Sixth Grade Science - Properties of matter
One of the topics generally covered in sixth grade science is properties of matter. Matter is defined as anything that we can see, feel, or smell. There are, of course, more detailed definitions that take into account specifics, but for the purpose of sixth grade, the basic definition is fine. Chemistry is the study of matter. Matter has physical properties and it has chemical properties. In sixth grade, we generally teach about atoms and molecules, elements and compounds. Students will need to understand the three states of matter, solid, liquid, and gas. They should know that matter can exist in all three states. Water can exist as liquid. Water can also exist as a solid, ice, or a gas, water vapor. Boiling points and freezing points are also part of the study of matter. Sixth grade is one of the grades where our children begin to get their foundation in chemistry, and so it is important that they learn and understand the basics of matter and its properties and states. Sixth graders will be expected to become familiar with the periodic table, and what each of its numbers and letters mean. Don’t forget to include some hands on experiments with changes in the state of matter to boost your child’s interest.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Sixth grade Curriculum - Research
Sixth Grade Curriculum - Research
As your child enters sixth grade, and middle school, school takes on another aspect. Until now school has basically poured information into your child’s head. That is not to say that your child didn’t participate, just that your child probably did the assignment provided to him, whether that is filing in a worksheet, or copying spelling words. Middle school is the time when your child begins to be responsible for gaining a deeper understand of the subjects he is studying. He will need to learn to do research, digest additional information, and essay writing. He will need to know how to do research by means of books, the internet, interviews, newspapers and periodicals. It can be a daunting task to branch out from “regular” schoolwork into research. Help your child become comfortable with researching by reviewing how to look books up in the library. Assist him by showing how information can be accessed on the internet. Let him learn to gain information through interviews by letting him practice on parents and grandparents. Remind him that good research will answer some or all of these questions: who, what, when, where, why and how. Research will not only help him in his school work but will add depth to his own personal interests.
As your child enters sixth grade, and middle school, school takes on another aspect. Until now school has basically poured information into your child’s head. That is not to say that your child didn’t participate, just that your child probably did the assignment provided to him, whether that is filing in a worksheet, or copying spelling words. Middle school is the time when your child begins to be responsible for gaining a deeper understand of the subjects he is studying. He will need to learn to do research, digest additional information, and essay writing. He will need to know how to do research by means of books, the internet, interviews, newspapers and periodicals. It can be a daunting task to branch out from “regular” schoolwork into research. Help your child become comfortable with researching by reviewing how to look books up in the library. Assist him by showing how information can be accessed on the internet. Let him learn to gain information through interviews by letting him practice on parents and grandparents. Remind him that good research will answer some or all of these questions: who, what, when, where, why and how. Research will not only help him in his school work but will add depth to his own personal interests.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Sixth grade Curriculum - Field Trips
Sixth Grade Curriculum - Field trips
Field trips can be an important part of your child’s sixth grade curriculum. Field trips do not need to be long, involved, expensive excursions to pricey destinations. Field trips are important because they provide another pathway for your child to learn besides a classroom, or a book, or the computer. It is a way to get physically engaged with subject matter, and help secure information into long term memory, not to mention that field trips are just plain fun! For short field trips that can be accomplished in a small amount of time, consider something like a trip to your local pet store. The purpose would be to see animals from different biomes and ecosystems, and discuss habitat, and specific adaptations. Similarly, a garden center is a short field trip that will allow your child to see plants in different stages of growth, and from different environments. Allow your child to do research on the internet to back up what they saw. Don’t forget to take field trips to your local historical sites. Almost every part of the country has a unique history that is expressed in the architecture of local homes, historic monuments such as battle fields, or state museums. More elaborate field trips might include overnight, or vacation travel to museums, activities, or celebrations out of your local area. Take advantage of the flexibility your might have as homeschoolers and use field trips to make your lessons come alive.
Field trips can be an important part of your child’s sixth grade curriculum. Field trips do not need to be long, involved, expensive excursions to pricey destinations. Field trips are important because they provide another pathway for your child to learn besides a classroom, or a book, or the computer. It is a way to get physically engaged with subject matter, and help secure information into long term memory, not to mention that field trips are just plain fun! For short field trips that can be accomplished in a small amount of time, consider something like a trip to your local pet store. The purpose would be to see animals from different biomes and ecosystems, and discuss habitat, and specific adaptations. Similarly, a garden center is a short field trip that will allow your child to see plants in different stages of growth, and from different environments. Allow your child to do research on the internet to back up what they saw. Don’t forget to take field trips to your local historical sites. Almost every part of the country has a unique history that is expressed in the architecture of local homes, historic monuments such as battle fields, or state museums. More elaborate field trips might include overnight, or vacation travel to museums, activities, or celebrations out of your local area. Take advantage of the flexibility your might have as homeschoolers and use field trips to make your lessons come alive.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Sixth grade Curriculum - Physical Education
Sixth Grade Curriculum - Physical Education
Some homeschool curriculum for middle school require that your child have a physical education credit in sixth through eight grade. Other curriculum do not specify, but with the rising rate of obesity in the United States, it is not a bad idea to get your child into some regular physical activity. Some homeschool parents feel the need to put their student in group sports like soccer, football, baseball, or basketball. There are benefits to doing this and I would not say that it is a bad thing. Any physical activity is good, particularly at this age as their bodies begin to change. The downside of organized group sports is that they require others to do them, and they are not necessarily something your child will continue as they grow older. The alternative to team sports might be something more like a solitary sport, or pair sport. Tennis, martial arts, and swimming are examples of these types of activities. Students can continue any of those three into later years, and at least for martial arts and swimming, can be done without having to depend on the participation of other people. If your curriculum does not prescribe a specific physical education activity, then choosing activities for your child to participate in will be dependent on preferences and availability. Check with YMCAs, community centers, and your local park and recreation organization to find out what is of interest to your child and fits into your budget and time constraints. It is important for your child to move, not just for school, but for health. Allow time in your day for them to get in some physical activities.
