The Goddard Middle School library is transforming into a living laboratory where books are no longer just static objects on a shelf. In this space, knowledge is something students touch, observe, create, and even wear. This innovative project, “Bringing Dewey to Life,” led by GMS Librarian April Karber, reimagines the traditional Dewey Decimal System, moving it from a quiet organization method into a vibrant, sensory-driven experience.
Middle School is a pivotal crossroads where voluntary reading typically declines. “Bringing Dewey to Life” meets students where they are, reversing this trend by bridging the gap between “real-world” experiences and non-fiction subjects, such as science, the arts, and history. By integrating hands-on artifacts and interactive stations directly into the shelving sections, Mrs. Karber is sparking the type of curiosity that transforms a casual reader into a lifelong hobbyist or a future professional.
“Reading is a fundamental skill used in all content areas and so many professions post-high school; therefore, it is easy to see how libraries and reading play an important role in the school community. The library and the “Bringing Dewey to Life” initiative is uniquely poised to impact this important skill and contribute to students becoming lifelong learners,” shared Karber.
With the support of this innovative teacher grant, the GMS Library now offers tactile exploration in three key areas:
500s Section (Sciences): Students become botanists and ecologists through Hydroponic Gardens and a “Bookworm” farm, allowing them to monitor and cultivate plant growth and study the “sound of soil” sciences in real-time.
700s Section (Arts): Creativity takes center stage with Watercolor Stations.
900s Section (History): History moves off the page with immersive History Kits. These kits, filled with realistic props, and period-accurate costume pieces, allow teachers to check out kits to enhance their lessons.
When a student picks up a costume piece or harvests a flower, they aren’t just visiting a library, they are participating in their own education. Through this Innovative Teacher Grant, the GMS Library is ensuring that the “Dewey” system isn’t just a way to find a book; it’s a way to find a passion.
A huge thank you to April Karber and the Goddard Education Foundation for helping us bring Dewey to life at GMS.