Dewey Decimal

I liked all of the ideas and projects that could be used to familiarize our users with the Dewey Decimal System.  However, it is really important to do what fits your school and its students.  I always reflect on what I loved and disliked about my library days when I was in elementary school.  The theory and concept can be pretty boring to some, depending on how it is introduced.  I also feel that until children are a certain age, the Dewey Decimal system is too difficult to learn in detail.  Even when I was teaching Grade 6/7 students last year, some individuals just did not get it.  I think the most important concept that students need to grasp is that every subject is kept in a specific place, no matter which library you visit, books on Canadian provinces will always be in the same place.  That is why I use a scavenger hunt to teach students about the Dewey Decimal System.  I feel the more students are exposed to where each 'topic' is kept the more familiar they will become with the DD system. It is also a very engaging way to involve kids in true inquiry. Students always remember easier if they have made their own connections to ideas and concepts.