Mini-Lesson

1. Start a discussion about needs and wants. Explain that needs are things that people must have in order to live while wants are things that people would like to have but do not need in order to live. Write the following list of items on the board: medicine, cars, food, game systems, computers, water, clothing, MP3-players, candy, books, shelter. In partnerships, have students categorize each item as a need or a want. Then, discuss as a class. Encourage critical thinking. Ask: Does the category depend on the person? For a taxicab driver, is a car a need or a want? For a teenager who would rather drive to school than take the bus, is a car a need or a want?

2. Pass out the latest timeforkids.com news story, Troubled Times. As students read the article, have them look for examples of items that are more expensive than usual.

3. Have students share their findings. Ask: Why is it important for the government to focus on the rising cost of food and gas? Why do you think the number of new home sales has been going down?