Is it a Need or a Want? Sorting Activity and Conversations | 9-12 Grade

Are you looking for a fun way to introduce the concept of Needs and Wants with your 9th -12th grade students? While I don't believe that there is a dichotomy when it comes to the things in our lives, there is a spectrum in terms of the value and return on investment people get from the things they buy.

This activity is designed to start conversations and debates amongst students. By asking them to try and sort the items into one of two categories, there will be healthy discussions between students and adults about what truly qualifies as a need and was is actually a want. The great thing about this activity is that it can be used with any age and the only thing that will change is the level of conversation and the understanding that stems from hearing the thoughts and opinions of others.

The activity includes printable sorting mats (8"x11" and 11"x17" size included) and 96 unique item cards with items that are age-appropriate and relevant to their lives. The teacher instructions includes suggestions for how to use the items as well as prompts for encouraging thoughtful discussion.

Divide students into small groups or do the activity as a class and treat each item as an opportunity for respectful debate!

This is a wonderful activity to do prior to the Space Quest, Needs vs Wants Game for upper elementary and secondary students.

You can also follow it up with activities such as:

• The Budget Matrix is the next step in the conversation about needs and wants where we realize it's not a simple dichotomy. Students are challenged to sort everyday budget costs by importance and urgency. This can help shed light on the basic budget decisions that students will need to make in the future.
• Budgeting For Food - Meal Plan Project where students create a meal plan for 1 week and research the ingredient costs and cost per serving of their meals.
• Personal Finance Lessons Through Monopoly since who doesn't like rounding off the unit with some games? Cashflow tracking with Monopoly is a great way to introduce the topic and then tie it into the conversation about needs and wants.