Needs and Wants – 2nd Grade Social Studies Worksheet (Free Printable)

This free 2nd grade social studies worksheet teaches students the difference between needs (food, shelter) and wants (toys, video games).

Reading Passage

A need is something you must have to survive. Food, water, shelter, and clothing are needs. A want is something you would like but do not need to survive. Toys, video games, and candy are wants. Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference. A coat is a need in cold weather. A fancy designer coat is a want. Knowing the difference helps us make good choices with money.

Questions

  1. Which of these is a need? (Food / A video game / Candy / A toy)
  2. Clothing is a need.
  3. A want is something you would like but do not ___ to survive.
  4. Why is it helpful to know the difference between needs and wants? (It helps us make good choices with money / It helps us run faster / It makes food taste better / It helps us read more)
  5. A video game is a need.

About This Worksheet

Understanding the difference between needs and wants is a foundational economics concept for early elementary students. This worksheet helps 2nd graders categorize everyday items and think about responsible decision-making.

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