[LM_NET] HIT: ELEM abc order in your curriculum

[Marcia Dressel <dressel@OSCEOLA.K12.WI.US>]

I should have been little clearer in my request.  While  all of the responses are 
indeed helpful, I find there is a difference in  students' ability (and need?) to 
PUT things in ABC order and the more real-life skill of FINDING things in ABC order 
(looking up a word in the dictionary, encyclopedia, index - although is this even 
necessary with computers that do the looking up for us?)  
 
Read the advice from the field, and from a few teachers here that responded about 
what's done in the classrooms.  Most if it is about in-library use of finding 
things in ABC order and putting things in alphabetical order.  But I'd like to 
start a wider conversation about what I've mentioned above.  :>
 
responses below, orginal post at the very end.
++++++++++++++++++++
I usually introduce ABC order in October to my 2nd graders using an interactive 
SmartBoard Notebook presentation I created. I don't do it at all w/my 1st graders, 
as the concept is just too abstract for them until really the end of the year. In 
the same lesson as ABC order, I show the kids how to find information on a picture 
book cover and spine label. We make the connection between how they use ABC order 
in the classroom (ie. for spelling words, word wall words, etc.) and how it is used 
in the library. When we actually start applying the skill, we start first 
w/sequencing some words and then move on to sequencing books (book covers on the 
SB) in order by the author's last name. We complete the activity by having groups 
put a set of 6 books into a book holder in ABC order by using the spine label 
information.  Believe it or not, we get through all of this in 45 minutes, 
including checkout!
++++++++++++++++++++
i don't even start abc order until 3rd grade.....this is also a great way to 
practice [alpahbetizing to the second/third letter]
http://www.toonuniversity.com/flash.asp?err=160

++++++++++++++
I used Alpha Betty by Toni Buzzo as a jumping off point. Her book comes with a 
great guide. I took the stuff in there and made my own centers and the kids loved 
them! Dictionary was one of the centers. I have a huge dictionary and they had to 
look up a word in there for one of the centers. I made a "Poof Book" for them to 
document each station in. It took several weeks to complete the centers
++++++++++++++
I think ABC order practice would be appropriate all year for Second Grade. Earlier 
in the year, they mostly understand looking for the first letter of a word, but as 
the year goes on, they are better able to understand looking to the second and 
third letters when the first letters are the same. 
+++++++++++++++++

I start ABC order in Kindergarten and really teach it starting in 1st grade. In 
Kindergarten I explain that the library has two different areas - fiction and 
non-fiction and that just like the song "ABC" that the library has an abc order.  
In first grade, I start usually the middle of October teaching the kids to use the 
catalogue and have the kids go from the computer to the shelves to find a book. 1st 
grade struggles some with it but understand what is going on and I re-teach this in 
the spring.  2nd + actually love doing this activity since it teaches them to use 
the library and they get to use the computers by themselves (the real draw).  I did 
have a 3rd grader recently that everything clicked for him and he was able to use 
the catalogue and find his book at the public library and came back to let me know, 
so excited that he was able to do that.  I think the younger that we start them 
learning how to use the library the less thinking they have to do later when they 
go from Dewey to LC.

++++++++++++++++++

Second graders should be able to sort in ABC order already.  Most of them can but a 
few still struggle with it.  
We currently  sort vocabulary and spelling words in ABC order in my classroom.  
++++++++++++++++
I don't teach ABC order as such but build on what is done in the classrooms. I 
start with my everybody shelves labeled with the alphabet and as we read books and 
talk about the authors I tell the students about ABC order in the library and where 
each of the books we read can be found (by the author's last name.). We keep this 
up until third grade when I get into serious call number lessons. Lots of them 
figure it out from what we talk about and help the others. Seems to work very well 
for us.
+++++++++++++++++
I find that in first grade we work on the first letter. Finding the L shelf.
That continues in 2nd grade, but they can locate Lo shelf.
In 3rd, 4th and 5th grade we do the ABC order with the first three
letters. In 3rd grade they have a pretty tough time yet, but the teachers
have said that it is not included in their curriculum anymore.
+++++++++++++++++
I don't have any data, but I believe from experience that all the 1-5 kids
need practice with abc order. At first it is just the order. Later, the kids
need practice recognizing abc order in the fiction section and using the
card cat. to make "connections" to the location of the books on the shelves.
So, in my opinion you can have kids practice this all year, whenever you can
put it into a lesson or a review activity.
+++++++++++++++++
I usually start mentioning it as soon as children start asking for a specific book. 
With some that starts in K so it is done as a running commentary when I am helping 
them find something. Some kids will pick it up easily this way, but I do the more 
formal instruction at the middle or end of 1st grade. I start off with putting the 
class in ABC order by their first names and then move to their last names and then 
apply it to the library, phone book, etc. When I have book posters out I always 
label them with the call number so students can go find them and then it is an 
easier transition to finding books in the catalog and locating the book on the 
shelves.
+++++++++++++++++
I do it for ALL grade levels, just at different levels. I use the smartboard and 
loads of sites, ppts, anything I can to get these kids to understand ABC order, 
alphabetical order/Dewey. I am beginning my lessons after the first of the year and 
will continue as long as needed for each class. Some classes catch on quickly, 
teachers see who needs the extra help, and we learn who is NEVER going to get it!
+++++++++++++++++
Original query: 
Please help.  I have a hard time determining the when and who of ABC practice in 
library skills classes.  Could you help me determine WHO this is appropriate for - 
and WHEN - Let me know if  you cover "ABC order" in your library classroom and to 
what extent - and also, what time of the year.  I'm looking for evidence that this 
skill is something for which I should wait until "the second semester of first 
grade" for example.
 
 
 
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Marcia Dressel, K-5 Librarian @ the
Elementary and Intermediate Schools
Osceola, WI
dressel@osceola.k12.wi.us <mailto:dressel@osceola.k12.wi.us> 
http://www.myteacherpages.com/webpages/MDressel/
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