Thanks to Mr. Dewey, our modern libraries are organized, useful places which allow us to locate resources within a reasonable time frame.
Resources in the library are divided into 10 categories based upon content. The main classifications are:
000 - General Works
100 - Philosophy and Psychology
200 - Religion
300 - Social Sciences
400 - Languages
500 - Natural Sciences and Mathematics
600 - Technology (Applied Sciences)
700 - The Arts (Fine and Decorative)
800 - Literature and Rhetoric
900 - Geography
Something new that I had not know before this lesson is that fiction (Literature) could be included in the Dewey Decimal system under 813; however, it would take over that entire section. Therefore, most libraries separate the fiction from the non-fiction.
As a Teacher-Librarian, I can see the beneficial effects of students learning to use the Dewey Decimal system. The sooner students can learn the main classification sections, the sooner they will be able to search for resources and follow their interests on their own. It all comes down to access. When students know how the DDC system works, they increase their personal, unguided access to the library's resources. We, teacher-librarians, are always happy to help, of course, but the end result which we strive for is to make students self-sufficient in their personal quests for knowledge.
My favourite resource about the Dewey Decimal Classification system for students is "Do We" Really Know Dewey? It's fun, interactive, and made by students! I will definitely be using this website to teach the Dewey Decimal Classification system in my school library!
I must update this because I have found my NEW favourite resource for teaching the Dewey Decimal Classification system. It's called the "Dewey Decimal Rap." I swear this has been tried and tested this past week at my school, and the result is... kids LOVE it. Here it is:
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