what is critical thinking 6th grade

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5 Critical Thinking Skills Every Kid Needs To Learn (And How To Teach Them)

Teach them to thoughtfully question the world around them.

Little kids love to ask questions. “Why is the sky blue?” “Where does the sun go at night?” Their innate curiosity helps them learn more about the world, and it’s key to their development. As they grow older, it’s important to encourage them to keep asking questions and to teach them the right kinds of questions to ask. We call these “critical thinking skills,” and they help kids become thoughtful adults who are able to make informed decisions as they grow older.

What is critical thinking?

Critical thinking allows us to examine a subject and develop an informed opinion about it. First, we need to be able to simply understand the information, then we build on that by analyzing, comparing, evaluating, reflecting, and more. Critical thinking is about asking questions, then looking closely at the answers to form conclusions that are backed by provable facts, not just “gut feelings” and opinion.

Critical thinkers tend to question everything, and that can drive teachers and parents a little crazy. The temptation to reply, “Because I said so!” is strong, but when you can, try to provide the reasons behind your answers. We want to raise children who take an active role in the world around them and who nurture curiosity throughout their entire lives.

Key Critical Thinking Skills

So, what are critical thinking skills? There’s no official list, but many people use Bloom’s Taxonomy to help lay out the skills kids should develop as they grow up.

Source: Vanderbilt University

Bloom’s Taxonomy is laid out as a pyramid, with foundational skills at the bottom providing a base for more advanced skills higher up. The lowest phase, “Remember,” doesn’t require much critical thinking. These are the skills kids use when they memorize math facts or world capitals or practice their spelling words. Critical thinking doesn’t begin to creep in until the next steps.

Understanding requires more than memorization. It’s the difference between a child reciting by rote “one times four is four, two times four is eight, three times four is twelve,” versus recognizing that multiplication is the same as adding a number to itself a certain number of times. Schools focus more these days on understanding concepts than they used to; pure memorization has its place, but when a student understands the concept behind something, they can then move on to the next phase.

Application opens up whole worlds to students. Once you realize you can use a concept you’ve already mastered and apply it to other examples, you’ve expanded your learning exponentially. It’s easy to see this in math or science, but it works in all subjects. Kids may memorize sight words to speed up their reading mastery, but it’s learning to apply phonics and other reading skills that allows them to tackle any new word that comes their way.

Analysis is the real leap into advanced critical thinking for most kids. When we analyze something, we don’t take it at face value. Analysis requires us to find facts that stand up to inquiry, even if we don’t like what those facts might mean. We put aside personal feelings or beliefs and explore, examine, research, compare and contrast, draw correlations, organize, experiment, and so much more. We learn to identify primary sources for information, and check into the validity of those sources. Analysis is a skill successful adults must use every day, so it’s something we must help kids learn as early as possible.

Almost at the top of Bloom’s pyramid, evaluation skills let us synthesize all the information we’ve learned, understood, applied, and analyzed, and to use it to support our opinions and decisions. Now we can reflect on the data we’ve gathered and use it to make choices, cast votes, or offer informed opinions. We can evaluate the statements of others too, using these same skills. True evaluation requires us to put aside our own biases and accept that there may be other valid points of view, even if we don’t necessarily agree with them.

In the final phase, we use every one of those previous skills to create something new. This could be a proposal, an essay, a theory, a plan—anything a person assembles that’s unique.

Note: Bloom’s original taxonomy included “synthesis” as opposed to “create,” and it was located between “apply” and “evaluate.” When you synthesize, you put various parts of different ideas together to form a new whole. In 2001, a group of cognitive psychologists removed that term from the taxonomy , replacing it with “create,” but it’s part of the same concept.

How To Teach Critical Thinking

Using critical thinking in your own life is vital, but passing it along to the next generation is just as important. Be sure to focus on analyzing and evaluating, two multifaceted sets of skills that take lots and lots of practice. Start with these 10 Tips for Teaching Kids To Be Awesome Critical Thinkers . Then try these critical thinking activities and games. Finally, try to incorporate some of these 100+ Critical Thinking Questions for Students into your lessons. They’ll help your students develop the skills they need to navigate a world full of conflicting facts and provocative opinions.

One of These Things Is Not Like the Other

This classic Sesame Street activity is terrific for introducing the ideas of classifying, sorting, and finding relationships. All you need are several different objects (or pictures of objects). Lay them out in front of students, and ask them to decide which one doesn’t belong to the group. Let them be creative: The answer they come up with might not be the one you envisioned, and that’s OK!

