During sixth grade math, many math topics are introduced that build upon prior knowledge and attempt to begin building the basis for pre-algebra. Students are taught more advanced concepts in numbers, measurement, geometry, and operations. It's important that your child has mastery of previous years' math concepts.
Key Points
- Students should be able to understand ratios, percentages, rounding, and rates. They should be able to effectively perform mental math.
- Your student will be introduced to basic concepts of pre-algebra at this stage.
- If your child is struggling, consider getting them a tutor. Success at this stage is critical if you want your child to succeed at pre-algebra and high school math.
What Will My Child Learn in Sixth Grade Math?
Students are expected to be able to understand ratios, rates, percentages, and rounding. Furthermore, sixth grade math students should be understand the relationships between fractions and decimals and should be able to understand multiples, composites, and factors of numbers. Students should be proficient in understanding and recognizing numbers up to 1 million and understand place value to at least 4 places on either side of the decimal point. Students should understand the basics of integers and how to recognize them.
Students need to have a complete understanding of units of measurement in both the standard and metric systems, and be able to use that knowledge to solve problems. Students should be able to understand cubed, squared, and linear measurements. They should be able to calculate the volume of rectangular prisms and be able to solve measurement problems involving triangles, circles, and rectangles.
They are expected to come to a full understanding of several important geometric relationships and properties. Sixth grade math students should be able to classify triangles by side properties and angle properties. For example, they should be able to identify obtuse and acute angles, as well as scalene and isosceles triangles. Students should be able to construct angles and triangles using just a protractor.
Students should be able to understand beginning pre-algebra problems, such as being able to find the missing values when given equations that involve one or two operations. They need to be able to create their own data graphs, from collecting the data to the final presentation in graph form. They should be able to analyze and interpret data from graphs they are given or that they construct themselves to complete sixth grade math.
Helping Your Child With Sixth Grade Math
Sixth grade math can be a challenge for some. Some students may come by it naturally, while others may struggle to grasp basic or advanced concepts. If your child is having a hard time with sixth grade math, then know that there are things you can do to help them.
Make sure they have a solid understanding of previous years' concepts. If your child doesn't have mastery of mathematical concepts taught in previous years, they won't be able to perform well in sixth grade math. Your child needs to be able to effectively add, subtract, and divide. They need to understand basic geometry concepts. They should be able to understand different measurements, and effectively perform mental math. If they are lacking in any of these areas, do what you need to bring them up to speed.
Assist them with their homework. Note that we said assist, not do it for them! If you do your child's homework for them, they'll never learn how to do it themselves. If your child gets stuck on a problem, help them work through it. Guide them through the problem, and give them suggestions when they get stuck. Encourage them to try each problem on their own first, and let them come to you if they get stuck.
Get them a tutor. If your child is really struggling with sixth grade math, getting them a tutor might be the best choice. A tutor is nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. Many children need a tutor for all kinds of subjects, including math. There are options for both in-person and online tutoring. Look into both options, and pick the one that suits your child best. If you need help searching for a tutor, your child's teacher should have resources. Help your child understand that a tutor is not a punishment, but a helping hand to ensure they succeed later in life.