Wants and Needs word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

Wants and Needs word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this wants and needs puzzle set for my 2nd and 3rd graders during our economics unit. The kids always argued about whether a new video game was a need or a want. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like want, need, food, water, shelter, clothing, medicine, sleep, toy, game, candy, bike, phone, treat, and choice. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the difference finally click.

The PDF is four pages. Three puzzles plus one answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about whether a pet is a want or a need. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple house, apple, and toy drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 1st through 4th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers list three needs and three wants on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.