Needs and Wants Sort

2nd Grade Social StudiesEconomics and Trade3 pages

About this worksheet

Twelve everyday items go into two columns on this 2nd grade economics sort. The word bank sets drinking water, a winter coat, medicine, and a toothbrush against a video game, fancy sneakers, a candy bar, and a pet dog. Students write each one under Needs or Wants, then answer two questions about the trickiest choice and add one new item to each side. The sheet connects to C3 Framework indicator D2.Eco.1.K-2, and the answer key explains why sneakers and a pet dog cause debate.

Remix for free

Page 1 of 3

Needs and Wants Sort: Economics and Trade - page 1
Needs and Wants Sort: Economics and Trade - page 2
Needs and Wants Sort: Economics and Trade - page 3

When this preview is focused, use the left and right arrow keys to move between pages.

Curriculum objectives covered

D2.Eco.1.K-2

“Explain how scarcity necessitates decision making.”

Question 1, where students defend a hard call such as fancy sneakers or a pet dog, and the sort itself, which separates what people must have from what they can do without. The sheet does not mention money or limits directly.

What's inside this worksheet

Word Bank

Twelve items sit in a grid, including safe home, healthy food, stuffed animal, and bicycle, with definitions of needs and wants printed above.

Sorting Chart

A two-column chart headed Needs and Wants where students write all 12 items. The key has six on each side.

Think About It

Question 1 asks which item was hardest to sort and why. Question 2 asks students to add one new need and one new want.

How teachers use it

Four corners

Read each item aloud and have students stand on the Needs or Wants side of the room. Pet dog splits most classes, which gives you the Question 1 discussion before anyone writes.

Before a budget lesson

Sort first, then give each student pretend money that covers only the needs. The link to spending choices is clearer once the wants are left out.

English learner support

Without pictures in the word bank, sketch or show images for winter coat and medicine for students still learning English.

More 2nd Grade Social Studies worksheets

Local GovernmentGeographyCultural Diversity

Get started today

Create your own lesson plans, worksheets, and classroom activities in minutes using our AI-powered tools.

Try Chalkie for free