how to make homework fun for 6th graders

28 Ideas On How To Make Homework Fun For Students

Do your children seem to need continual nagging to complete their homework? If your answer is “yes,” then don’t worry; we’ve all been there. Parents naturally want their kids to advance and do well in class, but after a full day of paper, pens, and books, many students won’t feel like doing their assignments.

No matter what the ages or grades of the students are, academic burnout may happen to any student, which affects overall learning and development. To solve this issue, we have brought 28 ideas on how to make homework fun and interesting for students of any age. Not only for parents but also if you are a tutor, these tricks and tips will come to your use.

28 Ideas on How To Make Homework Fun for Students

Homework enables the students to revise and evaluate the classroom learning and develops a habit of self-study, which in turn helps the students to score better. But it can be energy-draining, challenging, monotonous, and difficult to focus upon for students of any age.

Getting students to enjoy their homework and assignments could be immensely difficult at times. Especially after a long break or vacation, they find it difficult to focus on homework. Simultaneously, the importance of home tasks cannot be ignored. Wondering what the solution is?

It’s easy – why not make the homework fun and engaging? Yes, this is the ALL-IN-ONE solution to create a spark of interest in homework. There is practically a plethora of ways to let students feel enthusiastic while doing homework. However, not every strategy suits every student.

For instance, some students love to go outdoors and complete their homework or study amidst nature. On the other hand, some students simply want to stay indoors and complete home tasks in their study area.

So, while implementing a strategy or adopting ways to make homework fun and interesting, you must make sure you are doing the right thing for the right individual so that the student receives maximum benefits.

Here are 28 brilliant ideas that will guide you on how to make homework fun for elementary, middle, and high schoolers. Take a look:

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1. rewards are magical motivators.

It’s nothing new to provide children with little rewards in the classroom. But when it comes to the concept of homework for students, these approaches are rarely used. Instructors aren’t always aware of what’s offered or if it’s useful, and some parents may create their rewards. A great idea is to offer rewards inside the classroom.

Giving out vouchers, stickers, snacks, toys, or meal coupons that let youngsters earn money by doing their homework is something we advocate. The advantages of these magical motivators include having a friend sitting next to you in class, access to the internet, and unscheduled time in the classroom. If they link accomplishing their tasks to positive classroom experiences, students will be more engaged and motivated both inside and outside of the classroom.

2. Get Some Favorite Snacks

How to make homework fun and captivating? Let’s face the truth: A hungry student will be disinterested, uninspired, and miserable. Give them something healthful and palpable to eat while they do their schoolwork because most young kids are ravenous when they get home from school. Some options are apple slices, popcorn, grapes, crackers, flapjacks, and cheese.

If you want to attempt something a little more systematic, make a list of nutritious after-school snack suggestions and recipes and try them out every day. A delicious, crunchy apple is one of the healthiest nutrients for youngsters’ brain development. Some other nutritious and palpable snacks for students are Pancakes, Butter Popcorn, Fruit-flavored Yogurt, nut mix, sliced pears with ricotta cheese, Banana Smoothies, etc.

3. Beat the Clock

This is perfect for young kids who are reluctant to complete their schoolwork. Try it out, and you’ll thank us later. Young children like competing in races. By creating timed tasks, you may make schoolwork feel more like a race. For instance, keep track of the number of words they can spell properly or the number of arithmetic problems they can do in five minutes. Challenge your child to beat their previous best the next day.

To make it more fun, a little competition with siblings or best friends will work great. Nevertheless, make sure that the competition is healthy and doesn’t turn into an aggressive one. Often, students’ psychology works differently, and they tend to be violent in these kinds of situations.

4. Get A Homework Buddy

Allow your child to have a buddy or two over to study if they struggle with a particular topic or have difficulties concentrating in a quiet, empty room. If a second child is too distracting, set an example by helping your youngster. You may pay bills, prepare supper, respond to emails, or even work on a crossword puzzle or other mental exercise while they are doing their schoolwork.

Working on homework teaches children that work is a part of life, not just school, and fosters friendship without being overpowering.

5. Design an Awesome Workspace

Improve the area where your kids complete their schoolwork to increase efficiency, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Have tools and materials available, such as cool notepads or notebooks, colored pens, highlighters, and sticky notes, to assist students in completing difficult projects.

Use calendars, whiteboards, chalkboards, corkboards, or even simply paper and tape to help them visualize and keep track of all they need to complete. You may also decorate it with art and other items that inspire you. For pupils older than 5 years old, you may also hang up some aesthetically pleasing motivating quotations and photos in their study space to help them stay focused and goal-oriented.

6. Make Them Feel Comfortable

The comfort level of the students is the first and foremost thing you have to take care of while making them complete their homework. Not every learner has the same comfort level in the same ways, and these levels tend to differ from one person to another. It’s the responsibility of a parent or a teacher to understand their comfort zone and then plan accordingly.

For instance, provide them with a variety of alternatives or let them design their strategy. You might also inquire as to what time they like to complete their assignment. You won’t need to repeatedly remind people of their duties if you reach an agreement.

7. Incorporate Intervals and Breaks

Some learners might be able to finish their entire load of homework in one sitting. If your class has any pupils that can’t sit still, think about introducing breaks into the assignment process. Weekly study regimens can accommodate breaks.

Give a food break, allow them to complete one level of a video game, or let them talk to a buddy during a quick break. To establish expectations for when and how homework breaks should be taken, teachers might talk about these concepts with parents and students.

This functions in two main ways. It first rewards pupils for finishing their schoolwork. In addition, it gives them a mental break so they can come back to their job reenergized and motivated.

8. Role Plays Work Wonders

Create your little school and let your youngster take the role of the instructor to make enjoyable learning-based games. Assume the position of the student, and have your youngster explain a concept to you in the teacher’s role. This game will help players better comprehend the topic and develop their logical and reasoning abilities. It works especially well with courses that call for theory, like science.

By letting your kid pick their favorite stuffed animals and playthings and placing them in their little classroom, you can make schoolwork enjoyable. Begin by registering, saying “mummy,” “gift,” “Mr. Teddy,” etc. Since kids love to pretend to be teachers, you’ll soon notice that your kid is becoming more self-assured.

9. Make Them Stay Positive and Focused

Ensure to keep the students’ attitudes toward school and the values of their schoolwork are always positive. To keep them inspired and on track, shower your youngster with compliments on how great they’re doing. If they are getting pissed off with the pressure of homework, make them understand its importance and how positively it can impact their learning.

Spend five minutes after each homework session going over your child’s accomplishments. Have a look at our selection of free-to-download home learning packs if you’re out of things to do. To keep them motivated, you can reward or recognize their achievements in front of their peers. This will not only boost their confidence but also will help them maintain a positive outlook toward homework and studies.

10. Take It Outside

Outdoor learning is one of the most feasible ways to do homework with fun in a natural environment. If the weather is good, create a cozy and safe study space outside and let the student finish all the homework outdoors.

Studies also demonstrate that being outside, nearer to nature enhances productivity. The fresh air can aid students’ attention if they have spent the entire day in a classroom. In between jobs, rewarding them with a brief game of football or Frisbee will keep them engaged. You can conduct some fun outdoor Math or English fun homework activities.

11. Altering the homework concept

Many kids feel burdened by their homework assignments. What if, though, you adopt a whole new approach to homework? It can be argued that schoolwork has a lot of unfavorable associations. These concepts usually start early in life and persist into college.

By referring to assignments in different ways, teachers can change these mental habits. Better ways to describe homework include home learning, brain workouts, and study time. You might try using these phrases in place of homework in the classroom.

12. Get Help If You Need

Homework can be frustrating if your child doesn’t understand the material or gets bored easily. Furthermore, excessive pressurizing or insisting on too much can mess up the student’s psychology. To be honest, in extreme cases, none of the methods will work. If your child or student is struggling beyond the normal limit, get them some expert help!

Education Advisors have plenty of advice for students who are not able to cope with homework. They also conduct counseling sessions from time to time in case it’s required.

13. Go for Audio-Visual Resources

Engaging additional senses in the at-home learning process is another technique to cheer up your boring assignments. Focus may be improved by using a child’s perception of touch, smell, or taste in a unique manner.

Sending kids home with instructions for making scented play dough, for instance, improve learning. The dough may be used in classes including math and spatial concepts. Plus, the aroma of scented/colored clays keeps kids focused while they work. Additionally, it enables children to link the smell to what they learned, improving memory and recall.

Another item that teachers might give their pupils as a take-home is a stress ball. Before, during, or after tasks, using a stress ball can encourage creative thinking and anxiety reduction positively.

14. Meditation Can Reduce Stress

Stress is not something that happens only to adults. With the increased competition in academics, young learners nowadays are suffering from severe stress, which ushers’ negative impacts on their mental health. Sometimes, both the little children and older students can’t express this stress and fail to explain how they are feeling.

Homework pressure often creates such challenging situations which disrupt the emotional equilibrium of youngsters. In situations like this, meditation can reduce stress and improve focus. Positive thinking, fear and the tension and anxiety that lead to depression may all be lessened by meditation. Being aware without judgment is one of the foundational elements of meditation, and this attitude of acceptance may ward against unpleasant thoughts.

15. Make It a Group Effort

Since time immemorial, team working is super effective for any activity. The same applies to homework as well. If students sit for the home task in a group, they will be able to wrap all the assignments up quickly.

Now the question is – how? Teamwork involves group discussions as well as brainstorming, which gives rise to new ideas. Students try to develop new ways to complete homework through mutual discussion.

16. Take Help from Learning Apps and Libraries

If your child struggles with their homework, it can be difficult for you as well. Games and visual examples in amusing math practice applications may be a terrific way to give your youngster practice with things he is having trouble with. Therefore, make schoolwork enjoyable for your youngster by downloading an app that simplifies the subject.

There are so many online applications and libraries that will help students enjoy fun and encouraging homework sessions. If the toddler or an older student specifically refers to a particular app or a website, talk to him/her about it properly. Then visit the online resource, and if you think it is a legit and helpful one, let your child or student use it during his/her homework time.

17. Tell Them Not to Take It Too Seriously

There are more important things in life than homework and grades. Too much focus on grades can affect your child’s love for learning. Think about what values you want to instill in your child and make sure the homework is not getting in the way.

If you believe your child’s teacher is giving out too much homework after you see your child demonstrate an understanding of the subject, don’t be afraid to voice your concern. Even if nothing changes, it will show your children that you care and empathize with them. That matters a lot!

18. Storytelling Can Be a Great Idea

Storytelling is a fantastic idea to make children complete their homework without facing any boredom. Especially for specific subjects like Math, History, and Literature, storytelling develops a context that allows the students to grasp things very easily.

If you find a student is finding it difficult to understand a concept and complete assignments on it, you can give a try to the storytelling method a since it works well. Storytelling has the power to captivate learners and keep them engaged irrespective of their age and grades.

19. Create A Homework Mood

Creating a mood for homework is a bit difficult for younger students but setting the right environment can help them complete the tasks as quickly as possible. However, it’s not an issue for the senior students but can be a bit overwhelming for the little kids.

You can select a comfortable location for them to study and use their favorite stickers, lights, etc., to decorate the space. Keeping in mind the results as well as their abilities to take the pressure, set goals and establish rewards. It’s vital to make them understand the goals and disclose a bit about the rewards but don’t let them know exactly what’s going to happen. This will create an enthusiasm to complete the homework in no time.

20. Turn on Some Music

The psychological effects of music are undeniable. Music brings concentration and helps to focus on a particular work pleasantly. Then why not use it for your children’s homework? Science dictates that music is the best aid for studying.

Play some soft music while the student is doing his/her homework and this will help to create an ambiance. You can also play cool, energetic, upbeat music since it radiates energetic vibes and the student will find immense energy as well as positivity to complete the tasks.

21. Ask Them to Do the Tough Tasks First

One more cool thing to try out is doing the tough tasks first. It’s a perfect strategy if the student has a list of various tasks of different levels of complexity. You will be able to realize how much time he/she needs to complete the tasks and edit afterward if needed.

Completing the more complex tasks at first enables a student to think and decide critically. The remaining time can be enjoyed with much lower stress while doing the easier assignments. If your child gets bored very quickly you can try this method out.

22. Get Creative

Wondering how to make homework fun creatively? Homework doesn’t sound exciting to students. To be more specific, solving sums after sums or writing science projects doesn’t sound fun alone. Rather, if you mingle these tasks with an artsy adventure, the same old boring homework sessions become interesting.

For instance, you can ask them to paint out the math problems, prepare a model for their science projects, or act a portion of the history or literature books. Some other effective ideas may include creating a range of paintings while explaining a paragraph to a child, making clay characters, and doing some moves with the music.

23. Doing Homework at School

Nowadays, as the syllabuses are changing, students have too much pressure from homework to deal with. After coming home from school, it’s quite natural for them to feel exhausted. At times it becomes impossible for a kid to keep their eyes open for homework.

