Social Studies: Needs vs Wants
Learning the difference between things people need and things people want
Social Studies: Needs vs Wants
Learning the difference between things people need and things people want
Social Studies - Grade K-1
- 1
A child drinks water when they are thirsty. Is water a need or a want?
Think about what your body must have every day.
Water is a need because people need water to live and stay healthy. - 2
A boy asks for a new toy car to play with. Is the toy car a need or a want?
A toy car is a want because it is fun to have, but a person can live without it. - 3
A family lives in a house or apartment. Is a home a need or a want?
Think about a place that keeps people safe from rain and cold.
A home is a need because people need shelter and a safe place to live. - 4
A girl wants a big birthday cake with extra frosting. Is the cake a need or a want?
The birthday cake is a want because it is a special treat, not something people must have to live. - 5
A child wears a warm coat in winter. Is the coat a need or a want?
Think about what helps keep you safe in cold weather.
A warm coat is a need because clothing helps protect the body and keeps a person warm. - 6
A boy asks for a tablet to play games. Is the tablet a need or a want?
The tablet is a want because it is for fun and is not necessary for living. - 7
A family buys apples, rice, and milk to eat. Is food a need or a want?
Think about what helps your body grow strong.
Food is a need because people need food to grow, have energy, and stay healthy. - 8
A girl wants sparkly shoes in her favorite color, even though she already has shoes. Are the sparkly shoes a need or a want?
The sparkly shoes are a want because she already has shoes to wear, and the new pair is extra. - 9
A baby needs a blanket to stay warm at night. Is the blanket a need or a want?
Think about staying warm while sleeping.
The blanket is a need because it helps keep the baby warm and safe. - 10
A child wants ice cream after dinner. Is ice cream a need or a want?
Ice cream is a want because it is a treat and not something a person must have. - 11
A family goes to the doctor when someone is very sick. Is medicine or care from a doctor a need or a want?
Think about what helps people get better.
Medicine or care from a doctor is a need because people need help when they are sick or hurt. - 12
A child wants a giant stuffed animal from the store. Is the stuffed animal a need or a want?
The stuffed animal is a want because it is nice to have, but it is not needed for survival. - 13
A person wears shoes to protect their feet outside. Are shoes a need or a want?
Think about walking safely outside.
Shoes are a need because they help protect a person's feet. - 14
A boy wants balloons for a party. Are balloons a need or a want?
Balloons are a want because they are decorations for fun and not something people need to live. - 15
A family uses soap and clean water to wash hands and stay clean. Are soap and clean water a need or a want?
Think about what helps stop germs.
Soap and clean water are a need because they help people stay clean and healthy.