Sixth Grade Skill-Builders and Resources
As students enter sixth grade, they face new academic challenges and opportunities for growth. This critical year bridges elementary and middle school, requiring a blend of foundational skills and more advanced concepts. Here are some essential skill-builders and resources to support sixth-grade success:
- Math Skills:
- Ratios and proportional relationships
- Algebraic thinking and expressions
- Geometry and spatial reasoning
- Statistics and probability
Resources: Khan Academy, IXL Math, and Prodigy Math Game offer interactive lessons and practice problems.
- Reading Comprehension:
- Analyzing complex texts
- Identifying themes and central ideas
- Understanding figurative language
- Comparing and contrasting different genres
Resources: ReadWorks, CommonLit, and Newsela provide grade-appropriate texts with comprehension questions.
- Writing Skills:
- Argumentative essays
- Informative/explanatory texts
- Narrative writing
- Research papers
Resources: Grammarly, Writing Prompts, and Time4Writing offer writing tools and structured lessons.
- Science:
- Scientific method and inquiry
- Earth and space sciences
- Life sciences
- Physical sciences
Resources: Mystery Science, NASA Kids’ Club, and National Geographic Kids provide engaging science content.
- Social Studies:
- Ancient civilizations
- Geography skills
- Civic engagement
- Economic concepts
Resources: iCivics, National Geographic MapMaker, and History for Kids offer interactive lessons and activities.
- Study Skills:
- Time management
- Note-taking techniques
- Test preparation strategies
- Organization skills
Resources: Quizlet, Evernote, and MyStudyLife help students develop effective study habits.
- Digital Literacy:
- Online research skills
- Digital citizenship
- Basic coding concepts
- Presentation software
Resources: Common Sense Media, Code.org, and Google’s Applied Digital Skills provide age-appropriate digital learning.
- Critical Thinking:
- Problem-solving strategies
- Logical reasoning
- Analytical skills
- Decision-making processes
Resources: BrainPOP, TED-Ed, and Philosophy for Kids offer thought-provoking content and activities.
By focusing on these skill areas and utilizing these resources, sixth-grade students can build a strong foundation for academic success and personal growth. Remember to encourage a growth mindset, emphasizing that skills improve with practice and perseverance.