What is the difference between a want and a need?
A need is something essential for health, safety or daily life, such as food, safe drinking water, shelter and suitable clothing. A want is something we would enjoy but can do without, such as a new toy or an extra treat. Wants are not bad. The lesson is to cover needs first and make deliberate choices with the money left.
Play the Needs First sorting game
- Explain (3 minutes). Give one need and one want from the definitions above. Ask children for another example of each.
- Sort (5 minutes). Read the items below aloud. Children hold up one finger for NEED, two for WANT, or three for IT DEPENDS. Ask them to explain their choice. They can also write the items in three columns on paper.
- Discuss (5 minutes). Use the answer guide to compare reasons. Choose two items and ask: if you could pay for only one today, which would come first, and why?
- Exit ticket (2 minutes). Draw or name one need and one want. Finish: “I would pay for ___ first because ___.”
Read these eight items aloud
Safe drinking water · A new toy robot · A winter coat when it is cold · A second game controller for fun · Medicine prescribed for an illness · A bag of candy · Shoes · A phone
Answer guide: listen to the reason
| Item | Starting answer | Discuss it |
|---|---|---|
| Safe drinking water | Need | We need water to stay healthy. A fancy bottle is a separate choice. |
| A new toy robot | Want | It can be fun without being essential. A cheaper robot is still a want. |
| A winter coat when it is cold | Need | Warmth matters. A particular brand or a second coat may be a want. |
| A second game controller for fun | Want | It adds to a game rather than meeting an essential need. |
| Prescribed medicine | Need | Medicine needed to treat an illness supports health. |
| A bag of candy | Want | We need food, but an extra treat is a choice. |
| Shoes | It depends | Replacing shoes that no longer fit can be a need. An extra fashionable pair may be a want. |
| A phone | It depends | Communication or accessibility may be essential. The newest model or an upgrade for games is a separate choice. |
For the adult: Use imaginary situations. Do not ask children to disclose what their families can afford. Accept a well-explained answer when circumstances change the category.
Does a bargain turn a want into a need?
No. A discount changes the price, not the reason for buying. Comparing two toy robots is a comparison-shopping decision. Both can still be wants. Ask two questions in order: “Do I need this, or do I want it?” Then: “If I choose to buy it, which option meets my purpose at a price I can afford?”
Try it on the next shopping trip
Before something goes in the cart, ask whether it is a need, a want or a choice that depends on the situation. Compare two prices without assuming the cheaper item is automatically the better choice. Check whether you will actually use it.
Continue with Clarence
Clarence Gets a Bargain follows a child shopping for a robot. Use the story to continue the conversation about comparison shopping, coupons and spending choices.
Read the free book sample · Explore the four-week money unit · Open the educator toolkit
The activity above stands on its own. The four-week read-aloud unit requires access to the book.