Needs, Wants & Money
Needs are things we must have to live. Wants are things that are nice to have.
We all need food, water, clothes and a home. Those are needs. A new toy, a balloon or ice cream are wants: they are fun but we can live without them. People work at jobs to earn money to buy needs and some wants.
Words to know
Tap a picture to hear it.
Did you know?
- People have used shells, beads and salt as money long ago.
- Saving means keeping money now so you can buy something later.
- Workers make and grow the things we buy at the store.
- Sharing and trading are other ways to get what we want.
Try it! Hands-on activities
Simple things to do together with stuff you already have.
Printables
Play
Talk about it
Questions to ask while you read, play or walk.
- Is a coat a need or a want? What about a fancy coat?
- What would you save your money for?
- Who works to make the food at the store?
For teachers
What this topic supports:
- C3 Framework D2.Eco.1.K-2: explain how scarcity (we can’t have everything) means making choices
- C3 Framework D2.Eco.3.K-2: describe the skills and knowledge needed to make goods and provide services
- C3 Framework D2.Eco.6.K-2: explain how people earn income