Florida SS.K.E.1.4

Social StudiesKindergartenBeginning Economics

The Standard

Identify the difference between basic needs and wants.

Florida Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for Social Studies · Economics

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students sort familiar items by whether people must have them to live safely and stay healthy or would simply like them. They give a simple reason for each choice.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student correctly places water, food, shelter, and basic clothing in the must-have group. The student places toys, candy, and entertainment in the nice-to-have group and explains why.
Common Misconceptions: Students may call every favorite item a need or think anything bought by an adult is a need. They may also sort by price instead of purpose.
How to Assess It: Give students pictures of water, a house, a coat, candy, a toy, and a tablet. Ask them to circle the must-haves and explain one choice.

Lesson moves

Place picture cards in two hoops labeled Must Have and Nice to Have, then ask students to explain each placement.
Ask, “What would a family need during a rainy night, and what might they want?” Students draw and label one of each.
Play Four Corners by naming items as students move to Need or Want corners and give a reason to a partner.
Use a grocery store flyer to circle foods a family needs for meals and star treats they may want.

Keep exploring

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