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History, Civics & Social Studies · Pre-K

Needs, Wants and Choices

Children sort needs (things we must have to live and be safe) from wants (things that are nice to have), discover that we cannot have everything so we choose, and see how people use and save money to get what they need. A pretend store brings it all together at home.

  • 3 lessons
  • About 25 minutes
  • Needs, wants and choices: 4 questions
  • Ways to answer: choose an answer, count and sort into groups
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What learners will discover

  • Sort needs, such as food, water, a home and warm clothes, from wants, such as toys and treats.
  • Explain that we cannot have everything, so we make a choice, and the thing we do not choose is what we give up.
  • Count money saved and know that people can save money now to buy something later.

Lessons

  1. Needs and wants 4 steps2 practiceabout 9 min
  2. We cannot have everything 4 steps1 practiceabout 8 min
  3. Using and saving money 4 steps2 practiceabout 8 min
  4. Needs, wants and choices 4 questions at the end

Keep exploring

Guide for grown-ups