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Students practice categorizing items to understand the priority of survival over fun.
Imagine you are going on a secret mission to the moon and your backpack is very tiny. Would you pack a video game or a bottle of water to stay safe?
A need is something you must have to stay alive and healthy. Think about your body like a little engine. Just like a car needs gas to go, your body needs certain things to keep working! The four big needs are food, water, shelter (a home), and clothes. Without these, we could not grow or stay safe. If you have apple and water, you still need to find water to be healthy!
Quick Check
What is one thing your body needs to stay alive?
Answer
Food, water, shelter, or clothes.
A want is something that is fun to have, but you can live without it. Imagine a world without toys, candy, or video games. You might feel a little sad, but your body would still be okay! We call these 'nice-to-haves.' They make life extra fun, but they aren't for survival. If you have toys but food, you are in trouble because toys cannot help your body grow.
Let's look at two items in a shopping cart: 1. Milk: This helps your bones grow strong. It is a Need. 2. Chocolate Bar: This tastes yummy, but it doesn't help your body survive. It is a Want.
Quick Check
If you didn't have a teddy bear, would you still be healthy?
Answer
Yes, because a teddy bear is a want, not a need.
Sometimes things look the same but belong in different groups. A house is a need because it protects you from the hot sun, the cold snow, and the rain. It is your shelter. A playhouse is a toy. It is fun to play pretend in, but it doesn't keep you safe and warm every single night. When we have to choose, we always pick the need first!
Imagine you are packing for a long hike. You have to choose: 1. Rain Coat: Keeps you dry so you don't get sick. (Need) 2. Comic Book: Keeps you entertained. (Want) 3. Water Bottle: Keeps you hydrated. (Need) 4. Bubble Wand: Makes pretty bubbles. (Want)
You have dollars. A pair of warm socks costs dollars. A bouncy ball costs dollars. If your feet are freezing in the snow, which one is the right choice? 1. Identify the need: The socks (they keep you safe). 2. Identify the want: The ball (it is for play). 3. Decision: Buy the socks first!
Which of these is a NEED?
Why is a house considered a need?
A toy playhouse is a need because it looks like a real house.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, look at your dinner plate and try to name one 'need' (like broccoli) and one 'want' (like a dessert).
Practice Activity
Go on a 'Needs and Wants Hunt' in your living room. Point to 3 things you want and 3 things you need to stay safe and healthy.