How to Teach Library Science Skills to Children
As schools move toward project-based curriculums, it is important to teach children the library science skills required to complete more complex homework assignments. If your child's school does not teach library skills, or if you home-school, take steps to supplement their education with research and information gathering activities.
Supplies:
- Worksheets
- Library access
- Note cards
- Project supplies
- Formulate a broad idea and brainstorm key words to help define the research parameters. Use a Topic Triangle worksheet or other graphic organizer that allows students to fill in the general subject, along with specific details related to the topic.
- Tour the library to show children the location of reference materials. Practice using the library catalogue system to search for books by author, subject and keyword. Model check-out procedures. Go over any relevant library policies regarding due dates, holds, renewals and interlibrary loans.
- Explain that primary sources, such as an interviews or surveys, contain original unedited information. Secondary sources, such as audio recordings or encyclopedias, contain edited information.
- Teach children how to gather the reference information. Conduct lessons on note-taking and bibliography compilation, depending on their age.
- Model acceptable use of the information through a series of summarizing, paraphrasing and quotation exercises. Explain the purpose of citation and copyright.
- Assign projects that require the students to organize and present their research. Ask them to create an advertisement or board game about their topic. Have them give a book report or write and perform a dramatization about their subject. Use the projects to assess the children's learning.