Social studies worksheet · Needs and wants
Needs and Wants Cut and Sort
Cut out 12 picture-word cards and sort them into needs and wants. Answer key included.
- Grade level
- Grades K–2
- Time
- About 20 minutes
- Topic
- Needs and wants
- Answer key
- Yes, page 2 of the PDF
- Kids practice
- Needs and wants, Money and choices, Goods and services, Basic economics
What kids do
“Cut out the cards. Glue each one under Needs (things we must have to live) or Wants (things that are nice to have).”
Printed on the sheet:
- We must have these to live.
- Nice to have, but we can live without them.
Words on this sheet
NeedsWantsA warm coatA homeFoodClothesToysVideo gamesA bikeWaterCandy
Teacher tip
Talk through the tricky cards together, like shoes (need) and sneakers with lights (want).
How to use it
- Bring in a few real items and sort them as a class first.
- Use play money for the money sheets.
- Start with a quick question that connects the topic to kids’ own lives.
Watch for
Money can be a sensitive topic. Keep examples pretend and never ask about family income.
Talk about it
- Is this a need or a want? How do you know?
- What did you learn that surprised you?
Take it further
Run a classroom store for a week.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More needs and wants worksheets
Grades K–2
Draw Your Needs and Wants
Kids draw and label 3 needs and 3 wants of their own, then tell which one they could live without.
Grades K–2
Shopping With $10
A simple store with prices: kids spend $10 on needs first, add up the cost and see what is left for a want.
Grades K–2
Save, Spend, Share
Three money jars to fill: kids split $10 into save, spend and share and draw what each part is for.
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