Grade 6
Entering middle school students who were taught with the Common Core curriculum maps for K–5 have a strong background in mythology, folktales, and fables from around the world; classic and contemporary fiction and poetry; and literary nonfiction related to historical and select scientific topics. They are able to write short essays in which they articulate a central idea and support it with examples from texts. In sixth grade, students take their knowledge to new levels as they begin to explore deeper and subtler themes. While reading a variety of fiction at the start of sixth grade, students consider the question: How do different people define courage and overcome obstacles? Later in the year, they study the Hero’s Journey; read both fictional and nonfictional accounts about what it takes to survive in the wilderness; read first-hand narratives and informational texts about heritage and immigration; learn about the elements of a mystery story; and consider aspects of growing up. Students write in a variety of genres, including responses to literature, and informational, argument and narrative texts. They generate graphic organizers to lay out their ideas and plan their essays. They participate in class discussion and media/technology enrichment activities; practice reading literature expressively; and deliver presentations. Students gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources; assess the credibility of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism. By the end of sixth grade, they are ready to study literature with complex and challenging themes.