Driving around with my son recently, we started to have a conversation about Wants and Needs. Now, to a five-year-old boy, it can be a tad tricky trying to explain the distinction between these ideas! Getting that new stuffy is a NEED {or so he says!} not just a want!
While we may think that Wants vs Needs is just another Social Studies concept to tick off in our plans, it’s actually crucial for developing financial literacy, empathy, and decision-making skills as our students grow up.
First, Define
Start the discussion in your classroom by defining wants and needs in the simplest terms.
Needs are things we must have to live and stay healthy, like food, water, shelter, and clothing.
Wants, on the other hand, are things we would like to have but don’t need to survive, such as toys, video games, or candy.
Hang up the definitions for students to see.
Books About Wants vs Needs
There are some great picture books to use with your class to drive home this concept.
I recently added Wants vs. Needs vs. Robots to my classroom library. Students LOVE these robots {we also have the Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots, too!}
Cloverleaf Books are a wonderful series of fictional books that teach important life skills and lessons. Lily Learns about Wants and Needs is a perfect introduction to this concept.
Need it or Want It? is a simple non-fiction book about this skill. Real pictures make the concepts very clear for young learners.
Brain Pop Jr.
Annie and Moby always do a great job explaining challenging concepts in simple-to-understand terms for young kids. This lesson has extension activities, too!
A Simple Video
Teaching without Frills created a fabulous video clearly explaining the concept in simple terms.
Wants vs Needs Activities for Young Kids
To make teaching this concept easier for you, I’ve gathered a few activities in one resource for you to use that will certainly help your students master this foundational skill.
This Wants and Needs pack includes ALL you’ll need to teach this skill.
• Posters
• Picture Card Sort
• Wants & Needs Sort
• 2 Draw Your Own Wants & Needs Printable
Teaching Wants vs Needs Recap
Teaching your young learners about Wants and Needs is not just an academic exercise—it’s a life skill!
By introducing these concepts in a way that is understandable and relatable, we can help our students begin to navigate the complex world of financial literacy and personal responsibility.
Engaging your students with these fun needs vs wants activities helps build essential financial literacy skills they’ll use throughout their lives.
From colorful sorting cards to creative drawing exercises, these hands-on resources make abstract economic concepts concrete and memorable for young learners. Incorporate picture books, videos, and interactive discussions to reinforce the difference between wants and needs in a way that resonates with your classroom!
