Definition: A necessary ingredient.

Alright class, settle down and let’s take a look! That’s a very good observation about the dictionary – “a necessary ingredient.” Let’s unpack that a bit, shall we? “Essentials,” you see, means things that are absolutely needed. Like a baker needs flour to make a cake, or a painter needs brushes to create a masterpiece. It's what makes something truly work, or really complete. Think of it this way: if you’re building a tower of blocks, the bottom layer – that’s an essential! Without it, the whole thing would tumble down. It can apply to lots of things too - essentials for your health like eating fruits and veggies, essentials for school like pencils and books, or even essentials in a story – like a hero's bravery or a villain’s wicked plan. Does that rhyme help you remember the meaning? So, “essentials” are those things we must have; they're key to success, or just plain being okay! Do you have any questions about what makes something an essential?