Custom Creating Home School Activity Packets

Dewey Decimal System Grade 4-5

One of the assignments in our lesson plans called for studying the Dewey Decimal System. Without books or worksheets, we were left to our own devices in creating an activity.

Obviously, the first place to start was our local library. The librarian was more than happy to give a tour of the library and explain how books and materials were catalogued and stored. The card catalogue was demonstrated by using the computer instead of all the drawers upon drawers of indexed cards that use to store all that information. The marvels of technology has generally replaced all those little drawers but it is a possibility there are a few smaller libraries still using this method.

After checking out books on the subject it was decided that there had to be more than reading a few books. An activity packet with information, games, and worksheets would be an ideal way to give hands-on knowledge and practice usage.

Our source was the internet site on Melvil Dewey. Here we found information on the man Melvil Dewey, word search games, crossword puzzles, stories, illustrated explanations, cryptograms, reviews and a test to access comprehension. Either print the pages, keep the pages in a binder or folder or simply print only the worksheets and work directly from the computer.

After finishing the activities, develop a list of fiction and nonfiction titles with space next to each title for your child to record the call numbers on. Then, head off to the library and let your child look up the titles on the library's computers. See how many titles your child can locate on the shelves without aid from you or the librarian.