“The Library Gingerbread Man” & Math?

By Ashli Gore

Are you kidding? No! The library is a great place to integrate math and reading skills. This lesson incorporates a variety of activities to review the Dewey Decimal Classification System in a refreshing way. This lesson can be adapted for the regular classroom or for collaboration with your school Library Media Specialist.

  1. Read aloud, “The Library Gingerbread Man” by Dottie Enderle
    Available at
    This resource introduces numerical order in the library based on the famous folktale, The Gingerbread Man. In this tale the Gingerbread Man jumps off the shelf and runs past a variety of characters who try to tell him he must stay in order. As the book nears the end the reader suspects the worst! A fun tale all will enjoy!
  2. In the computer lab, students visit Trackstar Track #409715 - “Decimals in the Library”

    These are some sites that I have used previously to teach Dewey Decimal. Math practice sites have been added as well as an online Library shelving activity. Order in the Library! is a great way to teach the skill of properly shelving books.

Track links –
Note: Any of the links below would also be good whole-group review and/or practice using projector. Decimal activities would be very fun for students using an interactive board.

  1. “Do We” Really Know Dewey?

    Students You should already know the Dewey Decimal Classification System from previous years in the Library. Use this site to review "Dewey." Complete the following modules: Meet Melville, Pre-Dew Review, Dewey and the Alien, Let's Dew It!, and Ultimate Challenge.
  2. Let’s Dew Dewey!

    Another good Dewey site to review! This site focuses more on the ordering of decimals.
  3. Comparing Decimals

    The purpose of this site is ordering decimals. Be sure to use the Practice and Play areas.
  4. BBC Decimal Practice

    Use this site to practice ordering and comparing decimals. Visit the Testing Room and Gallery.
  5. Order in the Library!

    Now it's time to put your alphabetizing and numbering skills to work in the Library Media Center! Play Sorting, Shelving and Ordering games. Each game has multiple levels and difficulty options. If you can successfully complete Master of the Universe level in Ordering, come see me! You need to work in the library!