved from http://youtu.be/kZlibOvYvBw
Second, introduce students to the 4 basic needs to live. Explain that needs are things we can not live without. This song teaches students the basic things we need to live: food, water, air, and shelter.
Song written and recorded by Amanda G. Ellis, MT-BC
Source: Amanda Ellis. (2013, February 7). We Have Needs. [Video File]. Retrieved from http://youtu.be/rTVHMDCmskE
I found a graphic organizer created by Chrstine Fotia, that made a great anchor chart for my classroom. You can download it from Christine's Teachers Pay Teachers store.They make a great option for anchor charts.
Wants and Needs Graphic Organizers
Source: Christine Fotia (2013) Wants and Needs Graphic Organizers Retrieved from http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Wants-and-Needs-Graphic-Organizers-902262
This Mini Book is a great resource available for download from Tina Parker's Teachers Pay Teachers store. It is a wonderful way to allow students independent practice differentiating between wants and needs, and also connecting the learning to their lives and making it personal to them. Just click on the link and it will bring you to Tina's store where you can download it for yourself.
Source: Tina Parker (2012) Wants and Needs Mini Book Retrieved from http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Needs-and-Wants-Mini-Book-444399
Providing students with a variety of wants and needs images/items to sort, will help students become more familiar with differentiating between the two.
Source: Mrs. Ricca. Needs and Wants Stocking Sort. Retrieved from http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Needs-Wants-Stocking-Sort-FREEBIE-457967 Melanie Mowery. Winter Wants and Needs Sort. Retrieved from http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Wants-and-Needs-Freebie-442569 Pricilla Fugate. Wants and Needs Sort. Retrieved from http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Wants-and-Need-Sort-1509148
