This information literacy skills lesson will describe various reference sources of information and where they are located in the library. The lesson will help students recognize the need of various types of information and where this information can be found.

Students will learn how to use the different types of reference materials in the school library and where they are located.  This lesson will reinforce concepts introduced earlier in the school year and will prepare students for a subsequent research project.   The lesson will be broken down into two days of activities.  Day one will focus on the differences between main reference sources.  Day two will focus specifically on using the World Almanac.

Day One:

• Computer
• Computer projection unit
• Projector screen
• Speakers
  
• Beach ball with reference sources written in each panel for class participation assessment.
• PowerMedia Plus video clips on reference books (this requires a subscription to this service)
  
• List of questions to ask during assessment activity with answers available

Day Two:

• Computer
  
• Computer projection unit
  
• Projector screen
• PowerMedia Plus video clips related to Almanacs (this requires a subscription to this service)
  
• Class set of the "Almanac Activity" worksheet
• Class set of World Almanac 2006

Day One: 

1. Discuss why it is important to know how to find information.  Relate to life skills.  As a motivational and instructional strategy, I use the example of how my family breeds chocolate Labrador Retrievers and how it is necessary for us to find good, accurate and authoritative information so we can be successful at guaranteeing the safety of our dogs, raising the puppies and keeping the business lucrative.
2. Show the PowerPoint presentation titled "Introduction to Reference Sources" which explains the different types of reference sources.  This includes dictionaries, encyclopedias, atlases, almanacs, thesauri and the library catalog.
3. Within the PowerPoint presentation, show the embedded reference sources introduction video from PowerMediaPlus titled "Reference Materials."  This video demonstrates why people would be searching for information and the different sources to choose from (motivational and instructional strategy).
4. Show the students how to use the library catalog for this school library.  Use a topic of their choice and show them how to search for items in this library using the catalog.  Explain the different  results that are found.
   
5. Reinforce the lesson by taking the students over to the reference section of the library and showing them the different types of reference books and where they are located.
6. Play "Beach Ball Hot Potato Game" as assessment activity with class.

Day Two:

1. Reinforce prior lesson with a quick review of all reference types.
   
2. Introduce the purpose of this lesson as centered on using the general almanac.
3. Show the PowerPoint titled "Almanac Lesson" which contains specific information on how to use the general almanac.  Different PowerMediaPlus streaming videos will be included in the presentation which show why someone might need information, the different types of almanacs ("Fact Attack: Introduction to Almanacs"), when to use the general almanac ("When to Use an Almanac") and how to use the different sections of the general almanac ("How to Use an Almanac").
4. Model the behavior of using the general almanac index to find information using an example questions.
5. Pass out the "Almanac Activity" sheet to students as their assessment activity.  Allow students the remainder fo the period to complete this assignment.
   

Day One: "Beach Ball Hot Potato Game"

Label each side of a beach ball with the possible reference sources discussed (dictionary, atlas, almanac, thesaurus, encyclopedia and library catalog). Have students form a large circle in large open space. Play music (something fun and engaging) and have students pass the ball around the circle (similar to hot potato). After varying time and different students, stop the music. The student holding the ball is the one the next question will be directed at. The probability of success is high as the student will be able to see what the possible options for answers are directly on the beach ball. This will reduce the anxiety around answering questions and keeps the game fun and engaging. Observe to see that each student has answered at least one of the questions correctly.

Day Two: Almanac Activity

Students will be given an "Almanac Activity" worksheet contains questions related to facts that can be found in the World Book Almanac. All questions will be relevant and interesting to students of this age level and ability (motivational strategy). Proficiency will be measured for this group at the 80% level.

Kim Seeley, 15:1 Special Education and Kathleen Jaccarino, Library Media Specialist.