The best remedy here is to complete the majority of their homework at school. Your child also doesn’t have to stay up all night looking for answers or trying to understand how to remember academic facts. They can use their free time at school to complete some of the homework to stay relaxed later. Also, completing homework with peers involves so much engagement and fun.

24. Ask Them to Work on Different Subjects in a Session

Are you trying to know how to make homework fun without putting in much effort? Plan a routine for your child so that they can work on different subjects in a single session. Try to mix and match the subjects to make them feel comfortable with the pace of the study.

Working on a maximum of 3 subjects a session will help a student to get rid of the homework quickly without considering it as a pressure. Ensure they are not in a rush to complete one subject after another. Make it as systematic and orderly as you can to avoid any unwanted confusion.

25. Get Academic Help

Getting a little homework help is a feasible way to make homework fun. Nevertheless, you must make sure that none of you, the teachers, or the program facilitators are not spoon-feeding them, or else it will affect the student’s development in terms of learning.

If there is a math problem that is too difficult to solve or a paragraph with heavy words, you or the tutor can give your helping hand to the student so that he/she can complete it on his/her own. For instance, you can give a clue to solve the sum or narrate the context of the paragraph.

26. Planning Is the Key

Planning is a powerful habit to make homework sessions fun and organized. Not only at school, but also this habit will help a student throughout his/her life. It’s required for a student to be extremely serious about homework in a studying period and systematic planning can help in completing all the assignments on time.

If your child is in high school or middle school, you can guide him/her to make homework routines. However, elementary school kids and preschool students need their parents’ or teachers’ assistance to make advanced homework plans.

27. Ask Them to Write on Their Favorite Topics

Working on something you love will make you feel more connected to the work. The same applies to both the kids’ homework and older students’ homework. If you are thinking about how to make doing homework fun, you can ask them to write a paragraph or a short essay on their favorite topics.

To implement this strategy, first, talk to the students on a one-on-one basis and try to know their individual preferences in terms of writing. Then assign them a task where they will write whatever they want on their favorite topics. This will act as a warm-up session before doing the homework.

28. Provide Choice

One of the key reasons why younger and older students become disengaged with their homework is they find it meaningless. This is where the mentors and the parents have to play the biggest role. They need to make the student understand why homework is important and how it can benefit them in the future.

This will make the kids’ homework sessions more engaging and they will be able to connect emotionally or personally. How to make homework fun in this way? It’s simple, provide the students with more choices while assigning the homework. For instance, if there is a tough project, they can choose to work alone on it or work with partners.

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Elementary school homework tips.

Homework gives elementary students a way to practice the concepts. But you have to be very careful while making them do the home tasks as at this age they don’t develop an understanding regarding the benefits of homework. To them, homework is just something that parents and teachers use to restrict them from doing what they want.

Below are some effective tips on how to make homework fun for kindergarten students.

• Make sure kids have a creative, engaging, and well-lit place to do the homework.
• Give the kids delicious snacks from time to time so that they don’t get distracted due to hunger.
• Encourage the children to complete their homework by giving them small rewards or recognizing their efforts to make the entire process more manageable.
• Instead of dictating to them what to do and threatening them, be a mentor, a leader, and a motivator.
• Create a homework routine for elementary students manually or use desktop app for planning your homework. Don’t forget to keep short breaks in between.
• Try to keep distractions to a minimum. This means no phone calls, loud music, and TV during homework time.

Set good examples for them but without comparing them with anybody. Have you ever seen your little one saving money? Point that quality out, praise him/her for it, and set it as an example.

Middle School Homework Tips

Middle school students develop a fair understanding of the importance of homework. So, you are not supposed to face much trouble to make them complete their tasks. Check out these middle school homework tips below. These tips will work wonders if you are looking for ways to make homework fun for 7th graders or 8th graders.

• Designate a specific amount of time for homework. This will help them to complete work on time.
• Help them prioritize which tasks to do on a priority basis. In this way, they will develop the ability to make decisions.
• Continuously encourage them to evaluate their work so that they can find the mistakes and correct them on their own.
• Put away the phone to prevent them from being distracted from time to time.
• When needed, help them to complete homework instead of spoon-feeding the whole thing. Give clues to solve a sum, point out some important areas, or explain them in a paragraph so that they can complete the next tasks by themselves.
• Don’t pressurize or force yourself to do homework. Parents need to know when to stop, especially when they are feeling exhausted, frustrated, and confused.

High School Homework Tips

When it comes to homework, high school students are better able to manage their time, stay focused and finish their tasks. This enables them to understand the value of homework. They don’t do any tantrums and get less distracted because they understand the consequences of not completing home tasks on time. But if you want to know how to make homework more enjoyable for high school students throughout the school year, here are some effective tips:

• Tell them to write down their homework every day in a notebook, or a planner to keep it more organized.
• Ask them to write their homework with a blue pen on a white sheet to remember their writing. Also, it’s the best combo to do homework faster.
• Help your teens to divide their homework schedule in a planned way and keep short breaks to freshen up their minds. For instance, if they work for 30 minutes, they can take a 5 minutes break.
• Doing homework with buddies is a proven method to complete homework on time and also in an accurate manner.
• If they get stuck while doing any specific homework, ask them to take help from online resources, libraries, video demonstrations, and journals.

Homework Dos and Don’ts

Let’s face it – nobody loves homework although it’s super important for your child’s learning and development. While high school students understand the importance and need of doing school assignments at home, elementary and preschool children can’t develop the understanding at their age.

Several things are to be kept in mind while expecting homework from students in proper time. To make the students complete their homework happily, we have brought some amazing dos and don’ts that parents or teachers need to follow:

Homework Do’s

1. monitor the answers.

After your child has completed his/her homework, check it once to find what went right and what went wrong. If you find any mistake in his/her work, try not to point that out directly. Instead, give your youngster clues so that he/she can find out the mistakes now.

2. Remove the Distractions

Thinking about how to make homework more fun for your child? Remove the distractions from the study room first including social media on the computer, mobile phones, unnecessary toys, etc. Remember, a decluttered environment is the reason behind a decluttered head. They will be able to focus more on the homework when there isn’t a pile of distractions around them.

3. Be A Cheerleader

Always be your child’s motivator when he/she is doing homework. Students may not be correct always but humiliating them may make them demotivated and frustrated at the same time. Celebrate small successes such as completion of the tasks within time, the maximum number of correct answers, the maximum time the child has devoted to homework, etc. Give treats like candies, stickers, pens/pencils, and colored boxes to celebrate their success.

4. Work in Collaboration

The parents and the children need to work together in terms of homework. There must be a proper channel of communication between both parties so that the child’s overall performance can be monitored.

Homework Don’ts

1. don’t force them to homework.

Forcing a student to do the homework can bring immensely negative results. Children won’t like homework – it’s quite normal but forcefully making them do it is tremendously fatal as it will develop a permanent fear or discomfort that will hamper their overall growth.

2. Don’t Show Them Your Frustration

Kids have a lot of tantrums. Especially, the tantrums increase while doing homework. Often teachers and parents get frustrated but showing them the frustration is not at all a good idea. Not only will the child become stubborn but also, they will develop a fear of doing assignments or getting help from you. If you want to make homework fun for 6th graders or students of any other grades, don’t show your frustration in front of them.

3. Don’t Compare with Their Peers

Comparison is something that demotivates a child to a great extent. It develops a deep resentment in their mind which doesn’t fade away even after growing older. Comparing their grades or skills with their peers is probably the worst idea to make students do homework.

4. Don’t Keep Electronic Devices in Front of Them

Yes, you can give the students electronic gadgets for a few minutes as small rewards but don’t keep the devices in front of them all the time when they are doing homework. This may loosen their concentration and will make them distracted from their respective tasks.

How A Homework Planning App Can Help a Student?

A homework app is the best time-management tool that enables students to organize everything they need to do throughout a week, month, academic year, or semester. It’s an easy way to keep your homework sessions organized. In case you are still thinking about how to make homework fun for your child, software with proper features of homework planning can help him/her out.

The academic pressure on school children sometimes becomes too difficult to handle, especially when there is so much to do. This is where student planners for their home assignments are found to be beneficial. Here is an explanation of how an efficient home assignment planning tool can help students finish their tasks on time:

1. Gives Students A Break

It might also be helpful to make sure that kids have some downtime to unwind and not become overburdened with assignments. If teachers are assigning homework through software, they will see how long a piece of homework will take to be completed, and they can allocate the tasks accordingly scheduling breaks in between.

2. Reduces Stress

Homework pressure may not sound like a big deal to you because you have already left those days behind but to your child, it’s a headache. The fear of being scolded by parents/teachers is one of their biggest concerns to them. Thanks to digital planners, these tools know exactly how to help each student in a customized way.

3. Increases Productivity

How to make homework interesting? Students who use a school planner are more productive and can manage their time more effectively. Students today struggle with procrastination because the internet age offers so many diversions. However, if they have noted down the tasks they must complete, they will be more motivated to complete them.

4. Easier for Parents and Teachers

A homework app with intuitive features of planning helps to complete an assignment within time in a systematic manner. Younger students who still rely on the help of their parents and teachers to do their schoolwork often fail to inform them about their homework status. Having homework software can easily sort this problem out and reduces mentors’ work and hassle.

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How to make homework fun with clarifi.

To assist students to achieve their highest potential, Clarifi is a homework software that acts as an ideal digital homework attention coach. We are dedicated to helping students achieve their academic goals. The pupils may complete their homework independently with the help of this digital planning app for homework.

It is a straightforward and uncomplicated desktop program that gives them more confidence to finish their assignment as quickly and effectively as possible. It is the only research-backed desktop application that enables children who are easily distracted to do their schoolwork without a parent watching over them. Monitoring student behavior is the only way to be sure they are doing their assignments.

However, keeping track of pupils’ activity is a time-consuming and important duty. However, Clarifi is available to make this procedure as easy as possible. With the aid of this program, students can effortlessly enter each homework assignment and keep track of the due dates for each one based on the class or the current day.

They receive prizes from the automated coach for maintaining concentration and doing their homework. When all pupils turn in their schoolwork on time, they will receive diamonds as a reward. This element motivates pupils to develop the positive habit of finishing their home assignments on time. Clarifi is an easy digital homework attention planner that provides kids with the ability to filter out distractions, improve their executive functioning, and keep all of their assignments organized in one location.

Clarifi guarantees to raise their capacity for concentration and focus as well as their academic performance. It incorporates functions that provide users the means to remain centered, motivated, and organized while finishing their schoolwork on their own. When kids use the app, it is specially designed with cutting-edge technology that blocks all other apps.

Generating an undistracted and focused environment for students with Clarifi is the answer to “how to make homework less boring.”

Students Can Now Complete Homework with Fun!

With these tricks and tips, students can now efficiently engage themselves in homework. Learners need to study and complete their homework/assignments with a positive mindset and not forcefully. As soon as a student starts doing his/her homework strenuously, the interest is eventually lost, leading to mistakes and burnout.

But with the tricks mentioned above, homework sessions can now be immensely fun and interesting. Whether you are a teacher, parent, or student, these are some tried and tested ways to complete home tasks engagingly. Stay tuned to Clarifi for similar informative blogs like this. If to need help with your children’s homework and know more about how to make homework fun get in touch with Clarifi today.

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50 Activities for 6th Grade

Hands-on ideas to engage digital learners in meeting standards and learning goals.

Fifty ideas for using a digital approach to help sixth-grade students meet standards and learning goals.

1. Design a how-to book or presentation

What can your students teach others? Procedural writing is an excellent way for students to become experts in a topic and feel confident about their ability to share the information with others.

To cement learning and inspire others, encourage students to closely examine the parts of a rule they struggle to understand or share the process of doing something they are passionate about. Use a flowchart to help students break down the process into each essential step.

Explore a Procedural Writing lesson plan

2. Set learning goals

The simple act of writing down your goals makes you more likely to achieve them, so have students take some time to set personal goals to accomplish this school or calendar year. Developing goals that are SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely) can help even more.

Have students use the goals as a home screen on their devices so they see a daily reminder of what they are working to achieve.

Explore a SMART Goals lesson plan

3. Create and send a digital postcard

After learning something new, have students tell someone else using a postcard! Students could write a postcard from:

• a character in a story
• a biome or habitat
• a specific time in history
• a unique geographic or cultural destination

Working with a digital tool, like Wixie , makes it easy to combine text, images, and audio to create the postcard, as well as copy/paste the project URL to share it.

Explore a Postcards from the Past lesson plan

4. Design wanted posters for vocabulary terms

While defining a word and using it in a sentence isn't very exciting or effective, students do need explicit vocabulary instruction. Asking students to create a Wanted Poster for a vocabulary term gets them to consider how it might be used or encountered in an everyday context.

Students could also create Wanted Posters about various literary genres or terms like "totalitarianism" they encounter in Social Studies classes.

