The Needs

Refers to basics such as food, water, clothing, shelter, sleep, medication, eyeglasses, etc.

Words associated with Core: Basic needs, essentials, survival

As a species it makes sense that our brains developed circuitry for this need as we cannot survive long without the nutrients our bodies needs or sensory information.  These neural networks signal us to seek out ways to meet these needs. 

If this need is not met, our body sends an initial signal (hunger, thirst, etc.). If that need is not met we start to feel anxious or angry. It becomes harder and harder to concentrate on anything other than meeting this core need.  It can often lead to physical symptoms such as pain or headache.  

Behaviors you will see include impatience, irritability, loss of focus, and reactions to physical symptoms (headaches, stomach ache, etc.)

Meet this need by supplying what is needed or teaching the person how to get the items.  

The human need for predictability, certainty, and safety

Words associated with Control: Routine, predictability, power, influence, safety, certainty

It makes sense that our brains are wired to seek out patterns, which give us a sense of certainty or control over our environment. 

When this need is not being met we feel anxiety or fear

Behaviors you will see include withdrawing, tantrums, hiding, running away, refusing to comply

Meet this need by having good routines, offering authentic choices, having kids help with establishing rules/expectations, making the environment predictable, being consistent

Need to be with others. We are social beings and have developed skills over long periods of time to help us develop connections with others.

Words associated with Connection: Family, friends, social circle, relationships, trust

Collaboration and coordination with others allowed for more efficient use of resources and greater protection so it makes sense that we would have this need wired into our brains. 

If this need is not met we feel sad and/or lonely which may lead to resentment and anger.  We may also turn into people-pleasers and not maintain healthy boundaries out of fear of saying no. 

Some things you will see are sadness, crying, inappropriate attempts to make friends (name calling, hitting, etc.), isolation, disrespect, resentment

Meet this need by modeling friendship/consistent relationships; finding materials that reflect one's self and interests; building relationships and getting to know students; helping kids to maintain healthy boundaries; and fostering friendships and productive conflict resolution among kids.

Need to successfully navigate and engage with various components of the world. It is knowing how to do things well.

Words associated with Competence: Success, knowing, achievement, skill

The need for competence drives innovation. Being skillful at things and accomplishing tasks leaves us feeling successful which motivates to strive to be better.  

If this need is not met people feel stupid or incapable which leads to defensiveness.  

If this need is not met, people will avoid hard tasks, compensate by acting out in ways they can be successful, and try to insult others that are good at things. 

Strategies for addressing this need include celebrating successes (must be genuine); meeting where student is at and creating successes; and reframing mistakes as an integral part to the learning/mastery process