Wants Versus Needs

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Framework
It happens in almost every classroom community: Someone has something someone else wants. Someone has the hottest new video game, sneakers or action figure; someone else feels jealous and expresses these feelings in unproductive ways. Issues of class and materialism underlie these interactions, and children often lack ways to talk productively and openly about what is really going on.

The lessons that follow will start a conversation about material consumption. We will explore why we want the things we want, how it feels not to have everything we want, and how to appreciate non-material possessions that can make us rich in deeper ways. In the upper elementary grades, children will also be encouraged to think critically about media messages and will have an opportunity to engage in a social action project aimed at minimizing materialism and entitlement.

Professional Development
Some lessons and background information that help get at these issues can be found at Controversial Issues, Breaking Down the Walls of Intolerance and Checking on Stereotypes.

There are also a number of children’s books that help address issues of class and social inequality, including, but not limited to, Rich Cat, Poor Cat by Bernard Waber, The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes, A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams, Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco and First Things First by Kristi D. Holl. 

Primary Grades (K-2)

Elementary Grades (3-5)

Applying What You’ve Learned
Think about the conversations you’ve had and the activities you’ve done as a class around haves, have-nots, materialism and media messages. Create a poster with a counter message in response to a specific company you’ve noticed encouraging materialism to children through its advertising. Challenge yourself to use examples from actual messages you've seen the company use. Revise, edit and illustrate your message with a partner. Share your posters with your classmates and discuss the new messages. Then hang your posters up in your class or around the school with permission.

Standards
Activities and embedded assessments address the following standards (McREL 4th edition)

Language Arts
Standard 1. Uses the general skills and strategies of the writing process.

Standard 3. Uses grammatical and mechanical conventions in written compositions.

Standard 8. Uses listening and speaking strategies for different purposes.

Standard 9. Uses viewing skills and strategies to understand and interpret visual media.

Standard 10. Understands the characteristics and components of the media.

Visual Arts
Standard 1. Understands and applies media, techniques and processes related to the visual arts.

Standard 5. Understands the characteristics and merits of one’s own artwork and the artwork of others.

Working With Others
Standard 1. Contributes to the overall effort of a group.

Standard 3. Works well with diverse individuals and in diverse situations.

Standard 4. Displays effective interpersonal communication skills.