Some homeschool curriculum for middle school require that your child have a physical education credit in sixth through eight grade. Other curriculum do not specify, but with the rising rate of obesity in the United States, it is not a bad idea to get your child into some regular physical activity. Some homeschool parents feel the need to put their student in group sports like soccer, football, baseball, or basketball. There are benefits to doing this and I would not say that it is a bad thing. Any physical activity is good, particularly at this age as their bodies begin to change. The downside of organized group sports is that they require others to do them, and they are not necessarily something your child will continue as they grow older. The alternative to team sports might be something more like a solitary sport, or pair sport. Tennis, martial arts, and swimming are examples of these types of activities. Students can continue any of those three into later years, and at least for martial arts and swimming, can be done without having to depend on the participation of other people. If your curriculum does not prescribe a specific physical education activity, then choosing activities for your child to participate in will be dependent on preferences and availability. Check with YMCAs, community centers, and your local park and recreation organization to find out what is of interest to your child and fits into your budget and time constraints. It is important for your child to move, not just for school, but for health. Allow time in your day for them to get in some physical activities.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Sixth grade Curriculum - Foreign Language
Sixth Grade Curriculum - Foreign Language
Ok, parents, by now , the sixth grade year, you have probably considered adding a foreign language to your child's homeschool curriculum. Most high school and university curricula require a foreign language as part of graduation requirements. Because elementary school is a very general course of study it is often not where foreign language study is started. Now your student is in middle school and it is time to start the second language study. First, you should consider what language your child will learn. If there are family ties to a language other than English then your choice may be easy. If not, then the choice might be made with consideration to what foreign language the parents have studied. Consider that some courses of study will allow Latin as the second language, especially if your child is aiming toward a medical field. Another language that is becoming more accepted is American Sign Language. Some high school and university courses of study will accept ASL as a second language because it behaves like a language different from English. ASL has grammatical and syntactical differences from English. Before beginning ASL as a second language, check with the programs your child is most likely to enter later on to see if it will be accepted as a language credit. Sometimes learning the grammar of another language such as one of the Romance languages helps children who are having difficulty with grammar in English. Finally, remember that it is never too early to undertake the learning of a second language so get started!
Ok, parents, by now , the sixth grade year, you have probably considered adding a foreign language to your child's homeschool curriculum. Most high school and university curricula require a foreign language as part of graduation requirements. Because elementary school is a very general course of study it is often not where foreign language study is started. Now your student is in middle school and it is time to start the second language study. First, you should consider what language your child will learn. If there are family ties to a language other than English then your choice may be easy. If not, then the choice might be made with consideration to what foreign language the parents have studied. Consider that some courses of study will allow Latin as the second language, especially if your child is aiming toward a medical field. Another language that is becoming more accepted is American Sign Language. Some high school and university courses of study will accept ASL as a second language because it behaves like a language different from English. ASL has grammatical and syntactical differences from English. Before beginning ASL as a second language, check with the programs your child is most likely to enter later on to see if it will be accepted as a language credit. Sometimes learning the grammar of another language such as one of the Romance languages helps children who are having difficulty with grammar in English. Finally, remember that it is never too early to undertake the learning of a second language so get started!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Sixth grade Curriculum - Life in a digital age
Sixth grade curriculum - Life in a digital age
Regardless of whether your sixth grade curriculum is all text books and workbooks, hand written journals and chalk boards, there is one thing that your child will not be able to avoid forever and that is technology. Many students have already stepped into the technology era without hesitation. This may be one of the first generations where students are more dependent on the computer and the internet than on paper resources. I know that my daughter’s homeschool curriculum is online, and we do only the bare minimum of paper based schooling. With that being said, your child is going to need tools to deal with the technology. One of the things your student needs to be doing by the sixth grade is keyboarding. Being able to type effectively instead of “hunt and peck” typing is a skill that will serve your child well as they continue in their academic career. There are many programs and even some typing games that can help your child learn. Another thing that is of great use to students, making research easier is to be able to search the internet effectively and safely. There is a world of videos, online lectures, resources, and printables available on the internet. For internet safety for kids, it is important that they spell search terms correctly, and are reminded not to share personal information over the internet. Remind them that anyone they meet online might not be who they seem, and that the “x” at the top of the screen is a way to get out of situations that might be inappropriate. In addition to giving your student technology tools, and reminding them of safety procedures, don’t hesitate to monitor their activity online.
