Dewey Decimal System Library Lesson | Zombie Dewey Story for Grades 5-8

FAST FACTS ABOUT THIS DEWEY DECIMAL SYSTEM LIBRARY LESSON

• Recommended for: Grades 5–8
• Formats: PowerPoint, Google Slides, and PDF
• Editable: Text is editable in PowerPoint and Google Slides
• Lesson Duration: Two library visits with time for checkout
• Great for: Library orientation, Dewey review, and a Halloween alternative library activity

PART I: DEWEY DECIMAL SYSTEM PRESENTATION

Part I introduces students to the Dewey Decimal System and the 10 major Dewey sections. Students learn about Melvil Dewey, subject classification, Dewey numbers, and how to read a library call number.

No prior Dewey knowledge is required, so you can use this section to introduce the Dewey Decimal System from scratch or as a review for students who need a refresher.

PART II: ZOMBIE DEWEY STORY

Now it’s time to survive the zombie apocalypse!

Part II turns the Dewey Decimal System lesson into an original second-person survival story. Students imagine themselves as an apocalypse survivor while exploring the information and resources found throughout the 10 major Dewey sections.

The zombie theme provides a memorable premise without making the lesson scary or gory. The focus is on survival tools, library skills, and Dewey—with no blood or frightening zombie images.

PRACTICE, EXPLORE & DISCUSS

Extend the Dewey Decimal System lesson beyond the presentation with printable activities that give students multiple ways to practice and apply their skills.

Students can complete a Zombie Dewey Practice classification worksheet, explore the library with the Zombie Apocalypse Survival Challenge, and think more deeply about library organization through written questions and small-group discussion cards.

The printable activities can be used immediately after the presentation or saved for Dewey Decimal System review later in the year.

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL GET

• Two-part Dewey Decimal System presentation
• Zombie Dewey Practice worksheet + answer key
• Zombie Apocalypse Survival Library Challenge
• Dewey Decimal System discussion questions + answer guide
• 4 small-group Dewey discussion cards
• Dewey Decimal System reference sheets
• Zombie book recommendation bookmarks for Grades 5–8 and Grades 9–12
• “I Survived the Apocalypse!” bookmarks
• PowerPoint, Google Slides, and PDF formats
• Editable text
• Accessibility: Optimized for screen readers with alt text, slide titles, and logical reading order

MADE FOR REAL LIBRARY SCHEDULES

Short library classes? Checkout time? No problem! The Dewey Decimal System presentation is designed as a two-part lesson that works well across two library visits. Printable activities can be mixed and matched or used later for review.

Whether you need a Dewey Decimal System lesson, library orientation activity, or memorable Halloween alternative library lesson, Zombie Dewey gives students a fun way to learn where information lives in their library.

MORE DEWEY DECIMAL ACTIVITIES