I Want Those Shoes!

I've got a couple of children in my classroom who regularly show me what new thing they got this week and tell me what they are going to buy the next time they go to the store. Each time they do, I cringe inside. I hate that 3, 4, and 5 year olds already feel they need to have everything they see on TV. You can imagine my delight to find Those Shoes, a book about a child whose grandmother says "We don't have any room for want, just need." The boy in this story wants shoes like the other boys in his class, but his grandmother knows he needs winter boots more. She helps him find a pair of "those shoes" at the thrift shop, but they are too small. The boys buys them, with his own money, but in the end gives them to another child who also longs to have the special shoes.
With so many families struggling financially, this book is perfect to help children begin to understand that sometimes, you have to do without. Those Shoes (2007) is written by Maribeth Boelts and illustrated by Noah Jones. Before reading the story, talk to the children about the difference between wanting and needing something. Discuss things they would like to have. After reading the story, you might list things people need and things people want. Depending on the ages of the children, you might want to set up a play store and give each child some money to spend. You might want to discuss ways to earn money and help children make piggy banks to save money. You might also want to have a day for families to trade gently used clothing. This can help teach children to recycle their things rather than throw them away. Even if most children have not felt the effects of the economy, it would be valuable for them to learn that not everyone is as fortunate.
I've always thought it was important for young children to learn about these things, but the topic may be more timely than ever.