Would you rather, money edition: a 15-minute needs and wants game

1. Teach two ideas in two minutes. A need is something you must have to live and stay safe, like food and a coat in winter. A want is something nice to have. Opportunity cost is the next-best thing you give up when you choose.
2. Read a question and its two choices. Students take five seconds to think, then move to A or B.
3. Each side talks for 30 seconds and picks one reason. One student per side shares, using the frame: "I chose ___ because ___. The opportunity cost is ___."
4. Anyone may switch sides after hearing a good reason, and must say what changed their mind.
5. Play five or six rounds.

Questions to start with (write your own too):

1. Would you rather have $5 today or $7 next Friday?
2. Would you rather spend $10 on one movie ticket or on art supplies that last a month?
3. Would you rather buy a snack every day this week or save that money for a book you want?
4. Would you rather earn $1 for each chore or $20 for keeping your room clean all month?
5. Would you rather buy new shoes because yours are too small, or a new video game? (Talk about which one is a need.)
6. Would you rather buy one expensive toy or three cheaper toys?

There is no wrong side. The point is the reason and naming what you give up.

Differentiation: for younger or newer students, use pictures for each choice and stick to needs and wants. For older students, add interest ("$100 now, or $100 plus $5 each month you wait") and ask them to calculate when waiting is worth it. For English learners, post the four key words with a picture each and allow answers with the sentence frame only. For students who find movement overwhelming, offer A and B cards to hold up from their seats.

Quick check: each student writes one new "would you rather" money question and names the opportunity cost of each choice. Use the best ones tomorrow.

If you try it, share the question that started the biggest debate in your class.