Wants Needs Lesson Plan Wants Versus Needs
Lesson Facilitation Guide
Duration
90 Minutes
Objective
Learners will distinguish between needs (essentials) and wants (extras) to foster financial independence through hands-on sorting and real-life role-play.
Audience
Adult learners with disabilities; Tier 3 Individual Support.
Approach
Interactive discussion, tactile sorting, and simulated decision-making.
Why This Lesson Matters
"Adults with disabilities benefit from clear strategies to prioritize essentials over extras, empowering them to make informed financial and daily-life choices."
Prep Checklist
15 Minutes
Print and cut out Spending Scenario Cards .
Prepare copies of Sorting Worksheet & Reflection Journal .
Print Decision Chart and Role-Play Script .
Ensure whiteboard/markers and a timer are ready.
Review all materials for familiarity and potential adaptations.
Lesson Timeline
1
Introduction & Objectives
10 MIN
Greet the learner and explain session goals: define wants vs. needs.
Discuss why distinguishing needs supports financial independence.
Preview the day's materials (cards, charts, and journals).
2
Exploring Definitions
20 MIN
Define Needs (essentials for living) vs. Wants (extras for quality of life).
Classify verbal examples (e.g., water vs. soda).
Introduce the Priority Path Decision Chart .
3
Sorting Exercise
25 MIN
Use Spending Scenario Cards with the Sorting Worksheet .
Refer to the Decision Chart for challenging items.
Discuss sorted items together, focusing on the "why".
B
Hydration Break
5 MIN
Allow for rest, hydration, and brief reflection.
4
Role-Play Decisions
20 MIN
Facilitate scenarios from the Role-Play Script .
Discuss reasons behind choices and impact on long-term budget.
5
Reflection & Wrap-Up
10 MIN
Complete the Reflection Journal .
Summarize key takeaways and decision strategies.
Set one actionable goal for the upcoming week.
Wants Needs Slides Wants Versus Needs
Understanding and Prioritizing Essentials and Extras
Teacher Notes: Welcome the learner. Explain that today we will learn the difference between wants and needs, practice sorting items, and apply this knowledge to real-life decisions.
Session Objectives
1
Define the difference between wants and needs .
2
Practice sorting common items and expenses.
3
Apply this framework to real-life scenarios.
Teacher Notes: Read through the objectives. Emphasize how these skills support financial independence and decision-making.
What is a Need?
Needs are essentials required for basic living:
💧
Water and Food
🏠
Shelter and Clothing
💊
Medical Care
🚌
Essential Travel
Teacher Notes: Discuss each example. Ask the learner for additional needs they can think of.
What is a Want?
Wants are extras that improve quality of life but are not essential:
🥤
Soda or Snacks
🎮
Games and Movies
💎
Luxury Items
🍔
Dining Out
Teacher Notes: Encourage the learner to share their own wants. Highlight that wants are nice to have but not required for survival.
Priority Path Guide
Is it for health or safety?
Can I live without it?
Does it help me work or learn?
Check Your Budget
Even if it is a need,
Teacher Notes: Show the Priority Path Decision Chart. Walk through each step with examples.
Tactile Sorting
1
Take the Scenario Cards .
2
Place each item under Want or Need .
3
Refer to the Decision Chart if unsure.
Teacher Notes: Distribute cards and worksheet. Observe the learner’s process and provide support when needed.
Wants Needs Sorting Worksheet Sorting Essentials & Extras
Name:
Date:
Instructions
Using your Spending Scenario Cards , decide if each item is a Need (essential for health, safety, or work) or a Want (an extra that improves your quality of life). Write each item in the correct column below.
Needs
Wants
Unsure? Check the "Priority Path" Decision Chart for help!
Wants Needs Scenario Cards Spending Scenario Cards
Instructions: Print this page on heavy paper if possible. Cut along the dotted lines to create 16 individual activity cards for sorting and role-play.
1
You need to pay your rent this month.
2
You want to buy a new pair of designer jeans.
3
You need to purchase your prescription medication.
4
You want a ticket to see your favorite band in concert.
