What your child learns in 6th grade in California
6th grade is the start of middle school in many California districts. Math moves to ratios, rates, negative numbers and expressions. Science follows California's integrated middle school model, with topics from life, Earth and physical science each year, and social studies is ancient civilizations, from early people to Rome, India and China.
6th grade subjects in the California Content Standards
Math
Focus areas
- Number and operations: ratios and rates, negative numbers, and expressions
- Measurement, data and geometry: shapes, measuring and reading data
- Mathematical practices: making sense of problems and explaining reasoning
17 units, including Facts & Factors, Mixed Numbers & Ratios, Decimal × and ÷, Percents & Budgets.
English Language Arts
Focus areas
- Reading literature and informational text: analyzing arguments and sources
- Writing: argument writing with evidence
- Speaking and listening: sharing ideas and building on what others say
12 units, including Point of View, Connotation & Tone, Make Your Case, Agreement.
Science
Focus areas
- Thermal energy, weather and climate
- Cells and body systems
- Growth, development and engineering design
9 units, including Body Systems, Our Senses, Cells: Life's Building Blocks, Thermal Energy & Insulation.
Social Studies
Focus areas
- World history and geography: ancient civilizations
- Mesopotamia, Egypt, Kush, the ancient Hebrews, Greece, India, China and Rome
- How early governments, beliefs and trade shaped the world
10 units, including Time & Evidence, First Farmers, Where Civilizations Grew, Mesopotamia & Egypt.
Printable 6th grade sheets
One free practice sheet for each subject, with an answer key. Print them, or work through them on screen.
What to look for on the report card
Look for comments about organization, explaining reasoning in math and writing with evidence.
California report cards describe learning with Beginning, Approaching, Meeting, Exceeding. See what each level means.
6th grade students also take the California state tests (CAASPP). Read the state tests guide.
California's social and emotional learning competencies apply in every grade. Read about Social and emotional learning.
Ready for 6th grade?
6th grade builds on what your child practiced in 5th grade. If a skill feels shaky, a few short practice sessions before or early in the year can help:
- Math: Numbers to a Million, Multiply, Divide, Equivalent Fractions, Decimals
- English Language Arts: Plot and Conflict, Figurative Language, Purpose and Structure, Context Clues, Greek and Latin Roots
- Science: Solutions & Mixtures, Solid, Liquid, Gas, Changes of State, Physical or Chemical?, Measuring Matter
- Social Studies: Colonies to Constitution, States & Capitals, Nations Before 1500, Explorers & Encounters, The Thirteen Colonies
Common questions
6th grade covers math, English language arts, science, social studies in the California Content Standards. 6th grade is the start of middle school in many California districts. Math moves to ratios, rates, negative numbers and expressions. Science follows California's integrated middle school model, with topics from life, Earth and physical science each year, and social studies is ancient civilizations, from early people to Rome, India and China.
California report cards describe learning with Beginning, Approaching, Meeting, Exceeding. Students in 6th grade also write the California state tests (CAASPP), which is separate from the report card.
Short, regular practice works better than long sessions: 10 to 15 minutes a few times a week, on the skills your child's teacher flags. Read together, use math in real life, and praise effort.
Practice 6th grade skills with Gradelings
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