Regardless of whether your sixth grade curriculum is all text books and workbooks, hand written journals and chalk boards, there is one thing that your child will not be able to avoid forever and that is technology. Many students have already stepped into the technology era without hesitation. This may be one of the first generations where students are more dependent on the computer and the internet than on paper resources. I know that my daughter’s homeschool curriculum is online, and we do only the bare minimum of paper based schooling. With that being said, your child is going to need tools to deal with the technology. One of the things your student needs to be doing by the sixth grade is keyboarding. Being able to type effectively instead of “hunt and peck” typing is a skill that will serve your child well as they continue in their academic career. There are many programs and even some typing games that can help your child learn. Another thing that is of great use to students, making research easier is to be able to search the internet effectively and safely. There is a world of videos, online lectures, resources, and printables available on the internet. For internet safety for kids, it is important that they spell search terms correctly, and are reminded not to share personal information over the internet. Remind them that anyone they meet online might not be who they seem, and that the “x” at the top of the screen is a way to get out of situations that might be inappropriate. In addition to giving your student technology tools, and reminding them of safety procedures, don’t hesitate to monitor their activity online.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Sixth grade Math - Geometry
Sixth Grade Math - Geometry
If you thought your child knew her shapes already and you were done with teaching about triangles and squares you might not want to read this. In the sixth grade year, your student will explore solid shapes, and polygons. Circumference, area, and volume will also be revisited this year. The late elementary years and middle school years are a time when the basics of geometry are reviewed and cemented in your students memory. In high school, your student will need these basics because there is a whole year of just geometry. One way to pack down the basics of geometry is to hand your student pencil and paper, and let them draw the shapes out. Let her get familiar with using a protractor, and a compass. For some students this will work great. For other students a more visual approach is necessary. They might want to go online and manipulate shapes, angles and line segments in a geometry program. Another thing that happens in sixth grade is making the theoretical learning of geometry match up with real world applications of geometry, for example, what is the surface area of the pool, or the volume of it? Maybe your student can figure the circumference of the trampoline, or its diameter. Geometry can be one of those topics that can be really dry and it sometimes takes extra effort on the part of the teacher to make it more interesting, and more relevant.
If you thought your child knew her shapes already and you were done with teaching about triangles and squares you might not want to read this. In the sixth grade year, your student will explore solid shapes, and polygons. Circumference, area, and volume will also be revisited this year. The late elementary years and middle school years are a time when the basics of geometry are reviewed and cemented in your students memory. In high school, your student will need these basics because there is a whole year of just geometry. One way to pack down the basics of geometry is to hand your student pencil and paper, and let them draw the shapes out. Let her get familiar with using a protractor, and a compass. For some students this will work great. For other students a more visual approach is necessary. They might want to go online and manipulate shapes, angles and line segments in a geometry program. Another thing that happens in sixth grade is making the theoretical learning of geometry match up with real world applications of geometry, for example, what is the surface area of the pool, or the volume of it? Maybe your student can figure the circumference of the trampoline, or its diameter. Geometry can be one of those topics that can be really dry and it sometimes takes extra effort on the part of the teacher to make it more interesting, and more relevant.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Sixth grade Social Studies - Tools of the trade
Sixth Grade Social Studies - Tools of the trade
Sixth grade is a good time to review geography with your student. Give him the tools he needs to sail through a quick study of geography. Make sure he reviews the compass rose, map legends, mapping skills, major land masses. He should probably review the continents, and geography of the United States. Latitude, longitude, time zones, and climate are also good topics to review during this year. Geographic terms like peninsula, isthmus, strait are great words to go over again. Words relating to waterways such as river source, tributaries, confluence, and delta and mouth of a river, as well as flood plains, gulfs, seas, and lakes are important ideas in the review of geography as well. Your student will probably have been exposed to most of this in elementary school. Committing these things to memory are important because of the need to cover so many diverse topics in sixth grade social studies. You might find that once this review is complete, other aspects of the social studies curriculum go more smoothly since your student will understand the meanings of these terms and not have to pause other topics to look them up. The geography portion of sixth grade is a great time to let your students make posters, and other hands on type of projects. Have them draw maps, and let them do exercises where mapping skills are brought to the forefront. Geography can certainly be fun, and learning goes more smoothly when it is fun. Enjoy!
Sixth grade is a good time to review geography with your student. Give him the tools he needs to sail through a quick study of geography. Make sure he reviews the compass rose, map legends, mapping skills, major land masses. He should probably review the continents, and geography of the United States. Latitude, longitude, time zones, and climate are also good topics to review during this year. Geographic terms like peninsula, isthmus, strait are great words to go over again. Words relating to waterways such as river source, tributaries, confluence, and delta and mouth of a river, as well as flood plains, gulfs, seas, and lakes are important ideas in the review of geography as well. Your student will probably have been exposed to most of this in elementary school. Committing these things to memory are important because of the need to cover so many diverse topics in sixth grade social studies. You might find that once this review is complete, other aspects of the social studies curriculum go more smoothly since your student will understand the meanings of these terms and not have to pause other topics to look them up. The geography portion of sixth grade is a great time to let your students make posters, and other hands on type of projects. Have them draw maps, and let them do exercises where mapping skills are brought to the forefront. Geography can certainly be fun, and learning goes more smoothly when it is fun. Enjoy!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Sixth grade Social Studies - a Diverse Curriculum
Sixth Grade Social Studies - a Diverse Curriculum
Social studies in sixth grade encompasses many subjects. History is one part of social studies, as is economics, politics, government, and geography. Civics is also included in social studies, and in some cases comparative religions fits under social studies as well. Because the list of topics within the larger subject of social studies are so varied and far reaching, it will be important to cover something in each of the topics to keep you child well rounded. There are a couple of ways to go about the organization of the social studies curriculum. One way is to take each of the topics individually. This would mean that your child did a unit on history, then one on geography. Some parents choose for their students to make the studies overlap more. For example, study the government, history, and social impact of a society, and add in the geography factors that might have had influence on the way that society operated internally, as well as with its neighbors. How you decide to cover the various topics within social studies may also depend on the strengths, weaknesses, and individual interests of your student. From ancient India, to the Industrial Revolution, from geography to the steps that went into making the United States a world power, there is a lot to cover in sixth grade social studies.
