K-6 Activities for Teaching the Dewey Decimal System
Finding books in a library using the Dewey Decimal System is an important skill for students to possess. The system's 10 subject categories can be difficult to remember, though, especially for younger children. Using a combination of instruction on the Dewey Decimal classifications and some fun games, students can have success finding books in a library in no time.
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Dewey Detective
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Give each student a copy of the Dewey Detective worksheet. Working alone or in pairs, students should look through the library to find the books listed on the sheet. Make sure students write down the complete call number. Once they have finished the first part of the activity, they then should complete the second part, putting the call numbers they found in order.
Dewey Decimal Game
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Split the class into teams, playing with two teams at a time. Each team gets a Dewey Decimal System "cheat sheet" listing the basic categories of the Dewey Decimal System. Call out broad subject categories, such as "trains" or "dinosaurs." The students then must decide, as a team, in what Dewey Decimal classification (hundreds only) each subject would be found. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
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Dewey Decimal Bingo
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Give each student a Bingo card. The center space should be a "free" space. The other eight spaces should include a random selection of the 10 Dewey Decimal System categories. Write each category on a slip of paper. When playing the game, draw the categories from a hat one by one. When students hear a category on their card called, they should place a dried bean or other marker on that spot. The first to get three in a row wins.
Sell Me on Dewey!
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Split the class into 10 groups. Each group is given a category within the Dewey Decimal System. The students then create a commercial "selling" their particular Dewey Decimal category. They should pick out a few books from their category to help "sell" their point.
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