Needs and Wants
Grade 1 · Social Studies · Study Guide
Discover the difference between things we must have to survive and things we would like to have.
Every person has needs — things they must have to stay alive and healthy. The four basic needs are food, clothing, shelter, and love and safety. Without these things, people cannot survive. Food gives our bodies energy, clothing protects us from weather, and shelter (a home) keeps us safe and warm.
Wants are different from needs. Wants are things we would like to have but do not need to survive. Toys, video games, candy, and the newest sneakers are all examples of wants. They can make life more fun, but we would still be okay without them.
Families and communities make choices every day about how to spend money and time. When money is limited, it is important to get needs first. Then, if there is money left over, you can get some wants. Making good choices about needs and wants is an important life skill!
| Needs | Wants |
|---|---|
| Food | Candy |
| Clothing | Designer shoes |
| Shelter (home) | Video games |
| Clean water | Toys |
| Safety | Pet hamster |
Key terms
- need
- Something you must have to survive and stay healthy
- want
- Something you would like to have but do not need to survive
- shelter
- A building or home that keeps you safe and protected
- choice
- A decision between two or more options
Flashcards
- need
- Something you must have to survive and stay healthy
- want
- Something you would like but do not need to survive
- shelter
- A home or building that keeps you safe and warm
- choice
- Deciding between two or more options
- food
- A basic need — gives our bodies energy to live
- clothing
- A basic need — protects our bodies from weather
Practice questions
Which of these is a NEED?
- A video game
- A new bicycle
- Food to eat
- A stuffed animal
Show answer
Answer: Food to eat
Food is a basic need because our bodies require energy from food to stay alive.
A want is something you must have to stay alive and healthy.
Show answer
Answer: False
A want is something you would like but can live without — needs are required for survival.
Which of these is a WANT?
- Clean water
- A home to live in
- A new toy
- Warm clothing
Show answer
Answer: A new toy
Toys are wants — they are fun to have, but you don't need them to survive.
A building that keeps you safe and protected from weather is called ___.
Show answer
Answer: shelter
Shelter is one of the four basic needs — it protects people from weather and keeps them safe.
Food, clothing, and shelter are all basic needs.
Show answer
Answer: True
Food, clothing, and shelter are the three most recognized physical basic needs every person has.
Fun facts
- In economics, the study of needs and wants is one of the very first things students learn!
- People all over the world share the same basic needs, even though their wants can be very different.
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