The idea, step by step
Ask what the person needs now
A need is something important for being safe, healthy or able to do an activity. A want is something a person would enjoy but can do without in that situation.
The same item can matter differently to different people. Listen to the story before deciding. We explain the choice rather than judging someone else's family.
Plan when money is limited
If you cannot buy everything, list what must be bought first. Check that its price fits the money available.
After the need is met, money might be saved or used for a want. More than one sensible plan can be possible if its reason matches the story.
A common trap
Calling an item a need for every person in every situation.
Instead: Read the situation. Explain why the person needs or wants the item now.
See the thinking
Ready for the activity
Lena must bring a pencil to drawing club. She has two dollars. A pencil costs two dollars and a ribbon costs one dollar. What should she buy first?
- The story says she must have a pencil for the activity.
- Two dollars is enough for the pencil.
- Buying the ribbon first would leave only one dollar, not enough for the pencil.
When the need is already met
Omar already has drinking water and lunch packed. He has two dollars of spending money. He can save it or buy a two-dollar sticker. Name one sensible choice.
- His lunch and water needs for this trip are already met.
- Saving costs no money now; the sticker costs the two dollars he has.
- Either choice can fit. Give a reason for the choice.
Check your understanding
A child has no hat for an outdoor school activity. The school says a hat is required. Is getting a hat a need for this activity?
Show answer
Yes.
A hat is required for the child to take part safely in the stated activity.
Your turn
6 questions · Work at your own pace.
Read the questions online
- Maya needs a pencil for class. She has three dollars. A pencil costs one dollar and a toy costs three dollars. Which should she buy first?
- A shop has a two-dollar drink and a four-dollar toy. Bo has only two dollars and needs a drink. Can Bo buy the drink?
- Ari's lunch is already packed. Ari wants a badge. Is the badge needed for lunch in this story?
- Name one reason a person might save money instead of buying a toy now.
- A class needs paper costing four dollars. It has five dollars. A decoration costs two dollars. Can it buy both? What should come first?
- Jo says, 'Everyone must choose the same want.' Is Jo right? Explain.
Read the worked solutions
- Maya needs a pencil for class. She has three dollars. A pencil costs one dollar and a toy costs three dollars. Which should she buy first?
It is needed for class. The toy would use all her money.
The pencil. - A shop has a two-dollar drink and a four-dollar toy. Bo has only two dollars and needs a drink. Can Bo buy the drink?
The drink costs the same amount as Bo has.
Yes. - Ari's lunch is already packed. Ari wants a badge. Is the badge needed for lunch in this story?
Lunch is already supplied.
No; it is a want in this story. - Name one reason a person might save money instead of buying a toy now.
A sensible answer explains a future goal; other reasonable reasons are acceptable.
For example, to buy a needed item later. - A class needs paper costing four dollars. It has five dollars. A decoration costs two dollars. Can it buy both? What should come first?
Four and two make six, which is more than five. The paper is the stated need.
It cannot buy both. Buy the paper first. - Jo says, 'Everyone must choose the same want.' Is Jo right? Explain.
People can enjoy different things. A sensible choice fits the person's situation and available money.
No.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 and SA Curriculum Mathematics
Year 1 money modelling, needs and wants, simple class enterprise and consequences of financial choices. Activities use supplied pretend prices and whole-dollar amounts.
Official curriculum source ↗