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Students explore things that are fun to have but are not necessary for survival.
Imagine you are at a store and see a giant, sparkly toy dragon. You really, really like it! But do you need it to stay healthy and safe, or is it just something fun to have?
A want is something that we would like to have. It is something that makes us happy or is fun to play with. The most important thing to remember is that a want is not something we need to stay alive. If we don't get a want, we might feel a little sad, but our bodies will still be healthy and safe. We can live a long time without our wants! Think of wants as the 'extra' things that make life more exciting, like a new sticker or a trip to the zoo.
Quick Check
If you don't get a new video game today, will you still be healthy and safe?
Answer
Yes, because a video game is a want, not something you need to survive.
Wants are all around us! When you walk through a store, most of the items on the shelves are actually wants. Toys, candy, fancy shoes, and tablets are all examples. Even though these things are very cool, they are different from things like water or air. We call these 'wants' because we desire them. If you have dollar and you buy a bouncy ball, you are choosing to spend your money on a want.
Imagine you are making a list for your birthday. 1. You write down a bicycle. 2. You write down a box of paints. 3. You write down a superhero cape. All of these items are wants because they are for play and fun!
Quick Check
Is a chocolate bar a need or a want?
Answer
It is a want.
It can be tricky to tell the difference sometimes! A need is something like water, healthy food, or a warm house. These keep us alive. A want is something that is just for fun. You might feel like you 'really, really need' a new toy, but that is just a very strong want. When we understand the difference, we can make better choices about what to buy with our money.
You have dollars. You see a bag of apples and a shiny toy car. 1. The apples help your body stay healthy (a need). 2. The toy car is for playing (a want). 3. If you already have food at home, the toy car is a choice you make because you want it.
Imagine you are on a deserted island. You have plenty of water and fruit to eat. You find a chest filled with gold video games and diamond skateboards. 1. Are you safe? Yes, because you have your needs (food and water). 2. Are the games and skateboards useful here? No, because they are wants that don't help you survive!
Which of these is a want?
What happens if you don't get something you want?
A giant television is a need because it is very big.
Review Tomorrow
Tomorrow morning, look at your breakfast. Ask yourself: 'Is this something I need to grow, or is it a sugary want?'
Practice Activity
Go on a 'Want Hunt' in your toy box. Pick out 3 things you love to play with and say out loud: 'I want this, but I can live without it!'