5. Conduct an interview with a figure or object from history

Research a historical event and ask students to share their newfound knowledge and opinions by creating a fictitious interview with a person (or object) who was there.

Explore an Artifact Interviews lesson plan

6. Plan an event

Planning the details for a party, including needed space (geometry) and a budget (decimals), requires students to practice and apply math and argument skills to a real-life scenario.

Explore a Plan an Event lesson plan

7. Celebrate a city

Showcase what you have learned about how geography influences culture to design promotional materials that showcase the cultural, historical, and environmental assets of a city.

8. Explore the hero's journey

Use well-known stories such as "The Odyssey," "Star Wars," or "The Lord of the Rings" to show how the hero's journey manifests in different contexts. Then, have students pick a hero and create a digital journal about their hero's perspective at each stage of the cycle.

Wixie has several Hero's Journey templates that make it easy to compare and apply the hero's journey to a story they are reading.

Explore a Hero's Journey lesson plan

9. Write a letter to or between characters in a story

Taking the perspective of a character in a story can help students understand their motivations and better comprehend their response to events in a story. Have students use stationery to write a letter to or between characters in a story.

Give students a prompt that requires them to use evidence from text to justify their opinion or make an argument about it.

10. Publish a personification story

Have students personify an object, and then write, illustrate, and publish a story about it.

Explore a Personification Stories lesson plan

11. Produce a news broadcast

Watch a couple of news broadcast segments together and discuss how theys effectively inform their audience about news, events, and other topics.

Have small teams work on a broadcast that includes segments like a main story, an expert interview, a human interest story, and the weather.

Explore a News Broadcast lesson plan

12. Create visual versions of poetry

Visual versions of poems are great performance tasks that require close reading. Have students use a digital publishing tool to type a poem from their favorite poet or one they may have written and add illustrations and voice recordings to help the reader and viewer better understand and connect with the poem.

Explore a Visual Poetry lesson plan

13. Inform with infographics

Infographics are visual representations of information that make complex ideas and large amounts of data easy to understand.

Instruct students to research information or collect data on a science topic. Then, have students create charts and graphs, analyze the information, and create an infographic to display the findings.

Explore a Creating Infographics lesson plan

14. Design a new book cover

Ask your students to create new covers for the stories they are reading. To design an effective book cover, students need to think about how they can use imagery to share knowledge of characters, setting and events in order to attract new readers.

Go even further, by asking them to design a complete book jacket — including a cover image, a plot summary, a book review, information about the author, and quotes or teasers from the story.

Explore the Design a Book Cover lesson plan

15. Create an Arcimboldo-inspired self-portrait

Giuseppe Arcimboldo is an Italian Renaissance painter known for his portraits of people that use objects like fruit and books. Challenge students to create Arcimboldo-style self-portraits by combining clip art images in an imaging tool.

Explore an Arcimboldo-Inspired Self-Portraits lesson plan

16. Create a character scrapbook

Explore a Character Scrapbook lesson plan

17. Create a historical magazine

Have students create a newspaper or magazine to show what they have learned about the events, politics, and culture of a different time in history. ( template )

Explore a Day in the Life lesson plan

18. Raise awareness with a public service announcement

Students in sixth grade are starting to have the capabilities and passions to change the world. Have students create a public service announcement to raise awareness, inform others, and change behaviors.

When developing a public service announcement (PSA), students have a chance to practice and apply persuasive writing skills in a real-world, authentic context. A short PSA targeted at a particular audience also encourages students to focus on writing organization, as well as voice and word choice.

Explore a Conservation PSA lesson plan

19. Create a community field guide

Ask students to go outside, or even look out a window, and simply observe the plants and animals there. Have them find a plant they find beautiful or an animal that interests them. Use a digital paint program to have them sketch their object and add text labels and insights about what they notice.

Students can then use their observations and sketches along with a field guide to help them identify the species if they don't know what it is. They can add additional information or notes to create a field guide for other species that live nearby.

Explore a Fantastic Field Guides lesson plan

20. Create a character coat of arms

Small, but mindful, changes can move a task beyond remember and retell. For example, replace a typical character trait cluster assignment with the task of developing a coat of arms for a story's protagonist that represents traits of the main character.

Creating a coat of arms provides students with an opportunity to think about objects, colors, symbols, and mottos that reflect a character's personality, passions, strengths, and experiences.

Wixie has a Coat of Arms template that makes it easy to add color, text, and images to show comprehension.

21. Write a blackout poem

To write a blackout poem, you cover up words on a page of text until the leftover words form a poem. Using a digital approach means you don't have to pay for or destroy printed books.

Use a paint program to add a section of text from a favorite poem or book you are reading. Then, use the paint brush tool to blackout words, until a new poem appears.

Read the text and circle words you find interesting, then read them in order to listen to your poem. Circle additional words to fill out the idea and blackout (or pink-out, as the case may be) the rest of the words and add additional painted decoration.

22. Create a vision board

Have students create a vision board to represent what it will look and feel like when they reach their goals. A vision board is a collage of images, words, and short phrases that provide a tangible idea of what your future success looks and feels like.

The visuals representing your goals serve as a reminder of what your future can be, so have students print or post the vision boards where they will see them regularly.

Explore a Vision Board lesson plan

23. Craft a concrete poem

Concrete poems are poems where the words are arranged in a shape that reflects the topic of the poem. Because creativity, presentation, and productivity tools let you resize, move, and rotate text easily, they make it easy to move text to create a desired shape.

Ask students to write a poem in small phrases or stanzas. Then, use the font, size, color and rotation options to use it to create a larger image.

24. Create a mandala

Mandalas have been around for thousands of years and are highly structured forms of art that use repetitive patterns.

While mandalas are a form of radial symmetry, they have also historically been a form of meditation and a way to get to know oneself more completely. Making a mandala can help students reflect on their lives and their world.

Go on a quiet walk and let students pick up things that capture their eye, like fallen leaves, sticks, and flower petals. You can also collect found objects and recycled materials and have students use these objects to create a tangible or physical mandala.

Using a digital tool, like Wixie , to create a mandala provides students with unlimited access to a range of shapes they can use repeatedly. This makes it easy to create mandalas that reflect one’s interests, passions, and aspirations.

Explore a Make a Mandala lesson plan

25. Create and send a thank you card

Practicing gratitude can have a big effect on our happiness. Empower students to show their gratitude by writing a thoughtful letter to someone for a gift they appreciate. Remind them gifts can be objects like clothing (material), but also things like friendship and support (immaterial).

Students can always print the message, but if they share digitally, they can record voice and/or video, making it even more personal and special.

26. Paint pop art

Share examples of Andy Warhol's work and then discuss the idea that mass-produced products from everyday life can be inspiration for art and the object of art itself. What objects do they find or use today that have their own beauty?

Many art and social media tools have filters or color options. Ask students to use clip art of common objects, like the Wixie example below, or capture a photo with their phone.

Students can then duplicate the image and apply filters and color options as they create Warhol-esque repeating images.

Explore a Pop Art lesson plan

27. Create an ABC's of... 

After researching and learning about a topic such as geography, matter, or ancient civilizations, have students use an A-B-C format to share knowledge they have learned.

Assign individual letters to students and combine into a class project.

Explore an ABC Book lesson plan

28. Create a memory book

Have students reflect and compile memories of the school year by creating a digital memory book.

Tools like Wixie make it easy to add images, text, voice recording and video to capture experiences, feelings, and achievements.

29. Survey peers

Capturing, analyzing, and communicating data is essential for success in our information age. Maximize opportunities for your students to create, give and display the results from surveys they create.

Consider having them graph results and communicate their findings through an infographic .

30. Tell tall tales

Legends and tall tales are stories filled with unbelievable events or exaggerations that explain a person's character or how something came to be. Ask students to write, illustrate, and record their own tall tale about a historical figure or location.

Explore a Legends and Tall Tales lesson plan

31. Create surrealist art

Inform students about surrealism. You might inspire them by reading a book like Pish, Posh, Hieronymus Bosch .

Have students use paint tools to illustrate bizarre creatures juxtaposed around a normal self-portrait and then write a poem about the way the surrealism makes them feel.

This example takes advantage of the mirror symmetry options for the paint brush in Wixie .

Explore a Surreal Symmetry lesson plan

32. Create comics, cartoons, and even graphic novels

Comics and cartoons are a great way to engage students in the stories they are reading and information they are researching and exploring. Have students create comics for a fun way to practice narrative writing, retelling, sharing understanding, teaching others, raising awareness, and more.

Explore additional ideas and lesson plans for creating comics

33. Celebrate a person of significance

Combine research, empathy, and writing by asking students to choose one person they feel should be the person of the year. Make sure students explain why they chose this person and what qualities and traits make them an outstanding contributor to society.

Wixie includes a fun biography template that helps direct student research and scaffold ideas.

34. Build your creativity

Creativity is an essential skill for success in the digital age! Use an Edward deBono-style circles activity to practice creative thinking by asking students to use drawing tools to turn circles into recognizable objects.

35. Create a playlist

Have students tap into their musical side by creating a playlist that matches the theme in a story, a chemical reaction or a historical event. Ensure students explain the reasoning behind their choices.

36. Create a WANTED poster for a story's antagonist

It is often the antagonist that makes a story interesting or gives a plot direction. Have students create wanted posters for villains in the stories they are reading to evaluate comprehension and help them consider how they might craft a villain to add impact to their own writing.

Explore more ideas for Wanted Posters

37. Create silhouette art

A silhouette is a sharp outline or shadow of an object. Take advantage of the layers, image libraries, and paint options in a digital art tool like Wixie.

Explore a Spooky Silhouettes lesson plan

38. Create a book bento

Have students create a book bento to retell important details about a text or to visually celebrate their favorite title. Find a bento box background, like this one in Wixie , then have students arrange images about the book and add hyperlinks for an interactive collage.

39. Craft an if/but comparative

Comparing and contrasting is a powerful learning strategy. Crafting an If/But comparative report promotes analytical and creative thinking.

Have students craft an If/But comparative report to showcase how two topics they are studying, such as animals, book characters, or geographic regions, are similar and different.

40. Host a commemorative ceremony

Ask students to design and lead a ceremony to honor a person or commemorate an event in history; this is a great way to involve students in student-wide culture and history days.

Have students consider designing invitations, programs, posters, speeches, and videos as well as organizing space, agenda, and activities.

Explore a Commemorative Ceremony lesson plan

41. Design a superhero

Tap into student passion for comics and superheroes by asking them to share some favorites. Then, ask them what qualities or "powers" make a great superhero.

Discuss as a class, and then ask each student to design their own superhero and explain how their traits make them a hero.

Explore a Design a Superhero lesson plan

42. Celebrate everyday heroes

Popularity and fame make someone an idol, but these traits don't make them a hero. Challenge your students to help you compare what makes an idol and what makes a hero.

Task students with finding a local hero and raising awareness about their work in your community and what actions and characteristics make them a hero.

43. Promote a book with a movie-style trailer

Have students create book talks in the form of movie-style trailers to promote their favorite books and get other students excited about reading them.

Explore an Entice Your Reader lesson plan

44. Design a school lunch menu

After researching nutrition and journaling about their own food consumption, task teams of students with designing a menu for a week of school lunches. Teams should strive to both encourage healthy eating and reduce the amount of food waste.

Compare menu designs and work as a class to craft a presentation that showcases the best ideas to the food service team at your site.

Explore a Healthy School Lunch lesson plan

45. Propose community improvements with a pop-up plaza

Introduce students to the popular trend of pop-ups plazas to improve and revitalize communities. Students research an area in their community that they would like to change. After interviewing community members for their needs, students design a model of the intended space and write and pitch a proposal to help fund their pop-up.

Explore a Pop-Up Plaza lesson plan

46. Produce video biographies

Turn informational writing into a motivating experience by having students create a video biography of a historical figure.

Explore a Video Biographies lesson plan

47. Host a tourism trade show

Learning about a new region, state or country should be fun and steeped in a practical and real-life application. After viewing tourism promotional materials, task students to work in teams to research and pitch their area of interest in the form of a brochure, slideshow or social media post.

This makes for a fun way to get students to practice writing and speaking in a world language classroom.

Explore a Tourism Trade Show lesson plan

48. Send a virtual compliment

Show your appreciation for a classmate, family member, or friend with a compliment card. This is a great idea for a random acts of kindness promotion.

Tools like Wixie let you print multiple copies or pages onto a single sheet of paper, making it easy to print, fold, and share. Great for dropping in a classmate's lunch box or backpack.

49. Paint with pointillism

Pointillism is a style of painting developed by Georges Seurat and Paul Signac that uses small, individual dots of color to create the illusion of shapes and images.

Challenge students to create paintings with pointillism. Digital art tools make it easy to change the size and color of the paintbrush as well as magnify to help students change the size, spacing and color of small dots to make a larger image.

Explore a Paint with Pointillism lesson plan

50. Make mock social media posts and pages

Have students take on the viewpoint of a character in a novel you are reading and create a mock social network page to reflect traits, events, and perspectives they have analyzed for this character.

