Starting in 6th grade, we are reading to learn. SIxth graders who are not reading on level will have lots of trouble in almost every subject except PE and maybe math and comp sci, if they have those subjects.
Even in sixth, the level of vocabulary and spelling skills need to be improving. To practice and build skills, I'd recommend looking at the sixth grade spelling word lists provided by SpellingCity. They teach vocab and spelling and do it in an effective way that builds long term retention, not just short term cramming. Here's some info on what they thing sixth grade literacy word learning should include.
Sixth grade vocabulary lists encompass all literary genres. The sixth grade vocabulary word lists include poetry, like Lewis Carroll’s “Jabberwocky” and Longfellow’s “Paul Revere’s Ride.” Vocabulary word lists for ELA literature studies, such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain and Eleven by Sandra Cisneros, are available on VocabularySpellingCity. Teachers can use VocabularySpellingCity’s engaging, interactive games to help students develop literary vocabulary knowledge through independent practice.
VocabularySpellingCity also offers sixth grade content area vocabulary word lists. Word lists include subject areas like sixth grade math, sixth grade science, and sixth grade social studies. Teacher can use VocabularySpellingCity’s games and activities as a supplemental tool when teaching subject areas like math or science.
This was quoted from the SpellingCity website but without permission but since I cite them I think I'm using best practices for bibliographic citations but I'm not sure what the exact rules are for htis in this day and age.
Here's lists of animal figurative language