Social studies in sixth grade encompasses many subjects. History is one part of social studies, as is economics, politics, government, and geography. Civics is also included in social studies, and in some cases comparative religions fits under social studies as well. Because the list of topics within the larger subject of social studies are so varied and far reaching, it will be important to cover something in each of the topics to keep you child well rounded. There are a couple of ways to go about the organization of the social studies curriculum. One way is to take each of the topics individually. This would mean that your child did a unit on history, then one on geography. Some parents choose for their students to make the studies overlap more. For example, study the government, history, and social impact of a society, and add in the geography factors that might have had influence on the way that society operated internally, as well as with its neighbors. How you decide to cover the various topics within social studies may also depend on the strengths, weaknesses, and individual interests of your student. From ancient India, to the Industrial Revolution, from geography to the steps that went into making the United States a world power, there is a lot to cover in sixth grade social studies.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Sixth grade Social Studies - Ancient Civilizations
Sixth Grade Social Studies - Ancient Civilizations
Ever wanted to review your knowledge of ancient civilizations? Well the sixth grade year of social studies for your student will certainly give you the opportunity. Different states have different curriculum requirements for social studies but many of them include studies of key ancient civilizations. Your sixth grader might study the history of the Hebrew people and Islam as a culture, not from a religious standpoint, but because of the contributions that each of those cultures made in forming modern day society. As part of this study your child might learn the geography of the region, and the mores and morals of the two cultures. Additionally, your child may also study the scientific, mathematical, and literature contributes made by those two cultures. Two other ancient cultures your child might study are early India and early China. Geographically, both the Indus River of India, and major rivers of China are significant. Both early India and early China made significant contributions in art, literature, astronomy, and medicine. If it is of interest to you and your student, a comparison of religions of these four significant cultures could also be undertaken. Even if you have no interest in religion personally, it might be an interesting undertaking to study the similarities and differences between the major religions that came from the ancient civilizations and still have influence on our world today.
Ever wanted to review your knowledge of ancient civilizations? Well the sixth grade year of social studies for your student will certainly give you the opportunity. Different states have different curriculum requirements for social studies but many of them include studies of key ancient civilizations. Your sixth grader might study the history of the Hebrew people and Islam as a culture, not from a religious standpoint, but because of the contributions that each of those cultures made in forming modern day society. As part of this study your child might learn the geography of the region, and the mores and morals of the two cultures. Additionally, your child may also study the scientific, mathematical, and literature contributes made by those two cultures. Two other ancient cultures your child might study are early India and early China. Geographically, both the Indus River of India, and major rivers of China are significant. Both early India and early China made significant contributions in art, literature, astronomy, and medicine. If it is of interest to you and your student, a comparison of religions of these four significant cultures could also be undertaken. Even if you have no interest in religion personally, it might be an interesting undertaking to study the similarities and differences between the major religions that came from the ancient civilizations and still have influence on our world today.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Sixth grade Science - Solar system
Sixth Grade Science - Solar system
Of course, the state you live in will probably have specific benchmarks that your sixth grader should meet when it comes to a comprehensive science curriculum. One thing that many state and national benchmark lists have in common for sixth grade science is a study of the solar system. Included in this section of science may be a study of the moon, its relationship to the earth, and its influence on our planet. This is a great opportunity to construct models of the moon, the earth, and the sun, and show how and why the moon’s phases appear different at different times of the month. It will be much easier for your student to understand the changes in phase, as well as the difference between solar and lunar eclipses if they can put their hands on models, and manipulate them. Another hands on project to correspond to this study of the moon, earth, and sun, is to have your student observe how the tilt of the earth’s axis effects the number of hours of daylight and darkness through out the yearly seasonal cycle. Your student will need to understand the relative distances and size differences of the planets within our solar system. Order of planets, properties of those planets, and visual recognition of the planets should be studied. When we began to study the solar system, an internet search produced a series of models showing the relative size of the sun to our planets, and then relative size models showing our sun to the stars of other solar systems. The size differences are amazing, and it is really worth making the search to find this series of model pictures. In addition, you can add fun space games, to help reinforce what is being taught.