Once they have experience with digital projects, let students choose the product or way they will demonstrate understanding… simply make them argue their case before they begin. No matter what you or they choose, transfer as much responsibility as possible to students to motivate and empower them to control their own learning.

by Melinda Kolk

Melinda Kolk ( @melindak ) is the Editor of Creative Educator and the author of Teaching with Clay Animation . She has been helping educators implement project-based learning and creative technologies like clay animation into classroom teaching and learning for the past 15 years.

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Math Games For Your Grade 6 Students: Fun, Free Math Activities (No Screens Required!)

Vanessa Sipple-Asher

Math games for grade 6 are important to include in lesson planning. The sixth grade and middle school math curriculum is more diverse and varied than that of elementary school. As students transition into middle school, math concepts get more challenging and math lessons become more structured. Math games are a good way to lighten up the class time load but still  strengthen students’ math skills.

In middle school, new math concepts are introduced and concepts that students are already familiar with from elementary school, get expanded and taken to the next level of complexity. 

When to use math games in grade 6

The transition from elementary school into middle school is a big one and 6th graders can often feel overwhelmed: they may be in a new school, need to make new friends, have different teachers and more challenging class work. 

Sixth grade math is one of these areas that can be intimidating for children. Fun math games and math activities can be a good way to make math feel a little less scary. Consider starting a lesson with a fun math game to get sixth graders into the ‘doing math’ mindset. 

A funny math problem, game or math puzzle can also be a good way to end a lesson as they can leave students feeling upbeat and positive about learning math – something that is crucial for young mathematicians. Using these activities as an exit ticket also provides the teacher with a low-stakes means of assessing students’ understanding of the day’s lesson.

• 3rd grade math games
• 4th grade math games
• 5th grade math games
• 7th grade math games
• 8th grade math games

Math Games for 6th Graders

6 printable games for 6th graders that can be played in pairs, teams or as a whole class as a fun way to build math skills.

How to use these grade 6 math games

The free math games listed below are simple to use and require very few resources. All of the games suggested can be easily adapted to suit different levels of difficulty as well as adapted to different topic areas. 

We hope that these games are enjoyed by you and your students and can provide ideas for you to create your own math games.

Prime numbers game

This fun maths game gets children thinking about prime numbers and factors, to determine whether they have the cards to make a prime number each time.

What you will need to play:

• 2 or more players
• Pack of cards (Ace = 1, Jack = 11, Queen = 12 and King = 13)
• List of prime numbers (optional): 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, 37, 41, 43, 47, 53, 59, 61, 67, 71, 73, 79, 83, 89, 97, 101, 103, 107, 109, and 113

How to play:

• Shuffle the cards and deal 11 cards to each player, which they hold in their hand. The top card of the remainder of the pack is turned over and is the ‘starting number’.
• The non-dealer (or person to the left of the dealer) adds a card from their hand that adds to the starting card to equal a prime number. 
• The next player then tries to add to that total to equal a larger prime. 
• When a player can no longer add a card that sums up to a prime the hand is over, and the last person to make a prime gets a point.

The first player to score 5 points is the winner.

Multiplication game: product hunt

This game enables children to practise the written method of multiplication in a more fun and motivational way than just working through calculations on a worksheet.

• 0-9 digit cards
• Paper and pen
• Shuffle the cards and place in the middle of the table, face down.
• Players take it in turns to take a card and place it face up on the table.
• Continue until 5 cards have been selected.
• Once the 5 cards have been chosen, players have 2 minutes to make as many long multiplication questions and calculate the correct answers as they can (e.g. if the cards 2, 9, 5, 6 and 1 were chosen, they could write down the calculation 291 x 56.
• The winner is the player with the most correct calculations completed in the 2 minutes.

Fractions, decimals and percentages game: snap

In sixth grade, children need to be able to recognise equivalent fractions, decimals, place value and percentages. This game is a simple way of practising this in a more engaging and fun way than working through a worksheet.

For an extra challenge, add some roman numerals cards.

• A set of shuffled fraction, decimal and percentage cards (see printable resource pack)

• Place the shuffled pile of cards face down on the table.
• Take it in turns to turn over a card. If 2 cards are turned over with matching fractions/decimals/percentages e.g. 50% and ½, then the first player to call out ‘snap’ gets to keep all the cards put down so far.
• The winner is the player at the end of the game with the most pairs of cards.

Multiplying / dividing fractions game

This game can be used for both multiplying and dividing fractions, as well as comparing the size of 2 fractions. This game really gets children thinking, as they have to think carefully where to position their digits to make the largest fraction.

This game can also be adapted to cover adding and subtracting fractions. 

• A set of 1-9 cards
• Blank fractions sheet with multiplying or dividing questions (see printable resource pack) 

• Each player has a blank multiplying or dividing fractions page.
• Take it in turns to throw the dice and each player decides which box on their sheet to put the number in.
• Once the numbers have been generated and all 4 boxes contain a number, each player multiplies their fractions together (or they can divide the fractions if this is the focus).
• The player who has made the greatest fraction, when the 2 are multiplied or divided, scores 2 points. 
• If both players make the same sized fraction, each player scores 1 point.
• The winner is the first player to reach 10 points.

Algebra game: 3 in a row

In sixth grade, children build on the algebra skills learnt in 5th grade and start applying the skills that will take them through to high school. This game is a great way to practise algebraic equations and more fun than simply answering questions from a textbook.

• Algebra game board (see printable resource pack)
• Algebra equations list (see printable resource pack)
• 20 counters (2 colours)

• The first player throws both dice.
• With the 2 numbers generated, they decide which number will represent ‘a’ and which number will represent ‘b’.
• They then choose one of the 6 equations, using the 2 numbers generated to represent a and b. 
• They work out the answer and cover the number with a counter.
• The next player does the same.
• Players take it in turns until one player has positioned 3 counters in a row. They are the winner.

Coordinates game: battleships

In this game, players must identify all the coordinates of their opponent’s battleships. It can be played using a 2 or a 4 quadrant grid and is great for practising the reading and plotting of coordinates.

• A blank coordinates grid, A – I on the x-axis and 1 – 9 on the y-axis, for each player (see printable resource pack)
• A pen for each player

• Each player has a blank coordinate grid.
• They plot their ‘battleships’ (make sure the size and number of battleships are agreed in advance) on the grid and make a note of the coordinates.
• Player 1 goes first and calls out their first coordinate. If it hits one of the coordinates on player 2’s grid, player 2 calls out ‘hit’ and player 1 marks it off. If it misses player 2’s battleships, they call out ‘miss’ and player 1 marks it as a miss.
• Players then swap over, so player 2 calls out their first coordinate. As before, player 1 calls out ‘hit’ or ‘miss’
• Once a battleship has had all the coordinates called out, the player who’s battleship it is shouts ‘battleship sunk’. The other player marks this on their grid.
• The winner is the first person to sink all the other player’s battleships.

Exponent Compare!

This is a fast-paced game where students compare exponents.

• ‘Exponent Compare’ cards
• Cut out the cards from the ‘Exponent Compare’ sheet. Shuffle them and deal them between both players.
• At the same time, each player turns over one card. The player who has the largest value number gets to collect the cards and add them to their pile.
• As an added challenge, players can be given a 5 second time limit to determine which card has the higher value; if the player with the highest value doesn’t collect the cards within 5 seconds, the other player can take the cards.
• The person who gets all the cards first wins!

Example cards for printable resource:

The 24 Game

This math game is a great problem solving and ‘low floor, high ceiling’ game, as players search for a solution. They can use basic calculations to reach the target number or they can utilize much more complex mathematical calculations.

• A pack of cards (number cards only)
• Shuffle the pack of cards and lay them face down on the table.
• Each player picks a card and turns it face up on the table until there are 4 cards displayed.
• The aim of the game is to make ‘24’ using only the cards on the table and any of the 4 operations.
• For example, if they have a 6, 10, 2, and 6, the solution could be very simple, such as basic addition: 6 + 10 + 2 + 6 = 24
• To incorporate the order of operations, however, students can create more complex operations involving parentheses. For example, they may have 9, 5, 6, and 9 and solve it by creating the equation 5 – (9 ÷ 9) x 6 = 24.
• If no players are able to reach 24, the player who is the closest wins.

Estimate Volume

In this game, students challenge their estimation skills by guessing the volume of 3D objects within the classroom before measuring the actual volume.

What you need to play:

• Plain paper
• Tape measure or ruler
• Create a list of 3D objects in the classroom with a measurable length, width, and height. (For example, a book!) The items can be large or small. Try to list at least 20 items.
• Next to each item, write an estimate of its length, width, and height, and then multiply them together to get an estimate of the item’s volume.
• Then, measure the items and calculate their actual volumes.
• Compare your estimates to the real answers. How accurate were you?

This math activity can be played whole-class, in a small group, or with a partner. Students work together to find the greatest common factor of two numbers.

• Index cards with a two-digit number written on each one (It may be most helpful to use numbers that are found in the 1-12 times table.)
• A partner or group

Whole-class:

• Each student gets one index card.
• Students walk around the room until you yell ‘stop!’ When they hear ‘stop,’ they must partner up with the classmate that is closest to them at that time. (You could also play music and students stop and partner up when the music stops.)
• The two partners find the GCF of the two numbers on their index cards. (Example: if partner A has 16 and partner B has 24, they should determine that the GCF between their numbers is 8.
• Continue until all students have partnered up.
• As a challenge, you may ask 3 or 4 students to partner up at the signal and work together to find the GCF of all their numbers.

Partner or small group:

• Students are given a stack of index cards with a two-digit number written on each one. 
• Students shuffle the cards and distribute them evenly amongst themselves.
• At the same time, students flip a card and work together to find the GCF.
• The game ends when all cards have been played. Students can then shuffle and start over.

Human Number Line

This is a whole-class activity where students have an opportunity to create a number line using positive and negative integers.

• Index cards: labeled from -20 to 10. ( This can change depending on how many students are in your class, but it is important to have both negative and positive integers as well as the number zero. )
• Shuffle the index cards and give one to each student.
• Task the students to create a real-life number line by ordering themselves from least to greatest.
• This can be adapted to a small group or partner activity, where students are given a set of index cards and must order them together.
• 6th Grade Math
• Transition To Middle School

Do you have students who need extra support in math? Give your students more opportunities to consolidate learning and practice skills through personalized math tutoring with their own dedicated online math tutor. Each student receives differentiated instruction designed to close their individual learning gaps, and scaffolded learning ensures every student learns at the right pace. Lessons are aligned with your state’s standards and assessments, plus you’ll receive regular reports every step of the way. Personalized one-on-one math tutoring programs are available for: – 2nd grade tutoring – 3rd grade tutoring – 4th grade tutoring – 5th grade tutoring – 6th grade tutoring – 7th grade tutoring – 8th grade tutoring Why not learn more about how it works ?

The content in this article was originally written by content team Vanessa Sipple-Asher and has since been revised and adapted for US schools by elementary math teacher Katie Keeton.

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11 Strategies to Make Homework Fun and Manageable

Posted by Erica Warren on May 11, 2021

Homework Don'ts:

• Never pair homework with a punishment. When this is done, students associate homework with unpleasantries, and it can have a negative impact on future assignments.
• Don't call home assignments, "homework." Who wants to take their work home? Besides, when it is called work, it becomes work. Personally, I like to call it, "home fun!"

Homework Dos:

• Create enticing names for home assignments. For example, I never teach script or cursive. I teach roller-coaster letters! 
• Generate excitement about upcoming assignments by sharing your own excitement and enthusiasm for the content. 
• Bring creative options such as drawing, sculpting, and music into assignments.
• Introduce the fun factor to your lessons. Many students enjoy making games as well as playing them, so try to weave these into the curriculum. Encouraging these entertaining options can make academics more memorable too. 
• Bring color into assignments. Instead of requiring your students to write in pencil or a black pen, encourage them to use an array of erasable colors, highlighters, and pens.  Personally, I love to use Frixion pens , highlighters , and markers .
• Offer a variety of assignment options. Students possess different strengths, and they also have their own preferred ways of learning . Providing options allows them to share their knowledge and choose an approach that appeals to them. 
• Limit the amount of homework. Students are often cognitively exhausted after a long day of schooling, and they need time to relax and also get involved in other afterschool activities.
• Offering students extra credit for completing home assignments can be very motivating.  One of my favorite assignments is offering students the opportunity to make test corrections. This way, students can learn from mishaps and any misconceptions can be corrected.
• Offer homework passes: We all need personal days.

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15 Creative Ways to Make Math Fun for Your Students

Written by Maria Kampen

Did you know?

Students who used Prodigy saw a significant, positive shift in their opinion towards math in just a few months.

• Teaching Activities
• How teachers can bring positive to math lessons

Why some kids don't enjoy math

15 secrets to make math fun.

