Library skills at the sixth grade level includes learning how to research. Making a list of terms or phrases that relate to their topic stimulates the pupils' thought process. The teacher may wish to assign questions to guide the students. From the terms list, sixth graders select the key words that are important to their search topic for printed and electronic material. As a review, remind pupils about searching in alphabetical order, book spine information, the Dewey Decimal Classification number and location. While libraries are planned and organized, no one organizes the Internet. Planning Internet searches saves teachers and students time and targets practical sources.
A technology lesson on Boolean operators and top level domains will aid pupils in finding reliable sources on the internet. When combining materials, students have the opportunity to discern the difference between letters, forums, blogs or interviews and reference books, journals, and biographies. Effective Internet searches require an understanding of search engines which use specific words. Search directories enable pupils to search concepts or subjects. Metasearchers use more than one search site and give a general idea about the topic.
Once sixth graders develop a working knowledge of a library, they can benefit from the opportunity to read. Explain how reading has multiple personal benefits, then have students check out books for the pleasure of reading. Reading requires mental function resulting in increased knowledge, and vocabulary and focus are enhanced by reading. The accomplishment felt when completing a book builds self-esteem. When reading a book, children can progress at their own pace. Reading also improves memory and imagination.
In this library skills lesson sixth grade students, working in small groups, are asked to choose one of four historic personalities who influenced the development of the English language. The four topic choices are John Wycliffe, Geoffrey Chaucer, William Shakespeare or Daniel Webster. Among other objectives, this research project is to aid in learning about the English language and its history. The project helps pupils in the development of their own research skills and personal written, verbal and creative expression. Biographical Information reflects information gathered from printed and electronic sources. A group poster about the selected forefather, a written paper and presentation are combined in the final assessment.