The Answer Is …

Post an “answer” and ask kids to come up with the question. For instance, if you’re reading the book Charlotte’s Web , the answer might be “Templeton.” Students could say, “Who helped save Wilbur even though he didn’t really like him?” or “What’s the name of the rat that lived in the barn?” Backwards thinking encourages creativity and requires a good understanding of the subject matter.

Forced Analogies

Practice making connections and seeing relationships with this fun game. Kids write four random words in the corners of a Frayer Model and one more in the middle. The challenge? To link the center word to one of the others by making an analogy. The more far out the analogies, the better!

Learn more: Forced Analogies at The Owl Teacher

Primary Sources

Tired of hearing “I found it on Wikipedia!” when you ask kids where they got their answer? It’s time to take a closer look at primary sources. Show students how to follow a fact back to its original source, whether online or in print. We’ve got 10 terrific American history–based primary source activities to try here.

Science Experiments

Hands-on science experiments and STEM challenges are a surefire way to engage students, and they involve all sorts of critical thinking skills. We’ve got hundreds of experiment ideas for all ages on our STEM pages , starting with 50 Stem Activities To Help Kids Think Outside the Box .

Not the Answer

Multiple-choice questions can be a great way to work on critical thinking. Turn the questions into discussions, asking kids to eliminate wrong answers one by one. This gives them practice analyzing and evaluating, allowing them to make considered choices.

Learn more: Teaching in the Fast Lane

Correlation Tic-Tac-Toe

Here’s a fun way to work on correlation, which is a part of analysis. Show kids a 3 x 3 grid with nine pictures, and ask them to find a way to link three in a row together to get tic-tac-toe. For instance, in the pictures above, you might link together the cracked ground, the landslide, and the tsunami as things that might happen after an earthquake. Take things a step further and discuss the fact that there are other ways those things might have happened (a landslide can be caused by heavy rain, for instance), so correlation doesn’t necessarily prove causation.

Learn more: Critical Thinking Tic-Tac-Toe at The Owl Teacher

Inventions That Changed the World

Explore the chain of cause and effect with this fun thought exercise. Start it off by asking one student to name an invention they believe changed the world. Each student then follows by explaining an effect that invention had on the world and their own lives. Challenge each student to come up with something different.

Learn more: Teaching With a Mountain View

Critical Thinking Games

There are so many board games that help kids learn to question, analyze, examine, make judgments, and more. In fact, pretty much any game that doesn’t leave things entirely up to chance (Sorry, Candy Land) requires players to use critical thinking skills. See one teacher’s favorites at the link below.

Learn more: Miss DeCarbo

This is one of those classic critical thinking activities that really prepares kids for the real world. Assign a topic (or let them choose one). Then give kids time to do some research to find good sources that support their point of view. Finally, let the debate begin! Check out 100 Middle School Debate Topics , 100 High School Debate Topics , and 60 Funny Debate Topics for Kids of All Ages .

How do you teach critical thinking skills in your classroom? Come share your ideas and ask for advice in the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out 38 simple ways to integrate social-emotional learning throughout the day ..

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• Working with sources
• What Is Critical Thinking? | Definition & Examples

What Is Critical Thinking? | Definition & Examples

Published on May 30, 2022 by Eoghan Ryan . Revised on May 31, 2023.

Critical thinking is the ability to effectively analyze information and form a judgment .

To think critically, you must be aware of your own biases and assumptions when encountering information, and apply consistent standards when evaluating sources .

Critical thinking skills help you to:

• Identify credible sources
• Evaluate and respond to arguments
• Assess alternative viewpoints
• Test hypotheses against relevant criteria

Table of contents

Why is critical thinking important, critical thinking examples, how to think critically, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about critical thinking.

Critical thinking is important for making judgments about sources of information and forming your own arguments. It emphasizes a rational, objective, and self-aware approach that can help you to identify credible sources and strengthen your conclusions.

Critical thinking is important in all disciplines and throughout all stages of the research process . The types of evidence used in the sciences and in the humanities may differ, but critical thinking skills are relevant to both.

In academic writing , critical thinking can help you to determine whether a source:

• Is free from research bias
• Provides evidence to support its research findings
• Considers alternative viewpoints

Outside of academia, critical thinking goes hand in hand with information literacy to help you form opinions rationally and engage independently and critically with popular media.

