Children in Need Resources - Pudsey's Needs vs. Wants - A fun and meaningful sorting activity for children!

Help young children understand the important difference between what we need to stay healthy and happy versus what we simply want with this Needs vs. Wants resource featuring everyone's favourite charity bear, Pudsey.

About This Resource

This Needs vs. Wants resource is designed to help young children understand the difference between essentials - things we need to stay healthy and happy - and extras, which are fun but not necessary for daily life. This simple concept lays the groundwork for children to understand empathy and charity, introducing them to the idea that some children may not have access to basic needs like food, safe shelter, or warm clothes.

By learning the distinction between needs and wants, children can begin to appreciate what they have and understand why it’s important to support others who may not have all their needs met. Using real-life examples, this activity makes a meaningful connection to Children in Need, a charity that helps children who lack essential resources. The resource is engaging and interactive, allowing children to sort items into “needs” and “wants” while discussing the value of helping others meet their basic needs.

How To Use

This resource is designed to guide young children through understanding the difference between needs and wants while introducing the mission of Children in Need. By using Pudsey as a familiar symbol, children can connect emotionally to the idea of helping others and understand why some kids may need extra support to access essential things that keep them happy and healthy.

Step One: Set Up the Activity

Begin by cutting out the needs and wants tiles provided in the resource. Place the tiles next to the “Needs” and “Wants” sorting mat. Make sure the mat and tiles are clearly visible and accessible to all children, either by placing them on the floor or a table, so children can easily reach and sort.

Step 2: Introduce the Topic to Children

Start with Children in Need: Begin by asking if the children have heard of Children in Need. Many may associate it with Pudsey Bear, but they might not fully understand the charity's purpose.

Explain the Mission: Briefly explain that Children in Need is a charity that helps children who may not have everything they need to feel safe, healthy, and happy. Emphasise that while some children have food, warm clothes, and a safe place to live, others might not, and that’s where Children in Need steps in to help.

Connect with Empathy: Let children know that when they help others, even in small ways, they’re showing kindness. Children in Need does this by helping children meet their needs.

Step 3: Complete the Activity

Sort the Tiles: Invite children to take turns picking up a tile and deciding whether the item on the tile is a need or a want.

Group Discussion: As each tile is placed, ask questions to encourage children to think about why it belongs in a particular category. Here are some ideas:

• “Why do you think it’s important for everyone to have their needs met?”
• “What would you feel like if you didn’t have something important, like enough food or warm clothes?”
• “How do you think it feels when someone gets the help they need?”
• “What can we do to help other kids who don’t have all their needs met?”

Reinforce Learning: Emphasise that needs are essentials that help keep us healthy and safe, like food, water, and shelter, while wants are extra things that are fun or enjoyable but not necessary.

Step 4: Reflect on the Game

After the activity, invite children to share how they felt and what they learned about needs, wants, and the importance of helping others. You can use our Pudsey Emotion Discs to help them communicate their feelings.

Benefits

• Helps children develop empathy by showing how some children lack access to basic needs.
• Encourages important life skills such as decision-making and understanding priorities.
• Offers a fun, interactive way to discuss the mission of Children in Need and the importance of supporting others.

About Children in Need

Children in Need is a UK charity focused on helping children who are disadvantaged by poverty, illness, or other challenges. This resource connects with their mission by teaching children the value of helping others meet their basic needs and understand the importance of charity and community support.

The Pudsey’s Needs vs. Wants activity is a fun and interactive way to teach children the important difference between essentials and luxuries. By introducing this concept, children will develop empathy and a better understanding of how Children in Need helps ensure all children have their basic needs met, promoting a deeper sense of compassion and social responsibility.

Disclaimer and Important Note: During this activity, some children may share personal experiences or observations that highlight unmet needs in their own lives or those of others and may bring to light sensitive information. It’s important to be attentive to any comments or behaviours that suggest a child may not have their essential needs met, as this could indicate a safeguarding concern. If any concerns arise, follow your school's safeguarding protocol immediately.