Sixth Grade: The Year They Step Into Their Own.
Sixth grade is such an exciting turning point. Kids this age are standing right at the edge of childhood and young adulthood… still playful, still imaginative, but suddenly capable of deeper thinking, bigger responsibilities, and more independence than ever before. It’s a year filled with growth, curiosity, and the first real taste of what it means to take ownership of their learning. As homeschoolers, we get a front‑row seat to this transformation. Sixth graders ask sharper questions, form stronger opinions, and start connecting ideas across subjects in ways that surprise even them.
Math– The Art of Problem Solving
AOPS is an excellent fit for sixth graders who are ready for rigorous, puzzle‑style math. It builds true problem‑solving skills rather than rote procedures, encouraging students to think deeply, reason logically, and approach math with curiosity.
This is a great year to introduce the Pre‑Algebra book or continue wherever your learner is in the AOPS sequence.
Language Arts: IEW – Narnia Theme‑Based Writing
IEW’s Narnia unit brings structure and creativity together. Students practice strong writing skills — outlining, summarizing, stylistic techniques — while engaging with the rich world of C.S. Lewis.
It’s a wonderful bridge between skill‑building and literary appreciation, and it pairs beautifully with independent reading.
Science: Student‑Student Led Inquiry
Sixth graders thrive when they’re allowed to follow their curiosity. Instead of a rigid curriculum, let them choose topics that fascinate them — astronomy, marine biology, robotics, geology, anatomy, weather systems, you name it. Provide books, documentaries, hands‑on kits, and space to explore. This approach builds genuine scientific thinking and ownership of learning
History: Choose Your Path
You have two strong options depending on your family’s rhythm and what you’ve already covered:
Option 1: The World’s Story 1
A narrative, Christian‑based world history program that introduces ancient civilizations through engaging storytelling and activities.
Option 2: Continue Story of the World (Book 2)
If you’ve been working through SOTW, moving into Book 2 keeps the continuity going. It’s a familiar structure with deeper historical context and more mature narration for this age.
Both choices work beautifully — pick the one that aligns best with your long‑term history plan.
Reading: Student‑Chosen Books + Reading Journal
Let your sixth grader build their own reading identity. Provide a wide selection of high‑quality literature and let them choose what speaks to them.
Pair this with a simple reading journal where they can track books, jot down thoughts, copy favorite quotes, or reflect on themes.
This keeps reading joyful while still building comprehension and writing skills.
Bible: Systematic Theology Workbook
This workbook offers a thoughtful, age‑appropriate introduction to systematic theology. It guides students through foundational Christian doctrines with clarity and depth, encouraging them to think critically about their faith and ask meaningful questions.
Self-Interests
They’re ready for more challenge, more conversation, and more opportunities to explore what truly interests them. Sixth graders are figuring out who they are. They’re developing personal interests, discovering new talents, and becoming more aware of the world around them. They’re ready to take on more responsibility, but they still need guidance, structure, and lots of encouragement.
Art and music:
- Community Theatre
- Community Orchestra
- Community Choir
- Voice Lessons
- Music Lessons
- Art Lectio
- Watercolor Painting
- Scrapbooking
Clubs or extracurriculars
- Martial Arts (Karate, Hapkido, Taekwondo, Kungfu, etc.)
- Sports (Basketball, Baseball, Swim, Dance, Horseback Riding, Rock Climbing, Parkour, etc.)
- Clubs (Lego, Comic Book, Cooking, Chess, Math, Speech, Art, Book, Stop Motion, etc.)
- Robotics/ Battle Bots Camp
- Summer Camps
- Cooking Classes
Independent projects
- Financial Literacy
- Learning to Cook
- STEM Activities
- Science Projects
- Book Reports
- Weather Forecasting
- Fashion Design
Personal reading choices
Sixth Grade (ages 11-12)
– Light: A Fairy Tale (Fairy Tale Physics)
– Across the Desert
– Bella Arabella
– The Hobbit: A Graphic Novel: A Graphic Novel Adaptation of the Classic Fantasy Novel (Hobbit Fantasy Classic)
– Watership Down: The Graphic Novel
– Illustrated Classics – Journey To The Center of The Earth
– Treasure Island
– A Hundred Horses
– Everybody, Always for Kids
– The Entire List can be found here: Amazon
This sixth‑grade curriculum blends structure with independence, giving students the tools they need while honoring their growing maturity. It’s academically rich, spiritually grounded, and flexible enough to adapt to each child’s interests and strengths.
