Virginia SOL 1.8.e

Social Studies1st Grade

The Standard

describing why people must make choices, prioritizing needs over wants

Virginia Standards of Learning for History and Social Science

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students sort everyday items into things people need and things they would like. They explain that limited money, time, or supplies can require a choice.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student can choose food, housing, or clothing before a toy or treat in a simple scenario. The student gives a clear reason tied to health, safety, or daily life.
Common Misconceptions: Students may label anything they strongly like as a need. They may also think every family makes the same choice or that wants are always bad.
How to Assess It: Give this exit ticket: “You have $5 and can buy lunch or a toy car. What do you choose, and why?”

Lesson moves

Give pairs picture cards of food, water, coats, homes, toys, and candy, then have them sort and explain one difficult choice.
Ask, “If your backpack could hold only three items for a rainy day, what would you pack and why?”
Play Needs First Bingo, calling out shopping choices while students cover the item that should come before a want.
Use a pretend class budget of ten dollars to choose between pencils, tissues, stickers, and a classroom game.

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A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 1.8.e, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

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