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Critical thinking can help you to identify reliable sources of information that you can cite in your research paper . It can also guide your own research methods and inform your own arguments.

Outside of academia, critical thinking can help you to be aware of both your own and others’ biases and assumptions.

Academic examples

However, when you compare the findings of the study with other current research, you determine that the results seem improbable. You analyze the paper again, consulting the sources it cites.

You notice that the research was funded by the pharmaceutical company that created the treatment. Because of this, you view its results skeptically and determine that more independent research is necessary to confirm or refute them. Example: Poor critical thinking in an academic context You’re researching a paper on the impact wireless technology has had on developing countries that previously did not have large-scale communications infrastructure. You read an article that seems to confirm your hypothesis: the impact is mainly positive. Rather than evaluating the research methodology, you accept the findings uncritically.

Nonacademic examples

However, you decide to compare this review article with consumer reviews on a different site. You find that these reviews are not as positive. Some customers have had problems installing the alarm, and some have noted that it activates for no apparent reason.

You revisit the original review article. You notice that the words “sponsored content” appear in small print under the article title. Based on this, you conclude that the review is advertising and is therefore not an unbiased source. Example: Poor critical thinking in a nonacademic context You support a candidate in an upcoming election. You visit an online news site affiliated with their political party and read an article that criticizes their opponent. The article claims that the opponent is inexperienced in politics. You accept this without evidence, because it fits your preconceptions about the opponent.

There is no single way to think critically. How you engage with information will depend on the type of source you’re using and the information you need.

However, you can engage with sources in a systematic and critical way by asking certain questions when you encounter information. Like the CRAAP test , these questions focus on the currency , relevance , authority , accuracy , and purpose of a source of information.

When encountering information, ask:

• Who is the author? Are they an expert in their field?
• What do they say? Is their argument clear? Can you summarize it?
• When did they say this? Is the source current?
• Where is the information published? Is it an academic article? Is it peer-reviewed ?
• Why did the author publish it? What is their motivation?
• How do they make their argument? Is it backed up by evidence? Does it rely on opinion, speculation, or appeals to emotion ? Do they address alternative arguments?

Critical thinking also involves being aware of your own biases, not only those of others. When you make an argument or draw your own conclusions, you can ask similar questions about your own writing:

• Am I only considering evidence that supports my preconceptions?
• Is my argument expressed clearly and backed up with credible sources?
• Would I be convinced by this argument coming from someone else?

If you want to know more about ChatGPT, AI tools , citation , and plagiarism , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

• ChatGPT vs human editor
• ChatGPT citations
• Is ChatGPT trustworthy?
• Using ChatGPT for your studies
• What is ChatGPT?
• Chicago style
• Paraphrasing

 Plagiarism

• Types of plagiarism
• Self-plagiarism
• Avoiding plagiarism
• Academic integrity
• Consequences of plagiarism
• Common knowledge

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Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.

Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.

Critical thinking skills include the ability to:

You can assess information and arguments critically by asking certain questions about the source. You can use the CRAAP test , focusing on the currency , relevance , authority , accuracy , and purpose of a source of information.

Ask questions such as:

• Who is the author? Are they an expert?
• How do they make their argument? Is it backed up by evidence?

A credible source should pass the CRAAP test  and follow these guidelines:

• The information should be up to date and current.
• The author and publication should be a trusted authority on the subject you are researching.
• The sources the author cited should be easy to find, clear, and unbiased.
• For a web source, the URL and layout should signify that it is trustworthy.

Information literacy refers to a broad range of skills, including the ability to find, evaluate, and use sources of information effectively.

Being information literate means that you:

• Know how to find credible sources
• Use relevant sources to inform your research
• Understand what constitutes plagiarism
• Know how to cite your sources correctly

Confirmation bias is the tendency to search, interpret, and recall information in a way that aligns with our pre-existing values, opinions, or beliefs. It refers to the ability to recollect information best when it amplifies what we already believe. Relatedly, we tend to forget information that contradicts our opinions.

Although selective recall is a component of confirmation bias, it should not be confused with recall bias.

On the other hand, recall bias refers to the differences in the ability between study participants to recall past events when self-reporting is used. This difference in accuracy or completeness of recollection is not related to beliefs or opinions. Rather, recall bias relates to other factors, such as the length of the recall period, age, and the characteristics of the disease under investigation.