Of course, the state you live in will probably have specific benchmarks that your sixth grader should meet when it comes to a comprehensive science curriculum. One thing that many state and national benchmark lists have in common for sixth grade science is a study of the solar system. Included in this section of science may be a study of the moon, its relationship to the earth, and its influence on our planet. This is a great opportunity to construct models of the moon, the earth, and the sun, and show how and why the moon’s phases appear different at different times of the month. It will be much easier for your student to understand the changes in phase, as well as the difference between solar and lunar eclipses if they can put their hands on models, and manipulate them. Another hands on project to correspond to this study of the moon, earth, and sun, is to have your student observe how the tilt of the earth’s axis effects the number of hours of daylight and darkness through out the yearly seasonal cycle. Your student will need to understand the relative distances and size differences of the planets within our solar system. Order of planets, properties of those planets, and visual recognition of the planets should be studied. When we began to study the solar system, an internet search produced a series of models showing the relative size of the sun to our planets, and then relative size models showing our sun to the stars of other solar systems. The size differences are amazing, and it is really worth making the search to find this series of model pictures. In addition, you can add fun space games, to help reinforce what is being taught.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Sixth grade Science - Life Science
Sixth grade Science - Life Science
Sixth graders generally study a chapter or two on life science. Examples of topics for discussion and study may include biomes and ecosystems. Consider having this be a more hands on activity with posters, graphs, and pictures. Students may study food chains and food webs. This is another opportunity for your student to graphically display what she is learning about. Don’t forget to teach not only the food chain, but what happens if the food chain breaks down. One of my child’s personal favorites in life science is the discussion on producers, consumers, scavengers, and decomposers. As unappealing as the scavengers and decomposers might seem, the science behind them can be quite interesting. Teach the importance of each of the parts to the well being of the whole system. One other thing to consider teaching in the life science section is the life cycles of plants, then parts of a plant, and the naming of the parts of a plant cell. Compare plant cells to animal cells, recognizing the difference between the two as well as the similarities. If you are able to, let your student sprout seeds, perhaps grow a few plants, and learn about them through observation. Life science can be a great section of a total sixth grade science curriculum.
Sixth graders generally study a chapter or two on life science. Examples of topics for discussion and study may include biomes and ecosystems. Consider having this be a more hands on activity with posters, graphs, and pictures. Students may study food chains and food webs. This is another opportunity for your student to graphically display what she is learning about. Don’t forget to teach not only the food chain, but what happens if the food chain breaks down. One of my child’s personal favorites in life science is the discussion on producers, consumers, scavengers, and decomposers. As unappealing as the scavengers and decomposers might seem, the science behind them can be quite interesting. Teach the importance of each of the parts to the well being of the whole system. One other thing to consider teaching in the life science section is the life cycles of plants, then parts of a plant, and the naming of the parts of a plant cell. Compare plant cells to animal cells, recognizing the difference between the two as well as the similarities. If you are able to, let your student sprout seeds, perhaps grow a few plants, and learn about them through observation. Life science can be a great section of a total sixth grade science curriculum.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Sixth grade Science - the Human Body
Sixth grade - Science, the Human Body
The human body may not be a new subject for your sixth grader. Every family explores the functions of the human body at a different rate. For some sixth graders this will be the first year they have learned about the digestive system, respiratory system, nervous system, and muscular-skeletal system. Other students may have already covered these major systems and be prepared to move on to more in depth study of the human body. One thing to remember when you think about the curriculum you need and/or educational health games for your sixth grader is his or her on maturity level. It is important at this age to be sure your child is not surprised by the changes in his or her body. It is important that they begin to be aware of and responsible for certain aspects of their own health and well being. It is not too early to be instructing your student on nutrition and exercise. One other thing to consider adding to sixth grade science and the human body study is a discussion of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, and how to avoid the dangers of their use. Children seem to be exposed to things earlier and earlier and you don’t want your child to be surprised by something they could have learned about in a safe and healthy science class. Of course, as a homeschooler, you would also have control over what you did not want them exposed to.
The human body may not be a new subject for your sixth grader. Every family explores the functions of the human body at a different rate. For some sixth graders this will be the first year they have learned about the digestive system, respiratory system, nervous system, and muscular-skeletal system. Other students may have already covered these major systems and be prepared to move on to more in depth study of the human body. One thing to remember when you think about the curriculum you need and/or educational health games for your sixth grader is his or her on maturity level. It is important at this age to be sure your child is not surprised by the changes in his or her body. It is important that they begin to be aware of and responsible for certain aspects of their own health and well being. It is not too early to be instructing your student on nutrition and exercise. One other thing to consider adding to sixth grade science and the human body study is a discussion of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, and how to avoid the dangers of their use. Children seem to be exposed to things earlier and earlier and you don’t want your child to be surprised by something they could have learned about in a safe and healthy science class. Of course, as a homeschooler, you would also have control over what you did not want them exposed to.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Sixth grade Language Arts - More on Reading
Sixth grade - More on reading
The more your child reads the better off he will be. For students who read well it is a great source of enjoyment. It gives them the opportunity to explore, through literature, worlds that they will never experience. For some students, the escape provided by reading is a stress reliever, and as your child comes into sixth grade, he will have new stress placed on him. Middle school curricula are more difficult than elementary curricula. Physical changes also begin to occur as students enter adolescence. Provide many and varied reading materials for your sixth grader. Encourage him to read books he might not otherwise read. Reading well does have great benefits beyond just enjoyment. It is one of the most fundamental skills a student can have. If he can read, he can gain any other segment of knowledge, by reading the instructions. His vocabulary will be greater, not only because he is exposed to more words, but because he gets to see those words in context. He will gain a better understanding of properly formed sentences. Two last things. Your sixth grader may still enjoy being read to, especially if he enjoyed it in the past, but he may think he is too old to ask, so remember to offer to read books as a family. Audio books are also a great resource. Don’t be afraid to include audio books as part of your sixth grade curriculum.
