Grade-Level Focus
In Grade 6, students shift toward becoming analytical readers, evidence-driven writers, and skilled communicators. They engage with longer, more complex texts, develop multi-paragraph arguments, cite sources, and begin formal research. Emphasis is placed on close reading, critical thinking, and academic vocabulary.
Students explore complex fiction, poetry, and drama, with a strong focus on theme, characterization, and literary structure.
Objectives:
Analyze how a theme or central idea develops and is conveyed through details
Describe how a narrator’s or speaker’s point of view influences a story
Analyze characters’ actions, motivations, and development
Compare texts from different cultures or time periods
Interpret figurative language (metaphors, similes, idioms, irony)
Literary Genres Studied:
Realistic and historical fiction
Classic and contemporary poetry
Drama/plays
Traditional literature (myths, legends, fables)
Sample Texts:
Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
The Giver by Lois Lowry
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
Poetry by Emily Dickinson, Langston Hughes, and Robert Frost
Students are expected to read, evaluate, and synthesize information from a variety of nonfiction texts.
Objectives:
Determine central ideas and how they are supported
Analyze text structure (chronological, compare/contrast, cause/effect)
Evaluate the author’s purpose and point of view
Distinguish between fact, opinion, and reasoned judgment
Integrate information from multiple sources
Common Topics:
Environmental science (climate change, conservation)
Historical figures and events (e.g., Civil Rights, immigration)
Technology and innovation
Biographies and personal essays
Students are expected to write clear, well-organized, multi-paragraph texts using evidence, transitions, and formal tone. Research and citation are introduced more formally.
Types of Writing:
Argumentative Writing
Make a claim, support it with logical reasoning and evidence, and refute opposing views
Example: “Should school start later?”
Informative/Explanatory Writing
Explain a topic using facts, details, definitions, and examples
Example: “The History of Flight”
Narrative Writing
Write stories with characters, dialogue, setting, plot development, and resolution
Example: “The Mystery in the Library”
Writing Expectations:
Use of introduction-body-conclusion format
Paragraphs with topic sentences and supporting evidence
Clear transitions and cohesive structure
Citing sources using MLA basics (author/page or author/title)
Grammar and punctuation appropriate for formal writing
Students develop public speaking, active listening, and collaborative discussion skills.
Objectives:
Participate in discussions by building on others’ ideas and asking questions
Interpret and evaluate information from oral presentations and multimedia
Deliver formal presentations using visuals and clear organization
Distinguish between formal and informal language use depending on context
Activities Include:
Socratic seminars
Peer debates
Multimedia research presentations
Book clubs and literature circles
Students learn to apply grammatical rules and improve academic vocabulary for formal writing and speaking.
Grammar Skills:
Pronoun use and antecedent agreement
Correct use of verb tenses (simple, perfect, progressive)
Commas, dashes, parentheses, and colons
Sentence types (simple, compound, complex)
Avoiding run-ons and fragments
Vocabulary Development:
Use of Greek and Latin roots (e.g., bio, graph, auto, tele)
Understanding connotation/denotation
Determining meaning through context and morphology
Synonyms, antonyms, analogies
Figurative language interpretation
| Day | ELA Components |
|---|---|
| Monday | Whole-class literature analysis, vocabulary lesson, argument writing introduction |
| Tuesday | Small group nonfiction reading, grammar practice, writing workshop |
| Wednesday | Writing revision day, collaborative discussion, oral reading practice |
| Thursday | Informational reading, vocabulary quiz, peer editing session |
| Friday | Student presentations, spelling and grammar review, creative writing prompt |
Assessments & Monitoring
Reading Assessments:
Close reading activities
Text-dependent questions
Literary analysis and comprehension quizzes
Compare-contrast essays based on texts
Writing Assessments:
Multi-paragraph essays scored with rubrics
Timed writing prompts
Research writing with citations
Peer and self-editing checklists
Speaking and Listening Assessments:
Rubrics for discussion participation and presentations
Group collaboration assessments
Multimedia presentations evaluated on structure and delivery
Grammar & Vocabulary Assessments:
Weekly grammar and usage quizzes
Spelling and vocabulary-in-context tests
Sentence editing and correction activities
Technology Tools and Resources
Google Docs/Slides: Writing, presentations, collaboration
Newsela: Current events and leveled nonfiction texts
CommonLit: Reading comprehension and short texts
Flip: Student video responses
NoRedInk: Grammar and sentence skills
Padlet: Brainstorming and literary response sharing
Reading Benchmarks by End of Grade 6
Students should be able to:
Read and comprehend grade-level literature and nonfiction independently
Cite multiple pieces of textual evidence to support ideas
Analyze character development, theme, and structure
Evaluate author’s point of view and persuasive techniques
Read fluently with academic vocabulary understanding
Writing Benchmarks by End of Grade 6
Students should be able to:
Write structured, multi-paragraph argumentative and informative essays
Use textual evidence and proper citation
Write coherent narratives with character development and conflict resolution
Revise and edit drafts for grammar, style, and clarity
Use formal tone when appropriate
Recommended Texts and Authors
Literature (Fiction and Poetry):
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis
Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton (in some advanced classes)
Poetry by Maya Angelou, William Blake, and Nikki Giovanni
Informational Texts:
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson (memoir-in-verse)
We Are the Ship by Kadir Nelson
Hidden Figures (Young Readers Edition)
Kids Discover magazine
NASA, National Geographic Kids nonfiction resources
Support at Home
Parents can support ELA development by:
Discussing books and articles read at school or home
Encouraging daily writing (journal entries, opinion essays, stories)
Watching documentaries together and discussing key ideas
Reviewing grammar or spelling in everyday contexts
Practicing research online with adult supervision
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in ELA
Grade 6 ELA often includes:
Literature on identity, belonging, and peer relationships
Structured conversations on empathy and ethical decision-making
Writing about personal challenges and reflections
Group collaboration with shared responsibility
