What We Want
📖 Learn
A want is something you would like to have, but you do not need it to survive. Wants are things that make life more fun, but we can live without them!
What is a Want?
A want is something you would LIKE to have, but you do not NEED it to live. Wants make life more enjoyable, but you can be healthy without them. Toys, candy, and video games are all wants.
Examples of Wants
- Toys: Dolls, action figures, building blocks
- Candy and treats: Ice cream, cookies, cake
- Electronics: Video games, tablets, TV
- Fun activities: Going to the movies, amusement parks
- Extra things: Fancy clothes, jewelry, decorations
Needs vs. Wants
Remember the difference:
- Need: Something you MUST have to live (food, water, shelter, clothing)
- Want: Something you would LIKE but can live without
A sandwich is a NEED (food). A candy bar is a WANT (treat).
💡 Examples
Let's practice telling the difference between needs and wants.
Example 1: A New Bicycle
Tom sees a shiny red bicycle at the store. He wants it very much!
Is this a need or a want? This is a WANT. Tom would enjoy having a bicycle, but he can live without it.
Example 2: Ice Cream
After dinner, Maya asks for ice cream.
Is this a need or a want? This is a WANT. Ice cream is a treat, not something Maya needs to survive. She already ate dinner (food is a need).
Example 3: A Warm Jacket
It is winter and very cold outside. Sam needs a warm jacket.
Is this a need or a want? This is a NEED! Clothing keeps Sam warm and safe in cold weather.
Example 4: Video Games
Ella wants to buy a new video game.
Is this a need or a want? This is a WANT. Video games are fun but not necessary for living.
Example 5: Clean Water
After playing sports, Jason is very thirsty and drinks water.
Is this a need or a want? This is a NEED! Water is something our bodies must have.
✏️ Practice
Decide if each item is a NEED or a WANT.
Problem 1
A teddy bear
Show Answer
WANT - A teddy bear is nice to have but not needed to survive.
Problem 2
An apple for lunch
Show Answer
NEED - Food is something we must have to live and stay healthy.
Problem 3
A trip to the amusement park
Show Answer
WANT - Amusement parks are fun but we don't need them to live.
Problem 4
A house to live in
Show Answer
NEED - Shelter protects us from weather and keeps us safe.
Problem 5
A brand new toy car
Show Answer
WANT - Toys are fun but we can live without them.
Problem 6
Shoes to wear to school
Show Answer
NEED - Shoes are clothing that protect our feet.
Problem 7
A birthday party
Show Answer
WANT - Parties are fun but not needed to survive.
Problem 8
A glass of water
Show Answer
NEED - Water is something our bodies must have every day.
Problem 9
Candy
Show Answer
WANT - Candy is a treat, not something we need to stay healthy.
Problem 10
A warm coat in winter
Show Answer
NEED - Clothing keeps us warm and protected from cold weather.
✅ Check Your Understanding
Answer these questions to see what you learned.
Question 1
What is the difference between a need and a want?
Show Answer
A need is something you must have to survive (food, water, shelter, clothing). A want is something you would like but can live without.
Question 2
Name three things that are wants.
Show Answer
Answers may include: toys, candy, video games, trips, movies, jewelry, fancy clothes.
Question 3
Why should needs come before wants?
Show Answer
We cannot live without our needs. We must have food, water, shelter, and clothing first before getting things we just want.
Question 4
Is it okay to have wants?
Show Answer
Yes! Wants make life fun. It is okay to have wants as long as we take care of our needs first.
🚀 Next Steps
- Make a list of 5 things you want - remember these are different from needs!
- Talk to your family about the difference between needs and wants
- When you go shopping, try to spot needs and wants
- Return to Needs and Wants Unit to review