The more your child reads the better off he will be. For students who read well it is a great source of enjoyment. It gives them the opportunity to explore, through literature, worlds that they will never experience. For some students, the escape provided by reading is a stress reliever, and as your child comes into sixth grade, he will have new stress placed on him. Middle school curricula are more difficult than elementary curricula. Physical changes also begin to occur as students enter adolescence. Provide many and varied reading materials for your sixth grader. Encourage him to read books he might not otherwise read. Reading well does have great benefits beyond just enjoyment. It is one of the most fundamental skills a student can have. If he can read, he can gain any other segment of knowledge, by reading the instructions. His vocabulary will be greater, not only because he is exposed to more words, but because he gets to see those words in context. He will gain a better understanding of properly formed sentences. Two last things. Your sixth grader may still enjoy being read to, especially if he enjoyed it in the past, but he may think he is too old to ask, so remember to offer to read books as a family. Audio books are also a great resource. Don’t be afraid to include audio books as part of your sixth grade curriculum.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Sixth grade Language Arts - Getting sidetracked
Sixth Grade Language Arts - Getting Sidetracked
Learning vocabulary words is different than learning spelling words. It is important that your child understand the meaning of words as well as how to spell them. And it is not just for language arts anymore. I was reminded of that today in a social studies lesson. The question my daughter was to answer was, “How can a ruler be virtuous and loyal to his people?” The question was intended to illicit an example or two based on the reading she had just completed. The answers she gave me had almost nothing to do with the question asked. Finally, after struggling with the answer for a few minutes she said, “I understand what the words mean, but I guess I just don’t know what they mean in this question.” That was her way of admitting that she didn’t know what virtuous meant. She went off in search of a dictionary and looked it up. Part of the definition had the word moral, and she decided she needed to look that up, too. This lead to a whole discussion about morals, and virtue, and loyalty and how those words had importance in her life. It wasn’t what I had planned for the day, but it was a discussion worth having. Sometimes it is more important that your sixth grader understand a concept than it is to complete a planned lesson. And sometimes your child doesn’t know they need to talk about something until there is an opportunity to get sidetracked. Don’t forget to allow time for getting sidetracked!
Learning vocabulary words is different than learning spelling words. It is important that your child understand the meaning of words as well as how to spell them. And it is not just for language arts anymore. I was reminded of that today in a social studies lesson. The question my daughter was to answer was, “How can a ruler be virtuous and loyal to his people?” The question was intended to illicit an example or two based on the reading she had just completed. The answers she gave me had almost nothing to do with the question asked. Finally, after struggling with the answer for a few minutes she said, “I understand what the words mean, but I guess I just don’t know what they mean in this question.” That was her way of admitting that she didn’t know what virtuous meant. She went off in search of a dictionary and looked it up. Part of the definition had the word moral, and she decided she needed to look that up, too. This lead to a whole discussion about morals, and virtue, and loyalty and how those words had importance in her life. It wasn’t what I had planned for the day, but it was a discussion worth having. Sometimes it is more important that your sixth grader understand a concept than it is to complete a planned lesson. And sometimes your child doesn’t know they need to talk about something until there is an opportunity to get sidetracked. Don’t forget to allow time for getting sidetracked!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Sixth grade Math - Fractions
Sixth grade math - Fractions
Your sixth grader has learned how to do the basic functions with whole numbers. Addition and subtraction of large numbers should be becoming easier and less intimidating. Multiplication tables should be pretty well cemented into memory for ease in doing the more complex and lengthy problems of sixth grade math Many students are introduced to fractions in fourth and fifth grades. In the lower grades fractions usually are dealing mostly with equivalent fractions, learning that one-half, two-fourths, and three-sixths all mean the same thing. Also in the lower grades some basic understanding that some fractions are larger or smaller than others, and how to recognize the difference in size is taught. By sixth grade fractions take on a whole new life. Your child will come across mixed fractions, and improper fractions, and how to convert from one form to another. My child loves this, but some children don’t, so allow extra time for learning this process. Additionally, by sixth grade, your child will need to understand addition and subtraction of like fractions as well as know how to find greatest common factors, least common denominators, and reciprocal fractions. This is in preparation for learning how to multiply and divide fractions. Accomplishing these tasks by the end of the sixth grade year needs to be part of your game plan for sixth grade math.
Your sixth grader has learned how to do the basic functions with whole numbers. Addition and subtraction of large numbers should be becoming easier and less intimidating. Multiplication tables should be pretty well cemented into memory for ease in doing the more complex and lengthy problems of sixth grade math Many students are introduced to fractions in fourth and fifth grades. In the lower grades fractions usually are dealing mostly with equivalent fractions, learning that one-half, two-fourths, and three-sixths all mean the same thing. Also in the lower grades some basic understanding that some fractions are larger or smaller than others, and how to recognize the difference in size is taught. By sixth grade fractions take on a whole new life. Your child will come across mixed fractions, and improper fractions, and how to convert from one form to another. My child loves this, but some children don’t, so allow extra time for learning this process. Additionally, by sixth grade, your child will need to understand addition and subtraction of like fractions as well as know how to find greatest common factors, least common denominators, and reciprocal fractions. This is in preparation for learning how to multiply and divide fractions. Accomplishing these tasks by the end of the sixth grade year needs to be part of your game plan for sixth grade math.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Sixth grade Language Arts - Writing process
Sixth grade--writing process
Writing may not be something your child enjoys, but it is something she can’t avoid any longer. I face this issue with my own daughter right now. She is not a confident speller, and her penmanship is not great. In her words, writing on paper is slow, and old-fashioned. Which brings me to my point today. Just because she thinks it is slow and old-fashioned doesn’t mean she doesn’t have to do it. The things that we consider important about the writing process is the mechanics of getting the thoughts in the right place and the right order. For example, it is important that she know how to decide on a topic, and jot down the ideas in the pre-writing step. It is important that she can come up with a basic outline to cover the topic chosen. She should be able to write well written sentences and be able to proofread and edit what she has written. She should understand what the final product should look like as far as indention of paragraphs, punctuation, and the format and number of sentences. Those things are required. What homeschooling gives me the flexibility to do at this point is let her use word processors to write, and spell checkers to confirm correct spelling. We use other technology as well. Sometimes she dictates her paragraphs into a digital voice recorder, or to me. Her issues with penmanship and slowness of hand written paragraphs won’t stand in the way of learning and creating. Consider adapting and using technologies if your child seems reluctant to write. Sometimes it is not the lack of ability to create, sometimes it is the difficulty in actually putting pen to paper.
