How to Excel in Teaching Needs Vs. Wants to Second Graders

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Why should we be teaching needs vs. wants to our students? This can be difficult at times, especially in the earlier grade levels. However, the concept is still important and crucial for critical thinking skills. They should know the difference between needs and wants so they can spend money on the things that are important. This is a valuable concept that students will carry with them through school and beyond. This post is full of activities for teaching needs vs. wants to second graders to help you plan out your lessons on economics.

The activities from this post can be found in this Economics Needs and Wants Activities and Worksheets pack.

Topics to Cover When Teaching Kids About Needs and Wants

needs vs wants second grade activities nonfiction reader

There are three main topics to cover when introducing the difference between wants versus needs to students. First, you need to introduce your students to the vocabulary word needs. They should have an understanding that a need is something we must have to survive. Secondly, we should purchase needs before we purchase items that are considered wants. And finally, the concept that wants are things that we can live without.

Use Picture Books to Identify Needs and Wants

One of my favorite ways to incorporate somewhat difficult concepts for little learners is through picture books. I have a few favorites that are perfect for students to learn about wants vs. needs. A Chair for My Mother by Vera Williams, If You Give a Pig a Pancake by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond, and Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts are great reads to start with. Mentor texts such as these create so many opportunities for hands-on activities and interactive discussions. Harder to understand concepts can be broken down for second graders.

Introduce the Four Needs

One engaging activity that I love is to have students think of the different needs that we have to have in order to live. Prompt them to explain why each need is important. One of my favorite lesson extensions is for students to draw a picture of each need. Visual images allow students to think deeply and make connections to what they are learning.

Practice Identifying Needs vs Wants Second Grade Activities

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You can also use pictures or fun worksheets to help students identify items that are a need or a want. Incorporating coloring activities is always a hit with second graders. The more interactive, the better! These needs vs. wants second-grade activities are easy to use and perfect for extra practice.

Be Sure To Plan Your Your Lessons

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There’s nothing more rewarding than the feeling of having your lessons prepped, organized, and ready to go. Grab some pre-made worksheets and activities to help you write quick and easy lesson plans to help you teach your students about needs and wants.

No Prep All About Needs vs Wants Second Grade Activities

The activities in this post are from my Economics Needs and Wants Activities and Worksheets pack.

Also, be sure to save this post by pinning this to your Pinterest account. That way, you can easily come back to these ideas when you are ready to teach your class about saving and spending money.