• Turn the math classroom into a healthy environment

The bell rings, you tell students to take out their math work, and then...groans of disappointment. 

When it comes to learning math, not every student is a fan. But at Prodigy, we believe in making math fun and helping students love the learning journey. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for engaging your math class, because it’s a process that looks different for every student. We’ve put together a list of ways to help every student in your class love math. 

Keep reading to find the one that’s right for your classroom!

Teachers can bring positivity to math lessons

Because every kid is different, they might have different reasons for dreading math class or avoiding their math homework. 

• Difficulty — If a student is struggling to keep up with their math homework or understand lessons, it’s very easy for them to disengage and get discouraged or anxious.
• Boredom — If students aren’t being challenged enough or need extra resources to stay occupied, math work they’ve already mastered can cause them to become bored and disengage. 
• General interest — Maybe your student really likes reading, science or art more than math facts. They could be prioritizing work in these classes, or simply be uninterested in paying attention to math. 
• Math anxiety — Testing and grades give some students a lot of anxiety. This stress is exacerbated when they’re struggling to master new concepts, causing them to become overwhelmed and lose focus.

Whether they’re bored or anxious, disengaged or struggling, these 15 math class secrets can help you engage every student in your class — regardless of how they feel about math. 

Keep reading to find some of the best ways to make math fun and help your students build a love of learning !

1. Math games

Math games are a tried-and-true method for bringing excitement and competition to your classroom. Whether online or in person, math games can engage your students and align to your lesson plan. 

Popular math games include:

• Card games like War, where two students use multiplication, subtraction or even exponent rules to build cards with a higher value than their opponent’s.
• Math stations filled with number blocks and other manipulatives during play-based learning activities for younger students.
• Math board games that help students learn basic math facts, while also building socio-emotional skills like turn-taking and collaboration. Try filling a tic-tac-toe board with math facts, or hosting a math bingo game for the whole class!

Prodigy Math Game is a video game-inspired learning platform that transforms math into an epic adventure. Created for first to eighth grade, students can complete quests, earn rewards and collect pets as they learn. 

Plus, your free teacher account gives you access to teacher tools that make differentiation , assessments and gathering student insights easier than ever. 

2. Visual aids and picture books

If you’ve got a classroom full of visual learners, then charts, picture books and other visual aids can help them make sense of new concepts and provide reference points as they work.

Printables, anchor charts and diagrams are readily available on sites like Teachers Pay Teachers to make classroom set up easy and stress-free. You can even have students make their own visual aids to help them remember key terms and concepts!

Picture books are also a great way to engage students that prefer seeing and reading to math work. Some of our favorites are:

• G is for Googol: A Math Alphabet Book by David M. Schwartz — Best for students in 4th to 8th grade, this math book explores interesting math concepts for every letter of the alphabet. 
• Bean Thirteen by Matt McElligot — Ralph and Flora are trying to get rid of the unlucky thirteenth bean, but it keeps coming back! This story is a goofy exploration of remainders and division.  
• Uno’s Garden by Graeme Base — Search for different plants and animals in the forest where Uno lives. Students have to complete skills, puzzles and multiplication questions to finish the adventure. 

Whether it’s reading or drawing, there’s something to help every student learn new math skills!

3. Using modern technology

When it comes to teaching math, modern technology can broaden perspectives and give students new ways to engage with the world around them. 

Math is Fun offers students games and math puzzles that balance fun with skills-building challenges. 

Tablets and smartphones give students new ways to engage with math on their own terms. We put together a list of the 13 best math apps for kids , but our favourites include:

• Prodigy Math Game , an adaptive math adventure game.
• Dragon Box , a colorful math app that turns concepts like algebra and multiplication into a fun game.
• Khan Academy , a non-profit organization that creates video lessons for a variety of different topics and levels.

4. Take a hands-on approach

Every teacher knows worksheets aren’t always the most engaging. 

A hands-on approach in the math classroom means finding real-life examples of formulas and concepts, or including student interests in relevant work problems. 

Try a beach ball toss with equations written on each section or bake with your students to learn about fractions! Math puzzles like KenKen, Magic Squares and tangram puzzles can also help kinesthetic learners practice their skills. 

The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives also put traditional math tools online for greater accessibility. Ideal for one-to-one device use or station rotations, it offers manipulation tasks for every grade level. 

5. Encourage communication with students and parents

Understanding students and connecting with parents are both equally important, for different reasons. Parent teacher conferences and quick notes home are ways for you to share positive notes and get valuable insights into how students feel about math.

Math journaling is a great way to have students reflect on what they’re struggling with, what they enjoy doing and where they think they need more practice. You might read things that confirm your insights, or find something new! 

6. Focus on your students

It’s easy to focus on just getting through your curriculum for the year — after all, isn’t that what students need to learn the most?

But a shift to student-centered learning techniques can help you support the needs of every student in your classroom. Student-centered learning involves kids in decisions about their studies, helps them build a growth mindset and encourages them to make connections between concepts. 

Some common student-centered techniques include:

• Interdisciplinary learning that mixes math with other subjects
• Service learning projects to combine academic goals with community service
• Personalized learning through regular formative assessments and pre-teaching
• Student-led conferences that involve students in feedback and decision-making about their learning

7. Stick to fixed routines

Building a fixed math class routine can help students feel settled and confident when math class starts, especially if they struggle with math anxiety. 

Outline expectations and what students need to show up to class with, whether that’s a sharp pencil and paper, or just a sharp mind. 

Pick something to start your lesson with, whether it’s introducing a new concept or reviewing an old one:

• Give students a discussion question and ask how they solved it
• Put some vocab words on the board and ask students to define them
• Challenge older students to analyze a piece of mathematical writing from another scholar

Spend the middle of your lesson teaching or giving your class hands-on experience with new concepts:

• Set up station rotation activities and small group instruction
• Use blended learning techniques to promote hands-on activities and group work
• Give a mini-lesson and then hands-on practice with worksheets or other activities

End class on a high note with quick activities that reinforce learning:

• Ask students to summarize what they learned, in writing or out loud
• Have students work individually or in pairs to answer a quick wrap-up question
• Set up an exit ticket activity so students can show you what they learned, either by submitting a piece of paper or answering a question before they leave

8. Use real objects

There are plenty of math tools that can help students picture abstract math concepts in the real world , including:

• Abacus for counting and number sense
• Spheres, prisms and other shapes for geometry
• Manipulatives like base ten blocks, number lines and clocks
• Small objects like gummy bears, buttons or rocks for pattern making
• Flashcards for subtraction, addition, multiplication and division facts, or other math vocabulary terms

Incorporate these items into problem-solving activities for more ways to learn. 

9. Physical involvement

Techniques that get students moving, out of their seats or just engaging in hands-on learning activities can help a variety of different learners. In your classroom, try:

• Writing and acting out skits about math concepts
• A scavenger hunt for geometric shapes or patterns
• Brain breaks to help students stay focused during long stretches of class
• Interactive games like flash cards, dice, manipulatives or “Around the World” with relevant math problems

Think-pair-share activities and flipped classrooms can also help students get hands-on experience and talk through new ideas with peers in real time. 

10. Use interesting and engaging questions

If you have two morph marbles, use one in a Prodigy math battle, and then earn two more, how many morph marbles do you have?

Word problems are a great way to connect student interests with your lesson plans. If you’re not sure what students like, send out a quick survey or ask them about their favorite books, TV shows or video games. 

They’ll be delighted when they find their favorite Prodigy character or TV show on your next handout, and you’ll have a class full of students actually excited about doing their homework. 

11. Address learning issues promptly

If you notice students falling behind (or racing ahead), address it early to avoid any long-term engagement problems. 

One-on-one instruction or small groups can help you pay attention to individual learning needs . A mixture of group and individual work can help all learners absorb information in the way they learn best, too. 

Use response to intervention (RTI) methods to address small and large learning issues promptly. RTI focuses on early and continuous identification, assessment and assistance of students who have learning and behavioural needs. 

If the learning needs are serious, talk to parents and administration about setting up an IEP or 504 plan to make sure students can access support that helps them succeed and stay engaged. 

12. Integrate math into other subjects

Whether it’s statistics in social studies or angles in art, there are endless ways to connect topics and inspire students to learn more. 

Incorporate math talk into other subjects as part of interdisciplinary teaching activities to help students stay engaged — especially if the second subject is something they’re more interested in. 

13. Keep lessons fun and interactive

Fun math activities can help you keep students engaged and learning, whether it’s short and silly brain breaks between worksheets or station rotations with a mix of small group and individual work. 

Be sure to offer lots of opportunities for students to get involved answering questions or helping with hands-on demonstrations.  For more interactive lessons, try modern teaching methods like inquiry-based learning that let students follow their own interests and passions!

14. Incorporate technology for personalized learning

One of the best ways to ensure students are excited about learning is to offer personalized learning opportunities and differentiated content. But in a big and busy classroom, that can be time-consuming and tricky!

Prodigy’s free teacher account comes with tools that help you gather insights while students play. Instead of spending hours grading assignments and developing differentiated math practice, Prodigy helps you tailor content for the learning needs of your students.

15. Apply lessons to life

“Are we really ever going to use this in real life?” is a common phrase heard in many math classrooms. 

To help students understand the benefits and wonder of math, relate what they’re learning to the real world! Have students research different career paths that use the concepts they’re learning, or invite members of the community to speak about how they use math in their jobs. 

Who knows where in life it could lead your students?

Turning the math classroom into a healthy environment

No matter what students are learning, a fun and positive environment is a foundation for academic and personal success. 

Don’t be afraid to mix it up and try several different techniques to make math fun in your classroom! See which ones students respond to best, then use them to keep your students loving math class. 

Prodigy Math Game makes math class an epic adventure with quests, rewards and new worlds to explore. As students play and answer math questions, you can differentiate and collect insights with free and effective teacher tools. Try it today!

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Unit 1: Ratios

Unit 2: arithmetic with rational numbers, unit 3: rates and percentages, unit 4: exponents and order of operations, unit 5: negative numbers, unit 6: variables & expressions, unit 7: equations & inequalities, unit 8: plane figures, unit 9: coordinate plane, unit 10: 3d figures, unit 11: data and statistics.

101+ Brain-Teasing Riddles for 6th Graders (with Answers)

Ready to tickle your brain cells, 6th graders? Dive into our colossal collection of riddles crafted just for you! These mind-benders are the perfect combo of fun and challenge, guaranteed to make you the riddle master of the playground. Sharpen those pencils—and wits—it's riddle time!

Brain Benders: Top Riddles for 6th Graders (Editor's Pick)

Riddle: Full of thoughts and problems squared, in me your daily tasks are bared. What am I? Answer : Homework

Riddle: With locks but no keys, I guard your books while you're at ease. What am I? Answer : Locker

Riddle: Run, jump, or throw, in this class, your energy will flow. What am I? Answer : Gym class

Riddle: Pages flip, tales unfold, on my list, stories are told. What am I? Answer : Reading list

Riddle: My keys aren't for typing, but for notes that are flying. What am I? Answer : Band practice

Riddle: Not for travel, yet I take you places, from ancient Egypt to outer space's faces. What am I? Answer : Social studies

Riddle: Lines and circles, I'm twice as nice; with chalk, you explain my slice of pi. What am I? Answer : Math problems

Riddle: With bristles and paint, imagination's your trait, in my class, your masterpiece awaits. What am I? Answer : Art class

Riddle: Scrutinized by many eyes, desperate for the correct replies, I challenge your knowledge of Earth's skies. What am I? Answer : Geography quiz

Riddle: I buzz and beep with texts and tweets, in this digital den, everyone meets. What am I? Answer : Computer lab

Easy Riddles to Challenge Every 6th Grader’s Wit

Riddle: Filled with questions and sometimes fear, I'm the place you grow each school year. What am I? Answer : Classroom

Riddle: Carried on your back, but I'm not a snack. I hold your books and maybe a hook. What am I? Answer : Backpack

Riddle: Numbers and letters you daily see, solving me is the key. Who am I? Answer : Math problems

Riddle: I'm not a forest, but you'll find trees, in this fair where brains are the keys. What am I? Answer : Science fair

Riddle: Not a treasure chest, but with a combo, I'll open up and keep your memo. What am I? Answer : Locker

Riddle: Breaking a sweat, your team on the go, I'm the class that keeps you on your toe. What am I? Answer : Gym class

Riddle: Not at home, yet not quite big, you'll find me after elementary's last gig. What am I? Answer : Middle school

Riddle: With pages of faces, I help memories last, I'm a keepsake from this year to the past. What am I? Answer : Yearbook

Riddle: I store your meal until the bell rings, then out comes sandwiches, fruits, and sweet things. What am I? Answer : Lunchbox

Riddle: Reports and projects come after you hear, a teacher's request that some might fear. What am I? Answer : Homework

Riddle: Filled with stories and tales to be heeded, I'm a collection you'll be required to be readed. What am I? Answer : Reading list