Writing may not be something your child enjoys, but it is something she can’t avoid any longer. I face this issue with my own daughter right now. She is not a confident speller, and her penmanship is not great. In her words, writing on paper is slow, and old-fashioned. Which brings me to my point today. Just because she thinks it is slow and old-fashioned doesn’t mean she doesn’t have to do it. The things that we consider important about the writing process is the mechanics of getting the thoughts in the right place and the right order. For example, it is important that she know how to decide on a topic, and jot down the ideas in the pre-writing step. It is important that she can come up with a basic outline to cover the topic chosen. She should be able to write well written sentences and be able to proofread and edit what she has written. She should understand what the final product should look like as far as indention of paragraphs, punctuation, and the format and number of sentences. Those things are required. What homeschooling gives me the flexibility to do at this point is let her use word processors to write, and spell checkers to confirm correct spelling. We use other technology as well. Sometimes she dictates her paragraphs into a digital voice recorder, or to me. Her issues with penmanship and slowness of hand written paragraphs won’t stand in the way of learning and creating. Consider adapting and using technologies if your child seems reluctant to write. Sometimes it is not the lack of ability to create, sometimes it is the difficulty in actually putting pen to paper.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Sixth grade Homeschool Curriculum
Sixth grade homeschool curriculum
Have you ever wondered how other families choose their homeschool curriculum? I’ve talked to a number of other homeschooling families and they each seem to have some formula for why they choose one curriculum over another. Sometimes before you can even consider curriculum, you have to look at why you are homeschooling. If you are homeschooling for religious reasons, then that will obviously have bearing on what type of curriculum you choose. There are many religious based homeschool programs, and even some that are specific to a particular religion. If you have other reasons for homeschooling, then obviously those reasons will weigh heavily when making homeschool curriculum choices. If you child has a particular learning issue, then you will choose a curriculum that leans that direction. When I chose my homeschool curriculum, I was coming at homeschooling from the point of view that it was not something I had never wanted to do. I therefore had not given any thought to what a curriculum needed to look like. As I researched, I discovered that what I needed was a curriculum that made the lesson plans for me, and helped me keep records, because I am not a very organized person. My child needed it to move fast, not repeat too much, be colorful, minimize the writing. She is a sponge, and needed information to flow at her at her pace…that is almost always fast. That is why when I chose, I choose an interactive, online homeschool curriculum. Text books may be more your child’s style, or your style, but the most important thing when choosing your homeschool curriculum is that it fits not only your child’s learning style, but your teaching style as well.
Have you ever wondered how other families choose their homeschool curriculum? I’ve talked to a number of other homeschooling families and they each seem to have some formula for why they choose one curriculum over another. Sometimes before you can even consider curriculum, you have to look at why you are homeschooling. If you are homeschooling for religious reasons, then that will obviously have bearing on what type of curriculum you choose. There are many religious based homeschool programs, and even some that are specific to a particular religion. If you have other reasons for homeschooling, then obviously those reasons will weigh heavily when making homeschool curriculum choices. If you child has a particular learning issue, then you will choose a curriculum that leans that direction. When I chose my homeschool curriculum, I was coming at homeschooling from the point of view that it was not something I had never wanted to do. I therefore had not given any thought to what a curriculum needed to look like. As I researched, I discovered that what I needed was a curriculum that made the lesson plans for me, and helped me keep records, because I am not a very organized person. My child needed it to move fast, not repeat too much, be colorful, minimize the writing. She is a sponge, and needed information to flow at her at her pace…that is almost always fast. That is why when I chose, I choose an interactive, online homeschool curriculum. Text books may be more your child’s style, or your style, but the most important thing when choosing your homeschool curriculum is that it fits not only your child’s learning style, but your teaching style as well.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Sixth grade Language Arts - Reading
Sixth grade--reading
Ok, so by now your sixth grader can probably read. It is tempting to move away from specifically studying reading and just let the reading for other subjects stand in place of that. As tempting as it is, sixth grade is not the time to slack off on teaching reading skills. As your child begins the middle school years, more demands will be made on his ability to read and understand what he reads. Reading comprehension is sometimes a difficult subject to teach as a whole subject. It might be easier to break reading down into its component parts. Vocabulary building is important to reading but it is not the only language arts skill necessary for good reading comprehension. Believe it or not, being able to write outlines, and book reports and summaries are important parts of building comprehension. As your child goes forward in their academic career being able to access and use the information she gains in reading is crucial. Your sixth grader is going to be exposed to more types of reading. It is not unusual during this school year for your child to read biographies and autobiographies, as well as works of fiction and instructional content. There will always be more to read and understanding what is read is just the beginning.
