Rights vs. Wants Sorting Activity - Printable

Instructions for Students:

Cut out the cards below along the dashed lines.
Read each card carefully.
Sort the cards into two groups:
- Rights/Needs: Things ALL people deserve to have
- Wants: Things that are nice but not necessary
Place the cards in the correct category boxes on page 2.
Discuss your choices with your teacher or classmates!

✂️ Cut Out These Cards ✂️

💧

Clean Water

🍎

Healthy Food

🏠

Safe Home

📚

Education

🏥

Healthcare

👕

Clothing

❤️

Love & Care

🛡️

Safety

🎮

Video Games

🍭

Candy

🧸

Toys

👟

Designer Sneakers

📱

Smartphone

🚲

Bicycle

🍕

Pizza

🎪

Amusement Park

✅ Rights/Needs

Things ALL people deserve to have,
no matter who they are or where they live

🎁 Wants

Things that are nice to have,
but people can live healthy lives without

🔑 Answer Key (For Teachers)

Note: Some items may have justifiable placement in either category depending on student reasoning. Focus on their thought process!

Rights/Needs:

💧 Clean Water
🍎 Healthy Food
🏠 Safe Home
📚 Education
🏥 Healthcare
👕 Clothing
❤️ Love & Care
🛡️ Safety

Wants:

🎮 Video Games
🍭 Candy
🧸 Toys
👟 Designer Sneakers
📱 Smartphone
🚲 Bicycle
🍕 Pizza
🎪 Amusement Park

Discussion Notes:

Nuanced Items: Some students may argue that "toys" support play/development (which is a right). Praise this reasoning! Explain that while PLAY is a right, specific toys are wants.
Food vs. Pizza: All people need food (right), but pizza specifically is a want. Any food can meet the need; pizza is a preference.
Clothing vs. Designer Sneakers: Basic clothing is a right; expensive brand-name items are wants.
Cultural Differences: Acknowledge that needs may look different in different places (transportation needs, climate-appropriate clothing).

🌍 Rights vs. Wants Sorting Activity