Students review pictures of items and decide which ones are needs and which are wants.
Topic
Spend (Buying things)
Subject
Social studies or history
Grade Level
Elementary school (K-1), Elementary school (2-3), Elementary school (4-5)
Duration
15-20 minutes
Big idea
Understanding the difference between needs and wants can help you make spending decisions that are best for you.
Essential questions
- What is a need?
- What is a want?
Objectives
- Distinguish between needs and wants
- Consider how understanding the difference between needs and wants can be helpful
What students will do
- Sort cards showing different items based on whether they’re needs or wants.
- Answer questions about their decisions.
Download activity
Teacher guide
cfpb_building_block_activities_exploring-needs-wants_guide.pdf
Note: Please remember to consider your students’ accommodations and special needs to ensure that all students are able to participate in a meaningful way.
