What We Need
📖 Learn
A need is something you must have to live and stay healthy. Without our needs, we cannot survive. Let's learn about the things every person needs!
What is a Need?
A need is something you MUST have to stay alive and healthy. Needs are not the same as things we just want. Without needs, people cannot live.
The Four Basic Needs
- Food: We need food to give us energy to play, learn, and grow
- Water: We need water to drink so our bodies work properly
- Shelter: We need a home to protect us from rain, cold, and heat
- Clothing: We need clothes to keep us warm and protected
Why Needs Are Important
Every person in the world has the same basic needs. Babies, children, and grown-ups all need:
- Food to eat every day
- Clean water to drink
- A safe place to live
- Clothes to wear
When we have all our needs, we can be healthy and happy!
💡 Examples
Let's look at examples of needs.
Example 1: Food as a Need
Mia eats breakfast every morning. She has cereal, fruit, and milk.
Is this a need? YES! Food gives Mia energy to learn and play at school.
Example 2: Water as a Need
After playing outside, Leo drinks a big glass of water.
Is this a need? YES! Our bodies need water to stay healthy. We should drink water every day.
Example 3: Shelter as a Need
When it rains, Emma goes inside her house to stay dry.
Is this a need? YES! A house or apartment protects us from weather and keeps us safe.
Example 4: Clothing as a Need
On a cold day, Jake wears a warm coat and boots.
Is this a need? YES! Clothes keep our bodies warm and protected from the weather.
Example 5: Is This a Need?
Sarah wants a new teddy bear.
Is this a need? NO! A teddy bear is nice to have, but Sarah can live without it. A teddy bear is a WANT, not a need.
✏️ Practice
Answer these questions about needs.
Problem 1
What is a need?
Show Answer
A need is something you must have to live and stay healthy.
Problem 2
Name the four basic needs.
Show Answer
Food, water, shelter, and clothing.
Problem 3
Is an apple a need or a want?
Show Answer
An apple is a NEED because food is something we must have to live.
Problem 4
Why do we need water?
Show Answer
We need water to drink so our bodies work properly and we stay healthy.
Problem 5
What does shelter mean?
Show Answer
Shelter is a home or a safe place that protects us from weather like rain, cold, and heat.
Problem 6
Is a video game a need?
Show Answer
No, a video game is a WANT. You can live without it.
Problem 7
Why do we need clothing?
Show Answer
We need clothing to keep us warm and protected from the weather.
Problem 8
Does everyone in the world have the same basic needs?
Show Answer
Yes! All people need food, water, shelter, and clothing.
Problem 9
Is a warm winter coat a need when it is very cold outside?
Show Answer
Yes! When it is cold, a warm coat protects your body and is a need.
Problem 10
What would happen if you had no food or water?
Show Answer
You would get very sick because food and water are needs that keep you alive and healthy.
✅ Check Your Understanding
Answer these questions to see what you learned.
Question 1
What makes something a need instead of a want?
Show Answer
A need is something you must have to survive and stay healthy. You cannot live without your needs.
Question 2
Give an example of each of the four basic needs.
Show Answer
Food: an apple or sandwich. Water: a glass of water. Shelter: a house or apartment. Clothing: a shirt or shoes.
Question 3
How do your parents or family help you get your needs?
Show Answer
Families work to buy food, provide a home, give you water to drink, and buy clothes for you to wear.
Question 4
Why is it important to understand the difference between needs and wants?
Show Answer
Knowing the difference helps us make good choices. Needs must come first because we cannot live without them.
🚀 Next Steps
- Look around your home and find examples of each need: food, water, shelter, clothing
- Talk with your family about how they get the things you need
- Think about what you ate and drank today - these are needs!
- Continue to the next lesson: What We Want