Riddle: Scale the notes and play in tune, whether it's morning or afternoon. What am I? Answer : Band practice

Riddle: With goggles and tubes, reactions we see, in this room where experiments be. What am I? Answer : Science lab

Riddle: On a stage or behind the scene, in this act, we work as a team. What am I? Answer : School play

Riddle: Words are my game; the correct ones you seek. Spell them all right, and victory you'll peek. What am I? Answer : Spelling bee

Riddle: Exploring worlds old and new, in this room, time is not true. What am I? Answer : History timeline

Riddle: Cultures and countries, old and vast, in this subject, we learn about the past. What am I? Answer : Social studies

Riddle: With brushes and paint, we create what we see, in this space where imagination flies free. What am I? Answer : Art class

Riddle: Click, type, and learn to compute, in this room, technology is the pursuit. What am I? Answer : Computer lab

Riddle: A journey outside, where learning's in stride, we visit places where history can't hide. What am I? Answer : Field trip

Riddle: Read, then write what you've discern, in this task, about a book you'll learn. What am I? Answer : Book report

Riddle: With prose and grammar, we refine our charter, in this class where English is smarter. What am I? Answer : Language arts

Riddle: A verbal duel, where points are the tool, in this club, logic is the rule. What am I? Answer : Debate club

Riddle: Filled with tests on rivers and dale, in this quiz, your memory must prevail. What am I? Answer : Geography quiz

Riddle: Biotic or abiotic, you must distinguish, in this quiz, don't let your grade extinguish. What am I? Answer : Science quiz

Riddle: With your voice or a move, you make your case, in this event, your vocabulary is in place. Who am I? Answer : Debate

Riddle: Colored pencils and smiles wide, after recess, I'm enjoyed inside. What am I? Answer : Art class

Riddle: With a click or a tap, you'll find what to do, in this modern class, I'll help see you through. What am I? Answer : Computer lab

Riddle: A book or an instrument, it doesn't matter, in this activity, your skills will get better. What am I? Answer : Homework

Riddle: A review or an act, there's a chance to shine, this annual tome has everyone in line. What am I? Answer : Yearbook

Hard Riddles to Challenge Every 6th Grader's Wit

Riddle: Filled with numbers and problems galore, I'm tackled daily, yet there's often more. What am I? Answer : Homework

Riddle: A place of learning, desks in rows, here you ponder what the teacher knows. What am I? Answer : Classroom

Riddle: Metal and narrow with a combination spin, I keep your school treasures tucked safely within. What am I? Answer : Locker

Riddle: Where young minds compete with inventions to share, they tinker and toil with scientific care. What am I? Answer : Science fair

Riddle: Straps on my shoulders and zippers that zip, I carry your books on your daily trip. What am I? Answer : Backpack

Riddle: Dribbling, running, or catching some air, I'm the class where you move without a care. What am I? Answer : Gym class

Riddle: I often come in fractions or as an 'X' to find, adding to knowledge in your mind. What am I? Answer : Math problems

Riddle: Preparing you for highs, lows, and all that's between, I'm your next step in the educational scene. Who am I? Answer : Middle school

Riddle: Maps and artifacts I often display, letting you travel the past in a day. What am I? Answer : Social studies

Riddle: Pages to turn, late into the night, these stories and novels take you to new heights. What am I? Answer : Reading list

Riddle: Where notes and melodies begin to fuse, students practice not to confuse. What am I? Answer : Band practice

Riddle: Snapshots of grins and school days spent, I'm cherished keepsakes of the year's event. What am I? Answer : Yearbook

Riddle: Beakers and burners where experiments brew, I am the room for hypotheses new. What am I? Answer : Science lab

Riddle: Contest of words, lest you take a fall; spell them right, be the champ of them all. What am I? Answer : Spelling bee

Riddle: Hold your sandwiches and snacks without any lacks, till the bell rings, it's time to unpack. What am I? Answer : Lunchbox

Riddle: Out of the classroom, we head with glee, to learn from the world more practically. What am I? Answer : Field trip

Riddle: Of pages and plots, I require your thought; to elaborate on themes the author has wrought. What am I? Answer : Book report

Riddle: Testing your mind on the world's vast space, I measure how well you can place each place. What am I? Answer : Geography quiz

Riddle: Keyboards and screens, here skills are found; digital worlds where data is sound. What am I? Answer : Computer lab

Riddle: An adventure in dates, and figures and lore; a linear path of what came before. What am I? Answer : History timeline

Riddle: Sentences, stories, synonyms, and more, I am the class that explorers adore. What am I? Answer : Language arts

Riddle: Probing the facts, with a question or two, I'm checking your knowledge on natural clues. What am I? Answer : Science quiz

Riddle: Drawing and painting, I'm where you can see, young artists at work, as creative as can be. What am I? Answer : Art class

Riddle: Orating and arguing, members engage, honing their skills on the small stage. What am I? Answer : Debate club

Riddle: Lights and costumes, roles to play; I bring the script to life in every way. What am I? Answer : School play

Funny Riddles to Tickle Your Sixth-Grade Funny Bone

Riddle: I'm a place of learning, yet sometimes I feel like a zoo. Where teachers are seen, more than just a room or two. What am I? Answer : Classroom

Riddle: I'm not a garden, but I contain many plots; through me, you travel without taking any steps. What am I? Answer : Reading List

Riddle: Even though I have numbers, I'm not a clock; solve my problems to help your brain unlock. What am I? Answer : Math Problems

Riddle: I'm where you might hear a trumpet blast or flutes that sing, not a concert, but the bleeding of learning you're in. What am I? Answer : Band Practice

Riddle: I'm not a car, but I go with you every day; carrying the weight on your shoulders, leading the way. What am I? Answer : Backpack

Riddle: No running in the halls, but here it's the goal; jump, play, and shoot – it's good for the soul. What am I? Answer : Gym Class

Riddle: I may be small, but I keep things tidy and neat, containing the tools for every subject you meet. What am I? Answer : Locker

Riddle: I’m filled with memories, both glossy and grand; flip my pages to remember your bandstand. What am I? Answer : Yearbook

Riddle: Not a cookout container, but I hold your feast. Open me up at noontime, for a mid-day release. What am I? Answer : Lunchbox

Riddle: I’m neither a plane nor a train, but I take you places as part of your brain's gains. What am I? Answer : Field Trip

Riddle: Full of words, not written by you; you talk about it after you're through. What am I? Answer : Book Report

Riddle: Not a world traveler, but I've seen many places; in a room full of maps, you'll find my traces. What am I? Answer : Geography Quiz

Riddle: No beeps, boops, or bytes, but it's where you might type; screens and keys abound, learning to swipe. What am I? Answer : Computer Lab

Riddle: I stand as a witness to historical scenes, connecting the dates and what they really mean. What am I? Answer : History Timeline

Riddle: Through sentences and stories, I pave the way, for you to express what you want to say. What am I? Answer : Language Arts

Riddle: I'm a place for reactions, but not over drama; elements and compounds in controlled panorama. What am I? Answer : Science Lab

Riddle: I'm not a set of stairs, but I'm where you go; after elementary ends, to this place you'll grow. What am I? Answer : Middle School

Riddle: It's not about bees, but there is some buzz; spell it right, or it's the end of the line for what was. What am I? Answer : Spelling Bee

Riddle: I contain a world within a fair space, crafting a project for a scientific embrace. What am I? Answer : Science Fair

Riddle: Not a camera, but I quiz you about nature, matter, and such; answer my questions, you might know too much! What am I? Answer : Science Quiz

Riddle: Not a sports game, but here you’ll find teams, arguing points in structured dreams. What am I? Answer : Debate Club

Riddle: I'm not the latest meal, but I offer quite a quest; study maps and cultures, putting your knowledge to the test. What am I? Answer : Social Studies

Riddle: I'm your stage at school, not for a game or a fight; but for acting and singing under the bright lights. What am I? Answer : School Play

Riddle: You won’t find brushes in your regular tote, but in this class, creativity is what we promote. What am I? Answer : Art Class

Cracked them all, have you? Kudos to your sharp wit! For more mind-bending fun, explore our treasure trove of riddles. We're grateful for your visit and can't wait to puzzle you again soon. Keep teasing that brain!

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At Riddlepedia, we're not just curators; we're passionate riddle-masters, conundrum collectors, and guardians of the age-old tradition of riddling. Our mission is to deliver the most diverse, captivating, and mind-bending riddles from every corner of the globe. We see a riddle as more than a puzzle; it's a gateway to curiosity, a test of intellect, and a celebration of mental agility.

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Sixth Grade Math Worksheets

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Our printable grade 6 math worksheets delve deeper into earlier grade math topics (4 operations, fractions, decimals, measurement, geometry) as well as introduce exponents, proportions, percents and integers .

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6th Grade Games, Videos and Worksheets

Free Printable Grade 6 worksheets

Grade 6 worksheets: Discover a vast collection of free printable resources, tailored for teachers to effectively teach and assess their students' progress in various subjects.

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Grade 6 worksheets are an essential tool for teachers looking to provide their students with engaging and effective learning materials. These worksheets cover a wide range of subjects, including math, science, language arts, and social studies, ensuring that students have a comprehensive understanding of the curriculum. By incorporating grade 6 worksheets into their lesson plans, teachers can help students develop critical thinking skills, improve their problem-solving abilities, and build a strong foundation for future learning. Furthermore, these worksheets can be easily adapted to suit individual learning styles, making them an invaluable resource for educators who strive to create inclusive and diverse learning environments. Grade 6 worksheets are the perfect way to enhance your teaching methods and ensure your students' success.

Quizizz is an innovative platform that offers a variety of resources, including grade 6 worksheets, to help teachers create interactive and engaging learning experiences for their students. With Quizizz, educators can access a vast library of pre-made quizzes, worksheets, and other learning materials, all designed to complement the grade 6 curriculum. Teachers can also create their own custom quizzes and worksheets, tailoring the content to suit the specific needs of their students. In addition to grade 6 worksheets, Quizizz offers features such as gamified quizzes, real-time feedback, and progress tracking, allowing teachers to monitor student performance and adjust their teaching strategies accordingly. By incorporating Quizizz into their classrooms, teachers can provide their students with a dynamic and immersive learning experience that fosters academic growth and success.

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Ace 6th Grade math with interactive games and free worksheets

Do you want to make math more fun and engaging for your 6 th graders? Then this article is for you. Our objective in this article is to ace 6th Grade math with interactive games and free worksheets . These games and worksheets are designed at Mathskills4kids.com by math experts aimed to make math less scary but exciting for kids.

Make Learning Math Fun: Explore Free Games and Worksheets for 6th Graders.

Hello math tutors! Are you ready to make math learning fun and thrilling for your 6 th grader? Look no further! We have the perfect solution to transform their math lessons from mundane to magnificent. Stay engaged and explore this world of free games and worksheets specifically for 6th graders .

Gone are the days of tedious textbook exercises and repetitive drills. With our carefully curated collection of interactive games and thought-provoking worksheets, your child will embark on a mathematical journey filled with fun challenges and captivating activities.

Whether they're exploring fractions through a thrilling treasure hunt or sharpening their geometry skills with a virtual puzzle, our resources seamlessly blend education and entertainment, ensuring that your child stays motivated and eager to learn.

So, why settle for ordinary when you can make learning math extraordinary? Join us as we unlock the exciting world of math for your 6th grader, making their educational journey a truly enjoyable one.

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• Adding & subtracting fractions

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The importance of making math fun for 6th Graders

Mathematics is a fundamental subject that is crucial to a child's educational journey. It provides a strong foundation for problem-solving, logical reasoning, and critical thinking skills. However, many students perceive math as a daunting and uninteresting subject. As parents and educators, it's essential to recognize the importance of making math fun and engaging for 6th graders .

Students are more likely to develop a positive attitude toward math when it is presented enjoyably and interactively. Hence, they actively participate in their learning, eagerly exploring and applying mathematical concepts in real-life situations. Making math fun can ignite their curiosity, boost their confidence, and foster a lifelong love for learning.

To achieve this, incorporating games and worksheets into the learning process can be highly effective. These resources provide a hands-on and interactive approach to learning, allowing students to actively engage with math concepts and apply them in a practical context. Let's explore the numerous benefits of using games and worksheets to make math fun for 6th graders.

Free printable Math worksheets to ace 6 th Grade math skills

Printable math worksheets offer a convenient and accessible way for 6th graders to practice math skills at their own pace. These worksheets can be easily printed and completed offline, making them suitable for classroom or home use. Here are some types of free printable math worksheets available in Mathskills4kids that can ace 6 th Grade math learning skills :

• Word Problems : Word problem worksheets challenge students to apply math skills in real-life scenarios. They present mathematical problems in a narrative format, requiring students to read, analyze, and solve them using appropriate mathematical operations. Word problem worksheets enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and reading comprehension skills.

Math puzzle worksheets stimulate critical thinking, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning skills.

Also, math fact practice worksheets enhance mental math skills and fluency in basic operations.

