Purposes of this study were to (1) investigate the validity of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as it applies to young children; (2) determine developmental shifts in expressed motivational needs; (3) gather information concerning the worries and fears of young children, particularly those of low socioeconomic status; and (4) gather data regarding choices and decisions that teachers allow children to make in the classroom. With Maslow's hierarchy of needs as a theoretical frame of reference, 200 children in kindergarten, second grade, and fourth grade were interviewed about what three wishes they would like to have and why, fears and worries, and what they would like to study. Children's responses were recorded by a concealed tape machine. An open-ended questionnaire was used to ask teachers to list choices they allow children to make in their classrooms. Findings, supportive of Maslow's framework, indicated that: (1) expressed physiological and love needs decrease with age; and (2) safety, esteem, and self-actualization needs increase with age. Children expressed similar fears despite age, socioeconomic status, and ability level differences. Teachers reported allowing students to make choices primarily in nonacademic areas. Further study of teacher responses is planned. Appended are summaries of children's wishes, expressed according to grade level and socioeconomic status. Children's responses to questions are also categorized and compared. (BJD)