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.