• Graphing and Data Analysis : Graphing and data analysis worksheets introduce students to interpreting and analyzing data using graphs and charts. They provide opportunities for students to practice reading and interpreting different types of graphs, such as bar graphs, line graphs, and pie charts. Graphing and data analysis worksheets foster data literacy and analytical skills.

Mathskills4kids’ free printable math worksheets offer a wide range of exercises and activities that cater to the diverse needs and abilities of 6th graders. They provide targeted practice and reinforcement of math skills, allowing students to progress at their own pace.

Now that we have explored various interactive games and free worksheets let's discuss some tips for parents and teachers to make math fun for 6th graders.

Benefits of using games and worksheets for learning math

Students become more motivated and enthusiastic about learning when they can actively participate and have fun.

Students learn to analyze problems, think creatively, and find solutions by engaging in these activities. These skills are crucial for math and transferable to other subjects and real-life situations.

By practicing through games and worksheets, students gain a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and build a solid foundation for future learning.

The element of competition, rewards, and instant game feedback makes learning math more enjoyable and encourages students to strive for improvement.

They allow students to progress at their own pace, addressing their specific areas of strengths and weaknesses. This personalized approach ensures students are actively engaged and challenged, leading to better learning outcomes.

By incorporating games and worksheets into the learning process, we can tap into these benefits and create a positive and engaging math learning experience for 6th graders. The next section will explore integrating games and worksheets into the curriculum effectively.

How to incorporate games and worksheets into the learning process

Incorporating games and worksheets into the curriculum requires thoughtful planning and integration. Here are some strategies and tips for educators and parents to effectively integrate these resources into the learning process :

• Align with Curriculum : Ensure that the games and worksheets you choose align with the curriculum and learning objectives. Look for resources covering the specific topics and skills your 6th grader needs to master. This way, you can seamlessly integrate these resources into the existing curriculum, reinforcing what is taught in the classroom.
• Blend with Traditional Methods : Games and worksheets should not replace traditional teaching methods but rather complement them. They can be used as supplementary resources to reinforce concepts, provide additional practice, or introduce new topics in a fun and interactive way. Integrate games and worksheets into lesson plans, allowing students to apply what they have learned in a practical context.
• Provide Clear Instructions : When introducing games and worksheets, provide clear instructions and guidelines for students to follow. Ensure that students understand each activity's objectives, rules, and expectations. This clarity will help students stay focused, engaged, and make the most of their learning experience.
• Group Activities and Collaboration : Incorporate group activities and collaboration whenever possible. This allows students to learn from each other, engage in discussions, and develop teamwork skills. Games that involve group work or competitive challenges can be particularly effective in fostering collaboration and healthy competition among students.
• Evaluate Progress : Regularly assess and evaluate students' progress to identify areas of improvement. Games and worksheets are formative assessment tools to gauge students' understanding and identify misconceptions. This feedback will help tailor future lessons and provide targeted support where needed.

By following these strategies, educators and parents can successfully integrate games and worksheets into the learning process, creating an engaging and effective math learning environment for 6th graders.

Math competitions and challenges for 6th Graders

Math competitions and challenges provide an excellent opportunity for 6th graders to put their mathematical skills to the test and engage in friendly competition with their peers. These competitions enhance problem-solving and critical thinking skills, foster a sense of achievement, and boost confidence. Here are some popular math competitions and challenges for 6th graders :

Participating in MOEMS can be a rewarding experience for 6th graders, allowing them to showcase their skills and compete with students worldwide.

Math Kangaroo encourages students to think creatively, develop logical reasoning skills, and approach problems from different perspectives.

CML contests focus on problem-solving, critical thinking, and mathematical reasoning.

Interactive Math Games for 6th Graders

Math games provide an interactive and enjoyable way for 6th graders to practice math skills and reinforce concepts. Here are some engaging math games that cater to the specific needs and abilities of 6th graders:

This game strengthens their fraction skills and enhances their problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.

This game fosters spatial awareness, logical reasoning, and geometric problem-solving skills.

Students solve the problems and mark the corresponding answers on their bingo cards. This game reinforces math skills while adding an element of competition and excitement.

Students compete in teams or individually to answer math-related questions and earn points. Math Jeopardy encourages students to recall and apply math concepts in a fast-paced and engaging environment.

These are just a few examples of math games that can make learning math fun and exciting for 6th graders. The key is to choose games that align with the specific topics and skills your child needs to practice. Now, let's explore the world of printable math worksheets specifically designed for 6th graders.

Tips for parents and teachers to make math fun for 6th Graders

Parents and teachers play a vital role in creating a positive and enjoyable math learning experience for 6th graders. Here are some tips to make math fun and engaging:

Please encourage students to apply math skills in their daily activities and discuss the importance of math in different professions and industries.

• Hands-On Manipulatives : Incorporate hands-on manipulatives, such as counters, blocks, and measuring tools, to make abstract math concepts more tangible. These physical objects can help students visualize and understand abstract concepts like fractions, decimals, and geometric shapes. Hands-on activities enhance engagement, understanding, and retention of math concepts.
• Math in Literature : Integrate math into literature using math-themed books and stories. Choose books incorporating math concepts or feature characters using math to solve problems. Reading math-related literature can spark interest, promote discussion, and provide context for mathematical concepts.
• Math Apps and Online Resources : Explore math apps and online resources that offer interactive and engaging math activities. These resources often feature gamified learning experiences, adaptive exercises, and instant feedback. Please encourage students to use these resources to supplement classroom learning, allowing them to practice math skills in a fun and interactive way.
• Celebrate Achievements : Recognize and celebrate students' achievements in math. Acknowledge their efforts, progress, and improvements. Create a positive and supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged to take risks and learn from their mistakes. Celebrating achievements boosts motivation, self-confidence, and a sense of accomplishment.

Add & subtract decimals

Multiply & divide decimals

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Operations with integers

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Ratio and rates

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Consumer math

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Algebraic expressions

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Bonus: Recommended math games and worksheets for 6th Graders

Now that you know how to make math fun for 6th graders, you might wonder where to find some good games and worksheets to ace 6 th Grade math. Don't worry! We have you covered! Here are some of our favorite math games and worksheets for 6th graders that you can try today.

Some games are Fraction Forest, Decimal Darts, Percent Shopping, Algebra Puzzles, Angle Chase, and Logic Links. You can find them here: https://www.mathplayground.com/grade_6_games.html .

The game covers topics such as fractions, decimals, percentages, algebra, geometry, data analysis, and more. The game also provides feedback and reports to parents and teachers on the student's progress and performance. You can sign up for free here: https://www.prodigygame.com/ .

You can download and print them for free and use them as homework or extra practice. Some worksheets are Place Value Puzzler, Fraction Action, Decimal Detective, Ratio Riddle, Equation Invasion, Inequality Island, Area Adventure, and Probability Pop Quiz.

You can find them here: https://www.k5learning.com/free-math-worksheets/sixth-grade-6 .

The videos engagingly explain math concepts and strategies. Some games are Dirt Bike Proportions, Dolphin Dash - Coin Counting Game, Ratio Martian - Ratio Game for Kids, Algebraic Reasoning - Learning Connections, and Math Lines - Multiplication.

Some videos are: Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Solving One-Step Equations, Finding the Area of a Triangle, and Understanding Ratios. You can find them here: http://www.mathgametime.com/grade/6th-grade .

Math is a crucial subject that 6th graders need to master to prepare for higher-level math and other subjects in the future. However, math can also be fun and exciting if you use the right tools and methods.

By using interactive games and free worksheets for learning math, you can help 6th graders ace their math skills and confidence while having fun at the same time. You can also encourage them to participate in math competitions and challenges to motivate them to excel.

As a parent or teacher, you can play an essential role in making math fun for 6th graders by providing them with support, guidance, praise, and resources. By doing so, you can help them discover the joy and power of math.

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40 Books for 6th Graders You’ll Want To Share Immediately

I want to read most of these myself, but I guess I’ll share with my students too!

While there are always classic tried-and-true books for 6th graders we share with students, I’m always on the lookout for books that could become new classics. It’s not easy to find the time to go through everything that’s been published in the last few years, however, so we’ve saved you some time with this list. Below you’ll find historical fiction, memoir, nonfiction, and fiction books for 6th graders guaranteed to awaken your students’ imagination and love of reading.

1. Lies I Tell Myself by Beth Vrabel

When Raymond is sent across the country to spend the summer with his grandparents, it throws his entire world out of order. While he normally likes letting other people do the adventuring, he finds himself needing to break out of his shell and show everyone how brave and untroubled he can be.

Buy it: Lies I Tell Myself

2. The 6th Grade Nickname Game by Gordon Korman

Gordon Korman is such a gift for tween readers everywhere. I’ve turned so many reluctant readers into enthusiastic ones by putting one of Korman’s novels into their hands. This one is no exception! Jeff and Wiley, 6th graders famous for their ability to come up with perfect nicknames for everyone at their school, run into trouble when some of their nicknames start backfiring. What happens next may put their friendship to the test.

Buy it: The 6th Grade Nickname Game

3. Wayward Creatures by Dayna Lorentz

Gabe wasn’t trying to start a small forest fire when he set off fireworks in the woods. He just wanted his friends and family to stop spending so much time in their own busy lives and pay attention to him. But now, he finds himself in a restorative justice program that is making him go back to the forest to repair some of the damage his prank caused. When he meets a coyote named Rill who was hurt by the forest fire, Gabe learns the importance of caring for those around us.

Buy it: Wayward Creatures

4. Lunch Money by Andrew Clements

Greg loves making money with his comic book business, and he isn’t pleased to learn that fellow student Maura is cutting into his profits with her own graphic mini-books. Greg hates to admit it, but her books are good— really good. So he decides to ask her to become business partners. And their business is booming until the school principal bans comic book sales. How will their new business, and their new friendship, survive?

Buy it: Lunch Money

5. The Ultimate Riddle Game for Kids: A Mind-Bending Book To Test Your Logic by Zeitgeist

For our kiddos who love puzzles, logic problems, and mind-bending riddles, this is one of the books for 6th graders that has everything. The brainteasers will ignite their curiosity and build their problem-solving skills. Perfect for kids who need a bit of an additional challenge, early finishers, or anyone who loves testing their brain with fun, engaging puzzles.

Buy it: The Ultimate Riddle Game for Kids

6. Smile by Raina Telgemeier

This award-winning graphic novel is a memoir, which may explain why it feels so heart-felt and real. When Raina falls while on a Girls Scouts outing, she severely injures her two front teeth. The odyssey of braces, retainers, head gear, and even surgery will have every 6th grader who’s been to the orthodontist wincing with sympathy and laughing at how delightfully engaging Telgemeier manages to make this painful part of her childhood.

Buy it: Smile

7. Thirst by Varsha Bajaj

This is one of the books for 6th graders that might be eye-opening for many students. In Mumbai, Minni’s family (along with thousands of other families) only has access to water for a few hours a day. When she discovers the powerful people who have access to water all the time and are keeping it from everyone else for money, she has to decide what to do. Should she come forward and expose this crime even if it puts her and her family at risk, or should she stay quiet?

Buy it: Thirst

8. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

You’re going to want to put this Newbery Award winner into the hands of your mystery-loving students ASAP! When Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes telling her she must write a letter, a true story, and tell no one, she doesn’t know what to do. But when the mysterious notes start accurately predicting the future, she knows that she must act before it’s too late.

Buy it: When You Reach Me

9. Holler of the Fireflies by David Barclay Moore

Javari knows that life is going to be different when he leaves his home in Brooklyn to go to a STEM camp in West Virginia, but his first few days in the small Appalachian town are still a shock. Throughout the summer, he will learn a lot about science, technology, engineering, and math, but that’s not all. When he befriends Cricket, a local boy who is an occasional thief and activist, he realizes he’s in for a summer he’ll never forget.

Buy it: Holler of the Fireflies

10. The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger

You need this book in your classroom library for your Star Wars and science fiction fans. Sixth grader Dwight stands out for his quirky behavior. He wears the same T-shirt for weeks on end and sometimes insists on being addressed as “Captain Dwight.” Despite his oddities, Dwight possesses a unique talent for making origami. When he creates an origami Yoda finger puppet, a mystery unfolds (pun intended). This miniature Yoda seems to be able to predict the future and give students amazing advice for some of their most serious problems. Soon, students flock to seek guidance from Origami Yoda.

Buy it: The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

11. The Fort by Gordon Korman

When five middle schoolers discover an abandoned bomb shelter, they know they’ve found the best hideout ever. As they fix it up and make it their own, they discover the true meaning of friendship, secrets, and trusting each other.

Buy it: The Fort

12. Blood Diaries: Tales of a 6th-Grade Vampire by Marissa Moss

As if middle school weren’t hard enough, Edgar has to deal with all of it while also handling the challenges of being a young vampire. His only weapons? His wit, his sense of humor, and his friends. This is a perfect choice for your fantasy and humor-loving students.

