Matching Solutions to Needs
Narrative
There is a difference between wants and needs. My grandmother told me so. Therefore, it is a foundational belief to me. This is solid grounding for expectations and priorities as kids face the many choices they will encounter.
Illustration discussions:
Why does the boy need to get a candle? Who is missing a candle?
Why did he pick the green one? What is in the jar on top of the shelves?
Which two candles match in color? Do Mr. & Mrs Stick want the same color or different ones?
Activities
Some of the early kids’ toys do a great job at helping put the square peg in the square opening. You can practice putting the right items in the correct places in their room. Does a chair cushion go on a bed for sleeping? Have some fun and try it, but a return to the bed pillow on the bed will win out over time. Hundreds of years of practice has produced our current match of pillow to needs.
For slightly older kids matching the right tool to the task is joyful enlightenment. Try using pliers or a wrench on a bolt and nut. One clearly will work better than the other. (Hint: the wrench). Explain why this is the better choice for the task.
Try wiping some dishes with and without detergent. Check both results. One path is a winner. This gets kids thinking about testing their practices.