Do your learners struggle with distinguishing between things they need and things they want? If so, they are not alone! This concept may be challenging for children to understand as they are learning about necessities and balancing a healthy life. This resource will include a range of activities you can use to teach your children or students about identifying needs vs. wants. These skills will help students in school and in “real life” outside of the classroom.
1. Reading Together
Reading books with your child can be a fun teaching tool. There are interesting books that can teach your child about needs and wants and will likely provoke thoughtful discussion. One book example is Charlie and Lola: I Really, Really Need Actual Ice Skates by Lauren Child.
Learn more: Very Well Family
2. Grocery Cart Discussions
Grocery shopping with children is a great opportunity to teach students many important things. Including children in making a budget and shopping list is helpful for them to learn about how to prioritize needs. As you shop, talk with your child about what necessitates are actually needs vs. just wants.
Learn more: Very Well Family
3. Balloon Tap Game
Balloon tap is a fantastic activity for teaching children about self-discipline and impulse control. To play, students will stand in a circle filled with balloons. As each team is called, they will take turns tapping the balloons. As students practice self-control, they will have the ability to determine their needs.
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4. Gratitude Game
Would you like your children to be more appreciative? If so, you may be interested in this writing activity. You will begin by asking your child a series of questions and have them write down three good things. This simple activity will encourage children to practice gratitude.
Learn more: Mindful
5. Saving Money Activity
Consider having your child save their money in a clear jar, instead of a traditional piggy bank. By using a clear jar, children will visually see the amount of money as it decreases and increases. You can guide them in budgeting for needs and wants with their savings.
Learn more: Ramsey
6. Find the Missing Word
This interactive activity is an engaging addition to your lesson plan about identifying wants and needs. Students will read the sentence, review the word choices, and select the word that makes the most sense to complete the sentence. You could adapt this to a sort activity sheet if you prefer.
Learn more: Wordwall
7. Needs & Wants Teaching Resource
This is a simulation activity based on needs and wants. Students will read the scenario-based questions about selecting the correct answer from a list of multiple-choice options. This is an effective way to prompt discussion about priorities.
Learn more: My Money
8. Needs or Wants Game Show
This fun game is very similar to the game show, Jeopardy. To play, you will divide your students into multiple teams. Students will take turns picking a category and point value 100 through 500 with increasing difficulty. Students will see the answer and have to come up with the question.
Learn more: Jeopardy Labs
9. Matching Activity Sheet for Learners
This printable activity for learners is beneficial as they help Fido figure out what he needs, such as food, and wants, such as toys. Students will draw a line to match the picture of the item to the appropriate box. This is a great sorting activity for kids.
Learn more: Learny Kids
10. Needs and Wants Activity Worksheet
This worksheet is perfect to add as a center time option or file folder activity. Students will read each scenario and classify the purchase as a need or want. By reading scenarios, students will be able to make connections and reflect on their own decision-making.
Learn more: Learny Kids
11. Needs and Wants Sorting Game
The goal of the game is for children to learn to prioritize needs over wants. You will decorate two boxes and label them “needs” and “wants”. Then, prepare picture cards for the children to sort. For example, they would place a picture of a toy in the “want” box.
Learn more: Sesame Street in Communities
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