Buy it: Blood Diaries: Tales of a 6th-Grade Vampire

13. 96 Miles by J.L. Esplin

Their dad trained them to survive anything, but brothers John and Stew Lockwood are unprepared when a massive blackout strikes while their father is out of town. After being robbed of their supplies, the brothers must walk 96 miles through the desert for help. As they do, they’ll question their father’s obsession with self-reliance and what it means to be there to help out others.

Buy it: 96 Miles

14. One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

Delphine, an 11-year-old taking on a motherly role for her younger sisters Vonetta and Fern since their mother Cecile left them for a new life in California, experiences a surprising turn of events when they visit Cecile for the summer. Instead of the Disneyland trip they hoped for, Cecile sends them to a Black Panthers day camp. Despite their initial disappointment, the sisters discover unexpected lessons about their family, their nation, and themselves during this eventful summer.

Buy it: One Crazy Summer

15. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

Perfect for your nonfiction lovers or for your reluctant readers who love their sneakers, this young readers edition of Nike founder Phil Knight’s memoir is engaging and real. Beginning with how he refused to give up hope after he was cut from his high school baseball team to how he started Nike with just $50, this is one of the books for 6th graders that will have your students hooked.

Buy it: Shoe Dog

16. Hundred Percent by Karen Romano Young

Christine, dubbed “Tink,” finds herself grappling with a nickname that no longer fits as she confronts uncomfortable situations like awkward Halloween costumes, premature sleepovers, unrequited crushes, and shifting friendships. Through these trials, Christine discovers the significance of self-identity and the power of self-expression.

Buy it: Hundred Percent

17. Attack of the Black Rectangles by Amy Sarig King

When Mac realizes that all the copies of a book he’s supposed to read for class have been censored by the school, he is outraged. When he complains to the principal, he’s told to not make such a big deal out of it. But Mac knows that censorship is wrong, and he’s not going to sit around and do nothing. This is one of the great books for 6th graders for jump-starting important discussions about censorship.

Buy it: Attack of the Black Rectangles

18. Tales of a Sixth-Grade Muppet by Kirk Scroggs

Danvers Blickensderfer, a 6th grader, finds his life plummeting to new lows, particularly when his daring talent show act honoring Gonzo the Great loses to a middle school boy band named, Emo Shun . He goes to bed that night utterly defeated, but when he wakes up he discovers he’s been transformed into a Muppet. Luckily, he lands an internship at the Muppet Theater, where he gets to meet his stunt-loving hero. From here Danvers embarks on a wild adventure as he becomes part of the eccentric Muppet crew aboard The Electric Mayhem bus. This quirky fun tale is sure to delight your 6th graders.

Buy it: Tales of a Sixth-Grade Muppet

19. Two Degrees by Alan Gratz

A searing look at the climate crisis told through the perspectives of three young people. Akira is coping with raging wildfires in California. Owen is faced with a polar bear hunting far too close to residential areas in rural Canada. And Natalie hunkers down with her family as a massive hurricane barrels toward her Miami home. These three young people share more in common than climate disasters. Will they survive long enough to discover what that connection is and what it means for them and the world?

Buy it: Two Degrees

20. The Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade by Jordan Sonnenblick

Sixth grade can be a tough place. A place where bullies prey on weaknesses and louder voices overshadow the quieter ones. Maverick, carrying his late father’s toy sheriff’s badge as a reminder, aims to change this dynamic. Despite his own struggles at home, Maverick sets out to make his school a better place for everyone. This heartwarming tale explores the journey of standing up for oneself and becoming a hero both at home and in the school corridors.

Buy it: The Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade

21. Tumble by Celia C. Pérez

Twelve-year-old Addie knows she should be thrilled when her stepfather asks to adopt her. She really wants to say yes, but she has so many questions about her biological father. After discovering he and even more members of her family are famous  luchadores  (lucha libre wrestlers), she sets off to get to know them. As she does, she learns a lot about what being part of a family truly means.

Buy it: Tumble

22. Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts

Rafe Khatchadorian faces a heap of troubles at home, and now he’s tackling his first year of middle school. Armed with a daring scheme for the ultimate year, he aims to break every rule in the school’s strict Code of Conduct. From chewing gum in class to running in the hallway, each infraction earns him points. Yet, as Rafe’s rebellious antics begin to backfire, he must confront whether winning at any cost is worth it, or if it’s time to confront the rules, bullies, and realities he’s been evading.

Buy it: Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life

23. Sweet Valley Twins adapted by Nicole Andelfinger

Graphic novels are the perfect way to introduce the Sweet Valley Twins to a new generation. Elizabeth and Jessica are just about to start middle school, and they’re sure they’ll be as inseparable as ever. But while Elizabeth is ready to organize a school newspaper, Jessica wants to start an exclusive Unicorn Club. What will happen when they realize they might not have as much in common as they thought?

Buy it: Sweet Valley Twins

24. The Night Before Middle School by Sean Kolczynski

Perfect for the first days of the new school year! Written by a fifth grader as an amusing takeoff on the classic Clement C. Moore Christmas poem, the story is a walk through what the fifth grader imagines his first day of school might be like. It includes all the scary, new experiences your students are likely worried about themselves it’s a perfect way to affirm your students’ feelings while making them feel more calm and comfortable about starting middle school.

Buy it: The Night Before Middle School

25. Witchlings by Claribel A. Ortega

Twelve-year-old witchling Seven dreams of being part of one of the most powerful covens with her best friend. But when it comes time to be assigned her coven, the worst thing imaginable happens: She’s not given a coven and is instead is deemed a Spare! How will she and the other Spares save their reputations and earn their rightful place as full-fledged witches?

Buy it: Witchlings

26. 6th Grade Supernatural: Abigail’s Curse by J.B. Cantwell

Zander Casey is unafraid of ghosts, living in a world where the undead are commonplace. However, when Abigail Stone arrives at Plainsbury Middle School, she brings with her a horde of malevolent spirits that even the most seasoned parallel would fear. Now, Zander must persuade Abigail to join forces with him and his eccentric scientist father to seal the gateway to the underworld she inadvertently opened. Failure to protect Plainsbury from the impending invasion could expose their secret and endanger their community. But gaining Abigail’s trust is no easy task, especially as time ticks away and the greatest threat of all threatens to break through, permanently unlocking the gateway.

Buy it: 6th Grade Supernatural: Abigail’s Curse

27. Ravenfall by Kalyn Josephson

Ravenfall Inn is a sprawling, magical B&B at the crossroads of the human world and the Otherworld. Thirteen-year-old Annabella Ballinkay and her family have run the B&B for generations, using their psychic powers to help and protect their guests. Annabella’s powers have always been a bit different from the rest of her family. But when Colin, a 14-year-old searching for his missing older brother, shows up at Ravenfall, her powers might be just what is needed.

Buy it: Ravenfall

28. President of the Whole Sixth Grade by Sherri Winston

Brianna Justice has her sights set on raising funds for the much-anticipated class trip to Washington, D.C. However, her path is fraught with challenges: classmates putting on facades, a formidable new adversary aiming to usurp her position, and the looming fear of losing her closest friendships. Despite moments of doubt, Brianna discovers that unexpected twists can lead to outcomes even more fulfilling than her carefully crafted strategies.

Buy it: President of the Whole Sixth Grade

29. The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander

This powerful story follows Kofi, a boy in Ghana in 1860. Kofi loves his life and his family, but one day everything is turned upside down. This is one of the perfect books for 6th graders to pair with discussions about the lives and experiences of Africans prior to them becoming enslaved and shipped to the Americas.

Buy it: The Door of No Return

30. Wildoak by C.C. Harrington

Maggie will do almost anything to avoid speaking. Her stutter makes talking to others embarrassing and exhausting. Her father wants to send her away to a special hospital for “treatment,” but her mother suggests a few weeks with her grandfather in Wildoak Forest. Even though Maggie barely knows her grandfather, she accepts this offer as the better of two rotten choices. When she meets an abandoned snow leopard cub in the forest, she is caught up in an adventure she could never have imagined.

Buy it: Wildoak

31. Iceberg by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Hazel is traveling all alone on the famous ship  Titanic . Her mother is sending her to the United States to work in a factory so that she might send money back home to help her family make ends meet. But Hazel hasn’t told anyone that she secretly wants to be a journalist, and she’s planning on writing a story about the  Titanic ‘s maiden voyage that will land her a job with a newspaper. Then she could earn enough money to send home without having to work in some smelly factory. With the help of some new friends aboard the ship, Hazel explores the  Titanic , but when disaster strikes, she has to worry more about surviving than about the story she wanted to tell.

Buy it: Iceberg

32. The Swifts by Beth Lincoln

Shenanigan Swift understands that her family gave her an unusual first name for a reason.  Shenanigan Swift: Little sister. Risk-taker. Mischief-maker.  But when the annual family reunion is shook by a horrible accident (or mysterious crime?), Shenanigan decides she is going to be more than what her family expects of her—she’s going to be a detective.

Buy it: The Swifts

33. The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani

We love historical fiction stories about events our students probably don’t know much about, and this one is a perfect choice. Set in 1947 India, 12-year-old Nisha is struggling to come to grips with what’s happening in her homeland. Newly independent of British rule, her country has been separated into two countries: Pakistan and India. This is causing tension between Hindus and Muslims, and hundreds of thousands are killed crossing borders. Nisha’s family decides it’s too dangerous to remain in what is now Pakistan, and so they become refugees, heading toward India. As she travels, Nisha writes letters to her deceased mother that tell the story of their journey and her hopes to find a home.

Buy it: The Night Diary

34. The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton

Eleven-year-old Ella is a new student at the Arcanum Training Institute, a school for children who can perform magic. She can’t wait to learn everything that she can, but some at the school think that the type of magic Ella can do—conjuring—is dangerous and wrong. When a violent criminal escapes a nearby prison with the help of a conjurer, some at the school think Ella might be to blame. With the help of her new friends and her growing powers, Ella has to set things right and clear her name.

Buy it: The Marvellers

35. The Elephant Girl by James Patterson and Ellen Banda-Aaku

Perfect for students who loved  The One and Only Ivan  and  Because of Winn-Dixie , this novel tells the story of Jama and the baby elephant named Mbegu she befriended. When the baby elephant’s mother kills someone after being frightened by poachers, Jama and the baby elephant are blamed. Jama will have to find a way to save Mbegu’s life, even if it means reaching out to a boy at her school that no one else will talk to.

Buy it: The Elephant Girl

36. Rise of the School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani

This fantasy fairy tale is a perfect book for 6th graders who love anime or fantasy, or are just looking for something different. Deep in the endless woods, two brothers, one good and one evil, started a school. They choose students to attend either the School for Good or the School for Evil. Best friends Sophie and Agatha are excited to attend the schools. Sophie has dreamed of attending the School for Good and Agatha the School for Evil. But when they arrive, they’re placed in the wrong schools … and that changes everything.

Buy it: Rise of the School for Good and Evil

37. Wild Bird by Diane Zahler

In 14th-century Norway, the plague has destroyed the entire village of Skeviga. To stay alive, Rype, the only one left, must embark on a sweeping adventure across Europe. He joins an English ship captain’s son and a band of musicians in search of a brighter future and a new home.

Buy it: Wild Bird

38. Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow

Simon wants to be a normal kid, but he’s famous for being the only student to have survived a school shooting. In an attempt to escape this horrible reality, Simon’s parents move their family to the National Quiet Zone, the only place in America where the Internet is banned. Here, Simon expects his life to be quiet and a little boring, but when he meets scientists searching for extraterrestrials, things start to get interesting.

Buy it: Simon Sort of Says

39. The Lost Year by Katherine Marsh

Thirteen-year-old Matthew is miserable. The pandemic has everyone trapped at home. His dad is stuck overseas, and his mom has moved his 100-year-old great-grandmother into their house. Then he finds an old photo in his great-grandmother’s belongings. It gives him a clue to her hidden past. This leads to a family secret that shatters his life. The novel is historical fiction that flashes back to the 1930s. It sheds light on the Holodomor, a famine that killed millions of Ukrainians, which the USSR covered up for decades.

Buy it: The Lost Year

40. Project (Un)Popular Book #1 by Kristen Tracy

In the realm of middle school, it’s not a popularity contest—it’s a battlefield. Perry and her closest companion, Venice, are thrilled to document their school’s story as yearbook photographers, only to uncover a troubling reality: The candid moments they’re meant to capture are staged.

Yearbooks are meant to reflect everyone, even the less popular. Perry feels trapped until she realizes that only by photographing the popular kids will her work be chosen. Pushing back could isolate her further, even cost her friendships. Now, she must choose: Blend in or stand out.

Buy it: Project (Un)Popular Book #1

Looking for even more fantastic books for 6th graders? Check out our big list of Refreshing and Relatable Books To Teach in Middle School for even more books for 6th graders to add to your classroom library.

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