Ok, so by now your sixth grader can probably read. It is tempting to move away from specifically studying reading and just let the reading for other subjects stand in place of that. As tempting as it is, sixth grade is not the time to slack off on teaching reading skills. As your child begins the middle school years, more demands will be made on his ability to read and understand what he reads. Reading comprehension is sometimes a difficult subject to teach as a whole subject. It might be easier to break reading down into its component parts. Vocabulary building is important to reading but it is not the only language arts skill necessary for good reading comprehension. Believe it or not, being able to write outlines, and book reports and summaries are important parts of building comprehension. As your child goes forward in their academic career being able to access and use the information she gains in reading is crucial. Your sixth grader is going to be exposed to more types of reading. It is not unusual during this school year for your child to read biographies and autobiographies, as well as works of fiction and instructional content. There will always be more to read and understanding what is read is just the beginning.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Sixth grade Langugage Arts - Spelling
Sixth grade--spelling
Sixth grade is the time when your child branches out, learning more than just the basic spelling lists. Your sixth grader is going to need to take what they have learned to this point, and expand their knowledge. Important in this school year will be more concentration in learning root words. And then taking those root words and adding suffixes or prefixes to those roots, to create more complex words. As teachers to our children, this is one of those years where we will have to help them remember the words they have learned. There are several ways to help your child improve on and retain their spelling words, which method you choose to help your child will depend on your child’s own individual learning abilities and strengths. At our house we love games of all sorts. Sometimes a game is a board game like Scrabble, and other times it is online spelling games. We also use things like word ladders to reinforce spelling families. There is plenty of pressure on your sixth grader from many directions. Try to make spelling fun and you might be surprised when your child is willing to play along.
Sixth grade is the time when your child branches out, learning more than just the basic spelling lists. Your sixth grader is going to need to take what they have learned to this point, and expand their knowledge. Important in this school year will be more concentration in learning root words. And then taking those root words and adding suffixes or prefixes to those roots, to create more complex words. As teachers to our children, this is one of those years where we will have to help them remember the words they have learned. There are several ways to help your child improve on and retain their spelling words, which method you choose to help your child will depend on your child’s own individual learning abilities and strengths. At our house we love games of all sorts. Sometimes a game is a board game like Scrabble, and other times it is online spelling games. We also use things like word ladders to reinforce spelling families. There is plenty of pressure on your sixth grader from many directions. Try to make spelling fun and you might be surprised when your child is willing to play along.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Sixth grade curriculum--What subject is this?
Sixth grade curriculum--What subject is this?
In school, you might find that the sixth grade year is the first year that your child changes classes and the first year that the teachers are specifically trained in certain subjects. If you are homeschooling, you as the parent are going to still be the primary instructor. Even though the courses might be taught by different teachers, the subjects are not necessarily being kept separate. In elementary school, when your child learned language arts, they were not including social studies, and when they were learning science they were not including math. In middle school, the subjects become more intertwined. Science will be more dependent on your child’s math abilities. Don’t be surprised to find that your child’s language arts reading contains a lot about history, biographies, and other social studies. Most curricula use elementary school to teach the basics. By Sixth grade your child is going to be expected to take all of the things that she has been learning, those basics, and apply them. This may be somewhat different than the way your child has learned in the past and it may be a bit overwhelming, but it is also a very exciting time in their academic life. Things are beginning to come together.
In school, you might find that the sixth grade year is the first year that your child changes classes and the first year that the teachers are specifically trained in certain subjects. If you are homeschooling, you as the parent are going to still be the primary instructor. Even though the courses might be taught by different teachers, the subjects are not necessarily being kept separate. In elementary school, when your child learned language arts, they were not including social studies, and when they were learning science they were not including math. In middle school, the subjects become more intertwined. Science will be more dependent on your child’s math abilities. Don’t be surprised to find that your child’s language arts reading contains a lot about history, biographies, and other social studies. Most curricula use elementary school to teach the basics. By Sixth grade your child is going to be expected to take all of the things that she has been learning, those basics, and apply them. This may be somewhat different than the way your child has learned in the past and it may be a bit overwhelming, but it is also a very exciting time in their academic life. Things are beginning to come together.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
So you have a sixth grader!
So, you have a sixth grader. It is hard to believe that your sixth grader is the same child they were last year. Sixth grade is a huge year when it comes to your child’s mental, emotional, physical, social, and academic development. Your child is going to grow away from you on the road to becoming an adult, and that is what you want. You want them to grow toward independence. But this is also a tough time for your young adolescent. She is undergoing physical and hormonal changes during this year. She has probably moved from being the oldest, and most socially dominant child in elementary school, to being the youngest and newest at a middle school, or junior high. That is a hard transition to make. Your child is going to turn to his friends for support during this time, and away form you, as the parent. And that is a hard place for you to be in also. Academically your sixth grader is growing as well. She will need to be able to write essays, well and often. She is going to need to be proficient at the four major operations of math. There are going to be new social pressures, and she is going to need to know how to say no, to drugs, to alcohol. She is going to need you, and at the same time she is going to be embarrassed by you, for no apparent reason. It is going to be a glorious year, hold on tight and enjoy the ride!
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