Activity Introduction

Sometimes you think you just can’t live without that latest video game. But there are many kids in the world who would be happy with clean water or something to eat. There’s a difference between what we absolutely need and what we want to make our lives a little more enjoyable. Investigate these differences and show others your understanding in an artwork.

This is a good activity for kids to complete independently.

Ideal for: Upper Primary Ages 10 – 12

Themes:

  • be creative

Time required: 40 minutes

Curriculum connections: Visual Arts, Science, Business and Economics, Personal and Social Capability

Tips for Parents and Carers

Some kids have a tendency to beg parents to buy them things that they ‘need’ in order to look cool or impress (like a video game or outfit). This activity invites kids to challenge their ideas of needs versus wants so that they can think more responsibly about how they use their (or your) money. Once your child completes this task, ask them about what they identified as needs and wants. You might like to explore this concept further on your next visit to the shops by having them point out items that could meet a need or a want.

Lesson & Curriculum Details

Curriculum codes:

Complete lesson for classroom teachers:

Needs and wants – Years 5 & 6

Resources Required

  • Art supplies: coloured pencils, pens, paint, coloured paper, glue, scissors
  • Table template (included below)
  • White paper
  • Writing pen or pencil

.
[email protected] from Cool Australia

[email protected] resources are designed for parents and teachers to use with children in the home environment. They can be used as stand-alone activities or built into existing curriculum-aligned learning programs. Our [email protected] series includes two types of resources. The first are fun and challenging real-world activities for all ages, the second are self-directed lessons for upper primary and secondary students. These lessons support independent learning in remote or school settings.

Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.

Worksheets

Student Worksheet

Needs And Wants Collage - Activity Instructions

Sometimes you think you just can’t live without that latest video game. But there are many kids in the world who would be happy with clean water or something to eat. There’s a difference between what we absolutely need and what we want to make our lives a little more enjoyable. Investigate these differences and show others your understanding in an artwork.

Step 1. Think about the difference between what you absolutely need to survive and things you might want to make your life more enjoyable. Write your own definition of what a ‘need’ is and what a ‘want’ is. 

A need is __________

A want is __________

Step 2. List your own needs and wants in the table below.

Needs Wants
Water A new Xbox
   
   
   
   
   

Step 3. Create a piece of art featuring yourself surrounded by the things you need. In a thought bubble, draw the things you might want once these needs have been fulfilled.

T...

 
- or - to view worksheets

Leave your Feedback

We appreciate your feedback. Let us know what you like or don't like about this activity:

Sorry. You must be logged in to view this form.