Maslow´s Hierchy of Needs

 

1. Lead-In Discussion (10 minutes)

Discussion Questions:

  • What are some things all humans need to be happy?

  • Do you think money is the most important need?

  • Have you heard of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?

  • What do you think motivates people in life?

  2. Vocabulary Preview

WordDefinition
MotivationThe reason why someone does something
HierarchyA system where people or things are ranked
Basic needsThings necessary for survival like food and safety
BelongingFeeling part of a group or community
RecognitionBeing noticed or appreciated for your work
FulfillmentFeeling satisfied because you are doing something meaningful
AdvancementProgress in your job or career
WorkplaceThe place where people work
Self-actualizationReaching your full potential
Job satisfactionHow happy you are with your job

3. Read : Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

In 1943, psychologist Abraham Maslow introduced a theory to explain human motivation. He believed that people have five levels of needs, which he organized in a pyramid. This idea is called Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. According to Maslow, people must satisfy basic needs before they can focus on higher ones.

The first level of the pyramid includes physiological needs, like food, water, and sleep. Without these, a person cannot survive. Once these needs are met, individuals seek safety—a secure home, good health, and protection from danger.

The third level is love and belonging. People need friendships, family, and emotional connection. Without these, loneliness and depression may occur. Higher up is esteem, which includes respect, achievement, and self-confidence. This level helps people feel valued and competent.

At the top of the pyramid is self-actualization. This means becoming the best version of yourself—developing talents, seeking personal growth, and reaching one’s full potential. Maslow believed that very few people reach this final stage.

Although his theory has been criticized and updated over time, it still offers a useful way to understand human motivation and behavior.

4. Vocabulary Match (Sentence-Definition Match)

Match each sentence to the correct vocabulary word or phrase:

  1. Without this, people cannot live very long.

  2. She felt good because she achieved her goals and others respected her.

  3. People want to feel safe in their homes and communities.

  4. He wanted to become the best version of himself.

  5. Having close relationships is essential for emotional well-being.

  6. He had enough food and sleep but felt lonely and disconnected.

Vocabulary:
a. Physiological needs
b. Esteem
c. Safety
d. Self-actualization
e. Love and belonging
f. Hierarchy

5. Synonym Match

Match the word from the article with its closest synonym.

WordSynonym
Motivationa. Success
Achievementb. Protection
Securec. Drive
Emotional connectiond. Safe
Criticizede. Bond
Potentialf. Disapproved

6. Role Play ( es)

Scenario A:
You are a psychologist explaining Maslow’s pyramid to a friend who wants to change jobs. Explain the levels and ask them what they need in their life right now.

Scenario B:
You are a teacher helping a student who is struggling in school. Use Maslow’s theory to suggest why the student might be having problems and how to help.

Instructions:

  • Role-play in pairs.

  • Switch roles after 5–7 minutes.

6. Group Discussion / Speaking Practice (15 minutes)

Choose 3–4 of these questions to discuss in small groups:

  • Do you agree with the idea that basic needs must be met before higher ones?

  • Can people feel self-actualized even if they are poor or hungry?

  • Which level of Maslow’s hierarchy do you think is the most difficult to achieve?

  • Do you think this theory is still useful in today’s world?

  • How does your country help people meet their basic needs?

Skills: Speaking, critical thinking, negotiation

7.🧠 Objective:

Students will use Maslow's Hierarchy to discuss how their characters can improve their work environment and fulfill different levels of needs (e.g. safety, belonging, esteem, self-actualization).

🎭 Instructions:

  1. Pair up or work in small groups (3–4 people).

  2. Each student receives a character card with a job role and some information about their current situation at work.

  3. The group must discuss each person’s needs at work based on Maslow’s Hierarchy and give suggestions for how the company can help.

  4. Encourage polite disagreement, negotiation, and empathy.

  5. Use question prompts to guide the discussion.

🧾 Character Cards (examples):

👩‍⚕️ Maria – Nurse

  • Works long hours and often feels exhausted.

  • Feels her work is important but doesn’t get much recognition.

  • She has friends at work, but rarely sees her family.

Main needs: Esteem, love/belonging, physiological.

👨‍💼 Tom – Junior Accountant

  • Has a stable job and earns a good salary.

  • Feels isolated from his team and rarely speaks in meetings.

  • Wants to grow professionally but feels unnoticed.

Main needs: Belonging, esteem, self-actualization.

👷 Ahmed – Warehouse Worker

  • Recently had a minor injury at work.

  • Doesn’t feel very safe in the work environment.

  • He enjoys the teamwork, but the building is cold and noisy.

Main needs: Safety, physiological.

👩‍🎨 Sara – Graphic Designer

  • Has freedom in her work and loves creative challenges.

  • Often stays late and feels burnt out.

  • Wishes her manager gave more feedback and appreciation.

Main needs: Esteem, self-actualization, physiological.

💬 Discussion Prompts:

  • What are the most important needs this person has at work?

  • What changes could the company make to support this person?

  • What role do relationships at work play in someone’s happiness?

  • How can managers help people feel valued and safe?

  • Is it more important to feel safe or to feel respected? Why?

✅ Follow-up Activity (Optional):

After the role play, have students write a short report or give a presentation about:

  • The most common needs discussed.

  • The most realistic suggestions.

  • One idea they could use in their real-life work or future job.

Let me know if you'd like printable cards or a visual version for classroom use!

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