Activity 4 : Do we want it or need it?
Why we like it: This activity helps students understand the difference between
needs and wants and to make the connection between needs and rights.
What you will need: A small suitcase, box, or tote bag filled with items or images
of the items with tags (including articles to the Convention of the Rights of the
Child –CRC) as shown in the table below from UNICEF.
How long: 10-15 min
How it works:
- Students will need to decide together whether the item is something we need or something we want and why?
- The facilitator will ask questions and make comments. For example, “Do we
need bottled water? This item represents clean water. Do you think we need
clean water? Why? What would happen if we don’t have access to water?”
This activity tends to spark some interesting conversations related to things
like ‘bicycle’ – which links to the right to play and recreation, but it is not a
need/right.
| NEEDS | WANTS |
|---|---|
| Decent shelter (article 27) Nutritious food (article 24) Protection from abuse and neglect (article 19) Education (articles 28, 29) Healthcare (article 24) Fair-treatment and non-discrimination (article 2) Clean air (article 24) Opportunities to share opinions (article 12) Playgrounds and recreation (article 30) Clean water (article 24) Opportunities to practice your own culture, language, and religion (article 31) |
Clothes in the latest style A bicycle Holiday trips Your own bedroom A tablet or computer A T.V. Money to spend as you like Fast food |
(Source: UNICEF.ca)
Reflection:
- Invite students to share their observations
Tips & variations: To enrich the learning experience, we recommend finding
items rather than printing the cards from the template. You can also ask students
to sort the items from the most important to the least important.
Links: