Need Or Want?

Worksheet Description

The “Need or Want?” worksheet is an educational resource designed to help students distinguish between essential needs and non-essential wants. It provides a clear definition at the top of the page, explaining that a need is something necessary for a safe and healthy life, while a want is an item that is nice to have after all needs are satisfied. The worksheet encourages critical thinking by prompting students to categorize various items, enhancing their understanding of basic economics and personal finance. Colorful illustrations of both needs, like food and shelter, and wants, like a phone and a wagon, add visual interest and help to reinforce the concepts being taught.

Directions provided on the worksheet guide students to consider a list of ten different items, ranging from basic apparel and sustenance to entertainment and luxury items. Spaces next to each item allow students to write whether they believe the item is a need or a want. This activity not only serves as a practical exercise in differentiating between essentials and luxuries but also sparks discussion on the subjectivity of needs and wants, depending on individual circumstances. The simplicity of the layout ensures that the focus remains on the educational task, making it accessible to students of varying ages and learning levels.