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      The things we need to feel safe and happy

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe the different things people need to feel safe and happy.

      Key learning points

      1. We all have the same basic needs.
      2. Basic needs are things we must have to feel safe and healthy.
      3. Wants and needs are different.
      4. We can do our best and enjoy school when our needs are met.
      5. We should listen to and respect what people need.

      Keywords

      • Needs - the important things we must have to live and grow, like food, water, a home, love and care

      • Different - not the same as something else

      • Respect - treating others kindly and valuing their feelings, ideas and boundaries; for example, listening carefully and being polite, even if you disagree

      Common misconception

      We should get everything we want all the time.

      Sometimes we don't get what we want, and that's ok as long as we still feel safe.

      Teacher tip

      Children may struggle to articulate their needs. This might be something you revisit regularly, to help young people describe their own experience.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the words to the definitions.

      Correct Answer:fair,when everyone gets what they need

      when everyone gets what they need

      Correct Answer:important,something that matters a lot

      something that matters a lot

      Correct Answer:learn,to find out about new things

      to find out about new things

      Q2.
      Fairness is important at school because...

      Correct answer: it helps everyone feel happy.
      it helps everyone feel sad.
      Correct answer: it helps everyone feel included.
      it helps everyone feel unsafe.

      Q3.
      How can we treat others fairly at school?

      by ignoring people
      Correct answer: by taking turns
      by always doing what we want
      Correct answer: by using kind words and hands

      Q4.
      For our school to work well and to help everyone, we all have important to do.

      Correct Answer: jobs, tasks, roles

      Q5.
      What jobs should children do at school?

      cook the school meals
      Correct answer: listen to and follow school rules
      Correct answer: keep the classroom tidy and respect all the things around them
      teach the children

      Q6.
      What do you need to drink every day to stay healthy?

      Correct Answer: water

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the words to the definitions.

      Correct Answer:needs,the important things we must have to live and grow

      the important things we must have to live and grow

      Correct Answer:different,not the same as something else

      not the same as something else

      Correct Answer:respect,treating others kindly and valuing their feelings and ideas

      treating others kindly and valuing their feelings and ideas

      Q2.
      Which of the following are examples of basic needs?

      the latest video game
      holidays
      Correct answer: a safe place to live and sleep
      Correct answer: food and water

      Q3.
      We don't always get what we want sometimes, and that's ok as long as we still feel ...

      Correct Answer: safe, healthy, happy

      Q4.
      Which statements are true?

      Correct answer: Different people will need different things to do their best at school.
      We all need the same things to do well at school.
      When we have everything we want, we can enjoy our time at school.
      Correct answer: When all of our needs are met, we can enjoy our time at school.

      Q5.
      How can we respect other people's needs?

      Correct answer: by being kind
      Correct answer: by being thoughtful
      by laughing at people
      by ignoring people's needs

      Q6.
      If your friend says they don't like loud noises, what should you do?

      make even louder noises
      Correct answer: try to be quieter around them
      tell them they're being silly
      ignore what they said

      To help you plan your 2 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: The things we need to feel safe and happy, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...