I need an idea

[Loren Farah]

I'm looking for a good way to teach the Dewey Dec. System.  My goal is not to make the students simply memorize the categories.  I'm interested in them getting exposed to the different subjects and exploring their interests.  I also think they don't know half the books that are in this section of our library.  Any suggestions?

[Cheryl A. Strother]

It depends on how long you have them and how long you want the unit to be. I usually take a book form each number and show it to them and then maybe read a page to them so that they can understand what that section is about or maybe read off some of the titles and let them make the connection. Then I also have the Dewey bookmarks and after I feel the students are comfortable with what the sections are, I put them in groups and then give each group a bookmark as a reference guide. I make a set of Dewey cards for each team (usually index cards with numbers on them and laminated) then I say a book or hold up a book that had been preselected and the groups have to hold up the card for the section that they think it belongs in. The first team to hold up the right number gets a point, first team to 10 wins. You can also have them play the game without the reference cards. The day I am going to play, I pull two or three books from each section before they get there and hold it so that they can't see the number on the spine. My grades 4-7 seem to enjoy it. There is also that Huey, Dewey and Louie at the Library worksheet and there is a dewey and the aliens video.

[Loren Farah]

Thank you Cheryl! This is only my 2nd. year so I'm always looking for successful plans.

[Sue Kraus]

I made a game of it. After spending time pointing out the sections of the library and why books go where they do. (This might take a lesson or two.) I then made laminated cards with a picture of the book and the "call number". Students work in pairs to find the book. They can't run and have to use whispers. As soon as they find the book they raise their hands, and I go over and check it. If they can't find the book, they need to problem solve. (Is the book checked out? How can I find out? Is the book on display somewhere?)
Students try to see how many cards they can get by the end of the game. My students love it and beg to play. They even gave me ways to make it harder. :-) I played this with 2nd - 5th graders.

[Cheryl A. Strother]

that's a really good idea. I will keep it in my file so if I ever have that grade again I have a good resource. Thanks for sharing. :)

[Loren Farah]

Thanks Sue! I'm combining the ideas I've gotten and making a plan!

[Isobel Sobey]

Have you seen the crazy Dewey Decimal rap on you-tube I always start with it and it gets everyone to listen. Actually many groups memorise the numbers by knowing the rap http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHiUQb5xg7A

[La Gina Gross]

Dewey Rap attached Have students put sound and music to rap.


You can also order Dewey Bingo or make cards. Dewey Bingo cards can be found at: http://mylmcweb.com/HandoutsNesletters.htm