TOPIC:

Identifying Needs and Wants

RESOURCES NEEDED:

A computer and printer

LEARNING OPPORTUNITY:

Children need to know the difference between and NEED and a WANT. They have to learn they can’t always have what they want. Learning to make wise choices now will help them to be responsible consumers.

THE ACTIVITY:

• Go to the following website and scroll down to Page 2 and 3.
  • http://www.ecoliteracy.org/sites/default/files/uploads/shared_files/CEL_needs_and_wants_activity.pdf
• Make photocopies of both pages 2 and 3 and ask your child to cut out the pictures.
• Put the pictures in a pile.
• Discuss with your child the difference between a “NEED” and a “WANT.”
• Ask your child to sort the pictures into 2 piles, NEEDS and WANTS.
• Discuss each choice with your child and ask them how they decided if it was a need or a want.

TIPS:

• During the discussion talk about how a need can become want. (e.g. a pair of shoes are a need, but you may want a special, expensive pair of shoes) and a want can become a need (e.g. a bike is wanted for fun, but can also be needed to get to school or work).

FOLLOW UP IDEAS:

• Play another needs and wants game at: http://www.clubmoneymammals.com/play_game.php?id=96 or at: http://www.tigweb.org/images/tiged/docs/activities/267.pdf

WEBSITES:

• BMO site to teach the difference between needs and wants

 http://www.bmo.com/smartstepsforparents/ages9-12/teaching-differencebetween-needs-and-wants/

• Find tips on how to teach your kids need and wants

 http://www.parentfurther.com/resources/enewsletter/archive/wants-vs-needs

• An article about helping kids learn that they can’t always get what they want

 http://gomestic.com/family/teaching-children-the-difference-between-wants-andneeds/