5
You need to pay the electric bill to keep the lights on.
6
You want a fancy coffee drink from a café.
7
You need bus fare to get to work.
8
You want a new video game for fun.
9
You need a warm coat for the upcoming winter.
10
You want to subscribe to a streaming service.
11
You need to buy groceries like bread and eggs.
12
You want to purchase a candy bar at the store.
13
You need a doctor’s appointment this week.
14
You want to upgrade to the latest smartphone model.
15
You need to repair your eyeglasses.
16
You want to order takeout for lunch.
Wants Needs Decision Chart Priority Path
Decision Chart: Is it a Want or a Need?
Use this step-by-step guide to decide whether an item or expense is a Need (essential) or a Want (extra). Follow the questions in order.
1
Health & Safety
Is this required for my basic health or safety?
YES → NEED
NO → GO TO STEP 2
2
Daily Function
Does this help me work, learn, or perform daily tasks (like transport or medicine)?
YES → NEED
NO → GO TO STEP 3
3
Survival Without It
Could I live without this without serious hardship?
YES → WANT
NO → NEED
4
Budget Check
Even if it is a need, can I afford it within my current budget?
If Yes
Proceed with purchase or plan.
If No
Explore alternatives or delay the purchase.
Final Decision
Label the item as a Need or a Want before spending your money.
Wants Needs Role-Play Script Real-Life Decision Making
Role-Play Script & Facilitation Guide
Teacher Instructions:
"Now that we’ve sorted items into wants and needs, let’s practice making these decisions in real-life situations. I’ll read each scenario and ask you to decide: is this a want or a need? Then we’ll talk about your reasoning. Feel free to use the Priority Path Decision Chart at any time."
Scenario 1
The Video Game
"Imagine you have $20 left in your budget after paying all your bills. You want to buy a new video game that costs $60. Is this a need or a want?"
If they say "WANT":
"That's right! Why do you think it's a want?"
"How would spending $60 affect the rest of your week's budget?"
"What could you do if you still really want it? (e.g., save up or wait for a sale)"
If they say "NEED":
"Interesting choice. What makes you think it's a need?"
"Let's check our chart: Does it meet health, safety, or work criteria?"
"How could we plan to buy this later after meeting essential needs?"
Scenario 2
Streaming Subscription
"You’ve paid rent and utilities. You are considering subscribing to a new streaming service that costs $12 a month. Is this a need or a want?"
If they say "WANT":
"Yes, streaming is a want. How is it different from a need?"
"What free alternatives could you use instead? (e.g., library movies)"
If they say "NEED":
"Tell me why you feel it's a need."
"Does it support health, safety, or daily work tasks?"
Scenario 3
Lunch Time Choice
"It’s lunch time and you’re hungry. You packed a sandwich, but you also want to order takeout for $15. Is ordering takeout a need or a want?"
If they say "WANT":
"Exactly! Why is saving money on that important?"
"How much could you save this week by eating your sandwich?"
If they say "NEED":
"Why do you consider it a need today?"
"Do you need takeout to meet your basic requirements?"
Scenario 4
The Smartphone Upgrade
"You’ve noticed your phone is old, but it still works. A new model costs $800. Is buying the latest model a need or a want?"
If they say "WANT":
"Good—high-end phones are wants. How does that fit your long-term budget?"
If they say "NEED":
Wants Needs Reflection Journal Reflection Journal
Name:
Date:
Reflect on what you've learned today and plan for the week ahead.
1 Reflect on a Past Decision
Think of a time when you chose to buy something that was a want instead of a need. Describe the situation, your choice, and what happened.
2 What Would You Do Differently?
Using the Priority Path Decision Chart, explain step-by-step how you would handle a similar choice next time.
3 Identify Your Needs This Week
List three items or expenses that are Needs for you this week. Explain why for each.
Why:
Why:
Why:
4 Plan for Your Wants
List two things you Want but will plan or save for later.
Action:
Action:
5 Goal for Next Week
Write one specific goal that uses your Wants vs. Needs framework. Include how you will check your progress.
