What Makes Something Valuable?
Intro
Every day we decide what we like to keep, buy, or share. We use three ideas – Needs, Wants, and Fairness – to tell us if something is special or valuable. Let’s explore with coins, toys, and trading!
1. Needs: The Things We Must Have
A need is something we cannot live without, like food, water, or a warm coat.
- Fun Fact: A baby giraffe needs its mom’s milk for the first 6 months!
- When you have a few coins, you first buy a need. If you spend all your money on candy, you might be hungry later.
2. Wants: The Things We Like but Don’t Need
A want is something that makes life fun, like a new sticker or a video game.
- Comparison: Want is like a rainbow after a rain – nice, but not required.
- If you have extra coins after buying your needs, you can think about a want. It feels good, but you can still be happy without it.
3. Fairness: Making Sure Everyone Gets a Good Deal
Fairness means giving and taking in a way that feels right for everyone.
- How/Why: If you trade a toy car for a friend’s puzzle, both should feel happy with the trade.
- Imagination: Pretend you are a shopkeeper. You give a friend a small toy for two of your stickers. If the friend thinks the trade is fair, the trade is valuable.
Simple Activity: Sort the Cards!
- Draw three piles on a table: Needs, Wants, Fair Trades.
- Cut out pictures from magazines (food, toys, games).
- Place each picture in the correct pile.
- Talk with a grown‑up about why you chose each pile.
Conclusion
Now you know that Needs keep us safe, Wants bring us joy, and Fairness makes sharing happy. Keep looking around, ask “Is this a need, a want, or a fair trade?” and you’ll become a value‑detective! 🌟 Explore, ask questions, and have fun deciding what matters most.