Students will be taught how to locate non-fiction books using the Dewey Decimal System (DDC). The purpose of this lesson is to give students the opportunity to understand the different categories starting with 000 (General) - 999 (History) and how these categories will make it easier to search for books [that interest them].

Instructional Goals:

Students will:

• Understand how to use the Dewey Decimal System (DDC) categories to locte non-fiction books.
• Understand the different categories starting with 000-General to 999-History.

 

Learning Objectives:

Fourth Grade students will be able to:

• Search for books in different Dewey Decimal categories and complete the Dewey Decimal worksheet.
• Accurately locate and identify books under each of the Dewey decimal numbers categories.
• Work with a partner to complete a Dewey Decimal Practice worksheet.
  
• Successfully participate in a game to match title of book with the correct Dewey Decimal number.

Dewey Decimal Numbers and categories help sheet for pairs to use as a resource (Laminate)  [see Supporting Files]

 

Prepare baskets of non-fiction books filled with different Dewey Decimal Categories

 

Dewey Decimal Category Practice Worksheet for students to complete [see Supporting Files]

 

1. Students will come to the library and sit with their assigned partner.
   
2. The librarian will have non-fiction books displayed on each table. The LMS will ask students to examine the nonfiction books spine labels. They will be asked to share with the class their observations.
   
3. Teacher will chart student responses on chart paper after LMS presents questions to class.
4. They will be asked the following: How do you think the information found on spine labels can help you locate books in the library?
5. Students will be asked by the librarian to examine some of the books found in the basket. Questions to be presented to the class are:
   • What is the book about?
   • What are the Dewey numbers found on the spine label of the book?
   • Do you think Dewey numbers indicate anything?
6. Students’ responses will also be recorded, on chart paper, by the classroom teacher.
   
7. This discussion will help to introduce today’s assignment about using the Dewey Decimal Categories.
8. The librarian will present the Dewey Decimal Category chart -Handout #1 to the class. Librarian will demonstrate how to complete the example below using a library book and Dewey Decimal Categories Chart. Librarian will chart answer for the example for students to see.
   
   • Example: A book about seashells would be in this Dewey section: 500’s
     
   
   

Insects, animals, flowers,

seashells, birds, rocks, stars

 

Each pair will be given their own Dewey Decimal Category chart to locate answers and complete the Dewey Decimal Category Practice Sheet.

 

Time: 20 minutes

 

Librarian can use students' responses to determine if they were successful in completing the assignment. Questions can also be asked by the teacher librarian as well as classmates to determine if they understood the assignment.

Notice if students are comfortable locating books or need to ask librarian for assistance to locate non-fiction books based on the categories.

Another example of an assessment is to play a game in which students will be given an example of a title of a book and they will have to tell what Dewey numbers category it can be found under. An example of a question would be:
1) Question: What Dewey Category would I use to locate the book- How to a Draw A Superhero?

Answer-700s you can find books about drawing

2) Question: What Dewey Category would you find the book- The Seasons by Gail Gibbons?

Answer-500s you can find books about the weather