Activity 3: Setting Up a Neighbourhood for Giggles
Why we like it: This activity helps children to differentiate between ‘needs’ and ‘wants,’ but also invites children to make choices about what is important
What you will need: UNICEF Child Rights Needs, Wants Rights Cards (cut out)
How long: 15 minutes
How it works:
- In small groups, ask the student to imagine that you are a government that is
setting up a new neighbourhood for Giggles on the planet Zog so that kids can
come visit. Hand out cards. Ask the students to review them. - The cards represent needs and wants that the elected officials have drawn up.
The government in Zog wants to make sure that the basic needs of kid visitors will
be met. The officials from the Planet Zog would like you to add anything that is
missing. Get the group to decide on up to 4 together. - Announce to the group that sadly the government of Zog can only provide 16 of
the cards. Ask them which cards they are willing to give up and return them to the
facilitator. - More cuts are needed. As the group to eliminate 8 more.
- Invite children to share what they had left – consider gluing on remaining cards on a piece of paper
Reflection:
- Which ones were eliminated in the first round?
- Was the second round more difficult than the first one?
- Did you have any disagreements to eliminate, why or why not?
- Which items were ‘needs’ and ‘wants’?
- Do wants and needs differ for different people? Why or why not?
Tips & variations: This activity can be linked to units about government – different levels, decision making, and representing different interests/needs.
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