For the Parents of Sixth Graders

You will find below, the things that a sixth grader is expected to learn. In addition you will find ways to help your child learn. The links below will jump you to the appropriate section, or just scroll down the page.

• Sixth Grade Mathematics
• Sixth Grade Reading and Language Arts Skill Expectations
• Sixth Grade Science
• Sixth Grade Social Studies
• Things I can do to Help my Sixth Grader

Sixth Grade Mathematics

Working toward the goals of the Essential Learnings in mathematics, each sixth grader will understand concepts and apply procedures in the following areas:

Number Sense:

• Computes rational numbers, using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, exponents and percentages.
• Selects and uses tools appropriately.
• Compares, sequences and orders numbers.
• Explores number theory (primes, composite numbers, divisibility rules, factors).
• Recognizes ratio and proportion.
• Estimates and determines reasonableness.
• Analyzes and explains computations procedures.

Measurement:

• Measures objects and events.
• Explores metric and standard units to measure length, volume, weight, area, capacity, perimeter, temperature....).
• Uses and explores appropriate units of measure.
• Practices using measurement instruments (ruler, compass, protractor...).
• Uses estimation as a skill to approximate measurement and to check answers.

Spatial Sense:

• Describes, compares and classifies 2-dimensional figures (circles, polygons...).
• Explores properties of plane and solid shapes.
• Explores properties of plane geometry.
• Explores and describes symmetry and congruency.
• Describes and applies simple geometric transformations.
• Describes and constructs geometric figures (compass and straight edge).
• Identifies basic geometric vocabulary (point, line, plane, parallel, perpendicular, angle).

Probability and Statistics:

• Calculates numerical measures of uncertainty for simple events.
• Counts outcomes to determine probabilities.
• Explores how statistics can be use to support different points of view.
• Explores, identifies and describes an effective random sample of a population.
• Organizes and displays simple data in tables, charts and graphs.
• Explores validity of data.
• Explores mean, median, mode, and range.
• Recognizes outcomes of repeated random events.
• Identifies proper mathematical expectations of an experiment.

Functions & Relationships:

• Recognizes, explore and interprets patterns and sequences using functions, tables, graphs and charts.
• Describes equalities and inequalities (<, >, <, >, =) using symbols.
• Explores single variable equations, inequalities.

Sixth Grade Reading and Language Arts Skill Expectations

Working toward the goals of reading with comprehension, writing with skill, and communicating effectively and responsibly, each sixth grader will learn to:

Reading:

• Read to learn vs. learning to read as in previous grades.
• Build vocabulary through listening to a variety of readings.
• See reading as a source of information and pleasure
• Read and use non-fiction sources (encyclopedias, biographies, software, etc.).
• Identify and read different types of fiction (folk tales, poems).
• Read with fluency and expression which demonstrates understanding of what is read.
• Identify the critical elements of a story, (plot, characters, setting, theme, point of view, conflict and resolution).
• Build reading/writing vocabulary by using context clues, dictionaries, glossaries, and thesaurus.

Reading Quick Check: Does your child:

• Give logical reasoning for opinions gained and strategies used when reading to pursue an interest or task?
• Explore a topic in depth until expectations are met or satisfactory conclusions reached?
• Identify purpose and effectiveness of author’s choice of literary elements and functional features in text?
• Continue to explore interests through conventional and technological text.

Writing:

• Use legible writing in daily assignments.
• Maintain legible cursive and printing in written assignments.
• Use the writing process (plan, draft, revise, edit and publish) to produce high quality written work.
• Write clearly and effectively: (ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions)
• Write in a variety of forms for different audiences & purposes (lists, stories, journals, letters, informational).
• Assess writing for strengths and weaknesses.
• Continue to correctly identify and use subject, predicate, parts of speech, prefixes and suffixes in their writing.
• Consistently spell frequently used words correctly.
• Continue to use editing marks.
• Write coherent paragraphs using a topic sentence supported by details.
• improve effectiveness of writing by using appropriate word choices while varying sentence type and length.
• Use technology as appropriate.

Communication:

• Give informal oral presentations (current events).
• Continue developing effective listening and communication skills.
• Integrate reading, writing, and communications skills to produce projects and/or oral presentations on topics covered in math, science and social studies.

