1
What we need, what we want
Discover Term 2: Axis 3, Chapter 1
GoalTell a need (we must have it to live and stay well) from a want (nice to have, but we can live without it).
New words
need · something we must have to live and stay wellwant · something nice to have; we can live without it
Explanation
Some things we must have. We call them needs. Food, water, a home, clothes and a safe place to sleep are needs. Other things are nice to have, but we can live without them. We call them wants. A toy, a sweet, a video game and a kite are wants. Needs keep us alive and well. Wants make us happy. Ask yourself: can I live without it? If not, it is a need.
Worked examples
Mariam is hungry. She eats flatbread and drinks water. Food and water are needs.
Omar needs a bed to sleep in. He also wants a toy car for his birthday. The bed is a need. The toy car is a want.
Mina loves cake, but he can live without it. Cake is a want.
Class activity
Need or want? With a grown-up, draw or find six things you use at home. Put them in two piles: needs and wants. Say why each thing is in its pile. Some things are hard to sort, so listen to each other’s reasons.
Practice
1
Is water a need or a want?
A need. We cannot live without water.
2
Is a lollipop a need or a want?
A want. It is nice, but we can live without it.
3
Point to the two needs.
A and C: the home and the food.
4
Name one need and one want of your own.
For example: need — food; want — a new toy. Any sensible answer is fine.