Needs, Wants, and Making Choices
Students distinguish needs from wants and practice making choices when money or resources are limited.
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What Do People Need?
A need is something people must have to live, stay healthy, and be safe. People need clean water, nutritious food, clothing, and a safe place to live. They also need care from other people. Some needs can be different in different places. A warm coat may be needed during a cold winter, while light clothing may be needed in very hot weather. Think about Maya getting ready for a snowy day. She needs breakfast for energy and a coat to keep her warm. She may want a sparkly bracelet, but she can be safe and healthy without it. Ask yourself, “Does this help someone live, stay healthy, or stay safe?” The answer can help you identify a need.
Needs Compared with Wants
A want is something a person would like to have but does not need for health or safety. Needs usually come before wants. For example, Leo has shoes that fit, but he sees bright new shoes with flashing lights. Shoes are a need because they protect his feet. The flashing lights are a want because ordinary shoes can still protect him. An item can be a need in one situation and a want in another. A simple lunch may meet the need for food, while a large box of special treats is a want. To compare an item, ask: “What job does it do? Can I be healthy and safe without it?” People may have different wants, and that is okay.
Why Resources Can Be Limited
A resource is something people can use, such as money, time, food, water, or materials. Resources can be limited, which means there may not be enough for every possible use. Imagine a class has one large sheet of paper, but two groups want to use it for posters. The class has a problem to solve. Students can ask, “How much paper does each group need?” and “Can we cut the sheet or use smaller paper?” They can count the materials and gather information before choosing a solution. Families also have limited money and time. If a family uses money for groceries, that same money cannot also be used for a new toy. Limited resources make choices necessary.
Making a Choice with a Budget
A budget is a plan for how to use money. Suppose Ana has 8 dollars to spend at a school store. She needs a notebook that costs 5 dollars. She also wants stickers that cost 2 dollars and a toy that costs 4 dollars. Ana buys the notebook first. She subtracts: 8 minus 5 equals 3. She has 3 dollars left, so she can buy the 2-dollar stickers but not the 4-dollar toy. If she buys the notebook and stickers, she spends 5 plus 2, or 7 dollars. She has 1 dollar left. Ana’s budget helps her choose a need before a want and keeps her from spending more money than she has.
Explain Your Decision
After making a choice, explain why you made it. Name the resource limit, tell which item you chose, and give a reason. For example, Jamal has 6 dollars. He can buy a 4-dollar lunch and a 2-dollar juice, or a 6-dollar toy. Jamal says, “I chose the lunch and juice because food and drink meet my needs. Together they cost 6 dollars, so they fit my budget.” When classmates share ideas, take turns speaking and listen carefully. You may ask, “Why did you choose that?” or “Was there another choice?” People can make different reasonable choices when their needs and information are different. A clear explanation uses facts, numbers, and respectful words to show how the decision was made.