Sixth Grade Science

Your child will learn to:

Biodiversity: Scale and Structure

(Environmental Science)

• Understand that people make choices that affect the survival of our own and other species.
• The Universe: Scale and Structure, Energy, Patterns of Change

(Earth Science)

• Understand the stars and other bodies that make up the universe are constantly changing.
• Understand stars can be studied from Earth using direct and indirect evidence.
• Understand stars have predictable life cycles ands exist in groups.
• Understand the universe is constantly expanding.
• Understand different types of heavenly bodies (stars, planets, satellites, asteroids, meteors, galaxies, quasars, comets).
• Understand speed and distance.
• How Matter Changes: Scale and Structure

(Physical Science)

• Understand that the physical world is governed by properties and interactions of matter and energy.
• Understand that energy changes matter.
• Understand that matter is composed of very small particles.
• Understand that in a physical change, a substance may change its state, but not its nature.
• Understand that in a chemical change, a substance changes into a different substance.
• Human Development: How Humans Grow and Change
• Systems and Interactions

(Health and Wellness)

• Understand the functions and parts of the reproductive system of the body.
• Understand disease prevention.

Sixth Grade Social Studies

Your child will learn:

Knowledge and Skills:

• Listen, observe and use community resources to get information.
• Locate, select, and organize information.
• Use technology to retrieve and analyze information.
• Read and interpret maps, globes, models, diagrams, graphs, charts, tables, pictures, and political cartoons.
• Judge information related to a problem, concept, or bias.
• Solve problems and draw conclusions.

Change:

• Predict social effects that will result from certain actions/events.
• Examine the effects that a certain action has on the Americas.
• Analyze the effects of Pacific Rim Countries upon the Pacific Northwest.
• Interdependence:
• Express personal convictions.
• Develop ability to adjust own behavior to work effectively.
• Participate with others in making group decisions and goal setting.
• Exhibit the ability to work within a group: (voting, persuading, debating, compromising, bargaining,negotiating, resolving conflict, and forming coalitions).
• Understand the ways in which different societies have tried to resolve ethical issues.
• Realize the concern for ethics and human rights is universal.
• Develop a multicultural perspective which respects the dignity and worth of all people.
• Understand the unique experiences of immigrants from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Pacific Rim.

Citizenship:

• Understand the basic principles of democracy.
• Explain what is required by citizens in a democracy.
• Act responsibly within our democracy.
• Understand the relationship between society and the law.
• Examine and understand comparative political systems.

Heritage:

• Predict the impact of current developments on the future.
• Understand the importance of religion, philosophy, and other major belief system in history.
• Learn about the mythology, legends, values and beliefs of other people.
• Develop location skills and understandings.
• Understand human interaction with the environment.
• Compare the cultural development of eastern and western civilization to present day society.

Things I Can Do to Help My Sixth Grade Child

• Show your child that learning is important. Provide a quiet place in your home for reading, writing, and studying. Make sure that place is always available to your child. Your child should read and/or do some homework five nights per week.
• Help your child continue to develop as a reader and a writer. Provide a variety of books, magazines and writing materials, for your child to use.
• Continue to read to your child and have him/her read to you. This remains important as our children get older. Ask questions about what was read. Discuss the material. In the intermediate grades, critical thinking is a focus throughout the curriculum. You can help your child strengthen these skills by asking questions which include who, what , why , where, how, why not, etc.
• Read and discuss non-fiction material as well as fiction. Reading non-fiction teaches children that books are a source of information and will help them become skilled technical readers.
• Develop vocabulary by playing word games with your child. "Scrabble", "Boggle" and "Wheel of Fortune" are three good choices.
• Have your child read to locate information. Have him follow the directions in the TV or VCR operating manual., read recipes, etc. This is technical reading.
• Let your child catch YOU reading regularly! Research tells us that children read more and read a variety of materials when they see their parents and older siblings reading. Make sure you read for information and pleasure!
• Continue to use family outings as learning opportunities. Trips to the grocery store, mall, parks, vacations, excursions on buses, planes, trains, all provide material for discussion. Sixth graders are old enough to enjoy and recall significant details from trips to museums, The Pacific Science Center, aquariums, etc. Continue to ask your child questions about their experiences. Listen to their responses and let them know their opinions are important. Discussing their thoughts with you lets your child practice oral communication skills.
• Encourage hobbies such as crafts and model-building. These require following directions - another technical reading skill.
• Help with math skills by playing games which involve adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing and fractions. Uno and Yahtzee are always popular. Cooking is a great way to teach measurement, proportions, fractions, more/less, and many other math concepts we all use in our daily lives.
• Continue to give your child choices of activities, chores, foods, etc. "Would you rather make the salad or empty the dishwasher?" "Would you like to read or practice piano right now?" "Would you rather mow the lawn or weed the garden? "Remember, you have homework. You can choose to play with Carrie now and study after dinner, or reverse it. Just let me know your plans." Sixth graders need to make decisions which give them a feeling of having some control over their lives. Alternatives such as those above teach independence and responsibility while you ultimately remain in charge.
• As you child becomes more social and independent, remind him/her of respect, rights, and responsibility. Always stress the importance of treating others with kindness, respect and acceptance of diversity. 
• Limit and monitor TV watching!
• Volunteer at school!
• Remember that YOU are your child’s first teacher. The impact of your words and actions are the most important!