Teacher Script: Needs vs. Wants: Prioritize!

Introduction: What's the Difference? (5 minutes)

"Good morning, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something super important that helps us be responsible and make smart choices every day. It's about figuring out what we have to do versus what we want to do.

Think about it: have you ever had something you really needed to get done, but you also really wanted to do something fun instead? (Pause for a few student responses or nods).

Let's start by defining two important words: needs and wants."

(Display Needs vs. Wants Slide Deck - Slide 2: What's a Need?)

"A need is something you absolutely must have or do to live, to be healthy, or to learn. These are essential! Can anyone give me an example of something we need?"

"Great examples! Things like food, water, clothes, and a place to live are all needs. And for us, at school, doing our homework and paying attention so we can learn are also big needs! These things help us grow and be our best selves."

(Display Needs vs. Wants Slide Deck - Slide 3: What's a Want?)

"Now, a want is something you like to have or do, but you don't need it to survive, be healthy, or learn. Wants are often fun and make us happy, but they aren't essential."

"Can you think of some things you want?"

"Awesome ideas! Video games, candy, new toys, and even just playing with friends are all wants. There's nothing wrong with wants, but they come after our needs."

(Display Needs vs. Wants Slide Deck - Slide 4: Why Prioritize?)

"So, why is it important to know the difference? Because it helps us prioritize! Prioritizing means deciding what's most important to do first. If you always do your needs first, you're making a responsible choice that helps you succeed.

For example, if you have homework (that's a need for learning!) and your friends want to play outside (that's a want!), what should you do first?"

"Exactly! Doing your homework first means you're taking care of your responsibilities. Once your needs are met, then you can enjoy your wants without worrying."

Group Sorting Activity (15 minutes)

(Display Needs vs. Wants Slide Deck - Slide 5: Time to Sort!)

"Alright, it's your turn to practice! I'm going to put you into small groups. Each group will get a set of cards with different activities and items on them. Your job is to work together and sort these cards into two piles: 'Needs' and 'Wants'.

Talk with your group members. Why do you think something is a need? Why is something a want? There might be some good discussions, and that's great! I'll be walking around to help if you get stuck."

(Distribute Needs & Wants Sorting Cards. Circulate and facilitate group discussions. After groups have sorted, bring them back together.)

"Okay, class, let's share! Can one group tell me one item they put in their 'Needs' pile and why?"

"How about an item from the 'Wants' pile?"

"Fantastic explanations, everyone! It sounds like you're really getting the hang of telling the difference."

Prioritization Practice (5 minutes)

"Now, let's think about some real-life situations. I'm going to give you a scenario, and I want you to tell me what the need is, what the want is, and which one you should do first.

Scenario 1: It's Sunday night. You have a big math test tomorrow, and your favorite TV show is starting in 5 minutes. What's the need? What's the want? What do you do first?"

"Why is studying for the test a need? (Pause for responses). Yes, because it helps you learn and do well in school! Watching TV is fun, but learning is a need.

Scenario 2: You're at the grocery store with your family. You need new school shoes because yours are too small, but you see a giant chocolate bar you really want. What's the need? What's the want? What do you do first?"

"Great thinking! New shoes are a need for comfort and health, while the chocolate bar is a want. We always take care of our needs first."

Wrap-Up and Reflection (5 minutes)

(Display Needs vs. Wants Slide Deck - Slide 6: You've Got This!)

"You all did an amazing job today distinguishing between needs and wants and thinking about why it's so important to prioritize. When you choose to do your needs first, you're being responsible, you're helping yourself learn, and you're making smart choices that will help you succeed in school and at home."

"To finish up, I have a quick cool-down activity for you. Please complete the Prioritization Cool Down individually. It will help me see what you've learned today."

(Distribute or display Prioritization Cool Down. Collect when complete.)

"Fantastic work today, 3rd graders! Remember to put your needs first, and the wants will be even sweeter when they come!"

Needs & Wants Sorting Cards

Instructions: Cut out each box below. Work with your group to sort them into two piles: "Needs" and "Wants". Be ready to explain why each item belongs in its pile!

Prioritization Cool Down

Name: _____________________________

Instructions: Read the scenarios below and answer the questions. Think about what we learned today about needs and wants!

Scenario 1: You wake up on a Saturday morning. You need to help your parents clean your room before you can play. You want to watch cartoons right away.

1. What is the need in this scenario?
   
   
   
   

2. What is the want in this scenario?
   
   
   
   

3. What should you do first? Why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 2: It's almost bedtime. You need to pack your backpack for school tomorrow with your books and lunch. You want to play one more round of your favorite game.

1. What is the need in this scenario?
   
   
   
   

2. What is the want in this scenario?
   
   
   
   

3. What should you do first? Why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Reflect: What is one new thing you learned today about needs, wants, or prioritizing?