6th Grade Milestones

Math

Sixth-grade math tests the foundations of mathematical understanding that were established through hands-on activities in the elementary grades. Math becomes serious business. By the time students reach sixth grade, teachers assume they have mastered basic numeric operations and expect them to use those skills to solve multi-step word problems. Algebra, geometry, and percentages are explored in greater depth. You can expect sixth-graders to learn the following skills, which you can encourage with these great instructional products:

Computation  

• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers

Decimals and Fractions  

• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals and fractions

Probability, Ratios, and Percent  

• Develop an understanding of the principles of probability (i.e. beginning statistics)
• Show familiarity with ratios, proportions, and percentages

Algebra  

• Demonstrate knowledge of basic algebra by finding solutions for unknown quantities (two variables) and balancing equations

Geometry  

• Identify the characteristics of, and work with, different types of triangles (e.g. isosceles, obtuse, right)
• Recognize basic geometric figures and angles (acute and obtuse) and understand the beginnings of coordinate geometry

Problem Solving  

• Use a variety of strategies to solve problems such as working backwards, using guess-and-check methods, drawing pictures and graphs, and using algorithms
• Explain solutions to problems using appropriate pictures (e.g. charts, graphs, diagrams), and mathematical terms and vocabulary in oral and written form

Reading & Writing

With basic reading skills already mastered, sixth-graders are expected to tackle increasingly complex nonfiction and fiction material. The emphasis is on understanding characters, themes, and information presented in the text, and conveying that understanding through written and oral responses. In a similar manner, students are expected to develop their existing writing skills by adding more sophisticated vocabulary and themes to their compositions. Here are other things sixth-graders will learn, as well as some great instructional products that will help them:

Reading  

• Read fiction and non-fiction extensively, including newspapers, textbooks, magazines, and literature books
• Easily apply reading strategies such as using context clues, re-reading, self-correcting, reading with others, predicting, questioning, clarifying, and summarizing
• Show comprehension of complex material through oral and written responses
• Relate new information to prior knowledge

Writing  

• Use correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, sentence structure, and paragraphs in written work
• Write effectively for a variety of purposes, such as to inform, persuade, or tell a story

Vocabulary and Study Skills  

• Continue to develop vocabulary using synonyms, antonyms, and context clues (i.e. figure out what a word means by reading the words around it)
• Use a glossary, dictionary, or other reference works to determine the meaning of unknown words

Social Studies

As in previous grades, social studies in the sixth grade involves the study of both the U.S. and foreign countries. Although the specific topics studied vary across school districts, most sixth grade students will spend some time learning about civic matters, including the structure and underlying principles of government. Modern society is often linked to the past through the exploration of ancient civilizations, and most teachers spend time teaching about cultures around the world. You can expect sixth-graders to learn the following skills, which you can encourage with these great instructional products:

Social Studies  

• Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and functions of local, state, and national governments
• Study the history of the United States from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War
• Explore the roots of modern Western society by studying ancient and medieval civilizations
• Study modern European, African, or Eastern cultures

Science

While specific topics vary across school districts, all sixth-grade students are expected to master certain scientific skills and methods, including classification systems. As in elementary classrooms, sixth-grade science involves hands-on experiments; however, more emphasis is placed on understanding complex scientific facts and theories. Look for sixth-graders to do the following, which you can encourage with these great instructional products:

Science  

• Observe and report characteristics of things and events
• Classify according to similar or different traits
• Create records by drawing or writing results of observations
• Draw conclusions based on observations
• Develop an understanding of the needs of living things
• Exhibit a curiosity and interest in science
• Predict outcomes or results based on observations