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What your 6th grader should have learned

by: The GreatSchools Editorial Team | Updated: January 23, 2023

Print article

Did your child learn the skills they need to be ready for next year? Here are some of the most important academic skills that kids acquire in sixth grade. If your child hasn’t mastered some of them, don’t worry. No two kids are alike, especially when it comes to hitting developmental benchmarks. The important thing is to be making progress toward mastery . Choose a few to practice this summer, but keep things low-key — both for you and for your child. It’s more important that at-home learning be an experience that encourages your child to enjoy tackling challenges.

By the end of 6th grade, kids should be able to:

• Express an opinion in writing and back it up with evidence from researched sources.
• Write an informational essay with an introduction and a conclusion that explains a topic using information gleaned from research.
• Type three or more pages in one sitting.
• Paraphrase what they’ve read in writing and use quotation marks and attribution correctly to share information without plagiarizing.
• Calculate percentages.
• Understand the concept of and do calculations involving ratios (see examples of understanding ratios and working with ratios ).

Divide fractions by fractions.

• Solve real-world math problems involving area, surface area, and volume.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide multi-digit decimals.
• Solve equations in which X stands in for an unknown number, as a prelude to algebra.
• Use grade-level academic vocabulary words in their writing and speech (see 6th grade and 7th grade word lists).
• Discuss what they’ve read and reference evidence when they speak.
• Participate in group discussions and disagree respectfully.
• Understand that writing involves several steps: planning, revising, editing, rewriting and, sometimes, giving and receiving feedback and trying a new approach.

Read more about your sixth grader and reading , writing , and math under the Common Core Standards.

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Home » Tips for Teachers » The 9 Best Creative and Argumentative Writing Prompts for 6th Grade

The 9 Best Creative and Argumentative Writing Prompts for 6th Grade

Keeping middle schoolers excited about writing is important. Writing is such an essential skill that students will need as they complete their education and move on to finding a real job.Many middle school-age students, however, often begin seeing writing as something that isn’t fun or worthwhile. Other students get discouraged about their abilities as a writer and may stop trying their best.

Finding the best writing prompts for 6th grade is so important in keeping students excited and writing and seeing it as something that is worth their time.A few years ago, I took a job as a 6th grade writing teacher. I almost immediately noticed that many of my students seemed bored with writing, while others seemed to shut down when asked to write.I searched and found some engaging writing prompts that sparked my students’ interest. What a difference it made! Students that claimed writing was ‘useless’ were now engaged and sharing their work with others!

I’d love to help you bring about this change in your students, too! Continue reading, and I’ll share:

• The 6th grade writing standards →
• Advantages of using writing prompts with your lessons →
• My favorite creative writing prompts for 6th grade →
• My favorite argumentative writing prompts for 6th grade →

5 Creative Writing Prompts for 6th Grade

Providing students with opportunities for creative writing is important. Creative writing can help students process their emotions, build their confidence, express their individuality, and increase their imagination.

Below are some of my favorite creative writing prompts for 6th grade.  You can use document cameras in order to follow your student’s writing.

Prompt: When you become disappointed, what do you do to manage your emotions?

Before having students begin writing, brainstorm some possible reactions as a class. These may include crying, breathing deeply, counting to 10, taking a break/removing oneself from the situation. After brainstorming, have students select the strategy (or strategies) that best describe their reactions and write about what they do.

2. Flying Superpower

Prompt: One morning, you wake up and realize that you are suddenly able to fly. What adventures would you like to go on?

This writing prompt will really tap into students’ creativity and imagination. Since flying is something they clearly have never done, they will have to think about all the things that would be possible and choose a few to write about.

3. Letter to Future Self

Prompt: Write a letter to your future self. What would you want yourself to know?

Tell students that they will be writing a letter to themselves to read when they are older. You can either pick an age/milestone (graduating from college, getting their first job, having children, etc.), or allow students to pick. Ask students to think about what they believe would be important to know at that juncture in their life and include it in their letter.

You could also modify this by having students write a letter to their past selves. What would they have wanted to know at the beginning of the school year, before they lost their first tooth, or before they even learned how to walk?

4. No Internet for a Month

Prompt: If there was no internet available for a month, what would you do?

This could be a fun one to do with middle schoolers who are so dependent on technology and the internet. Before students begin writing, get them to brainstorm a list of all the ways their lives are dependent on the internet.

Encourage them to think beyond the ‘obvious’ online game play and video streaming to consider other impacts such as ordering items online or communicating via email with friends and family.

5. Genie in a Bottle

Prompt: You released a genie from her magic bottle, and she said she would give you any talent that you ask for. What talent would you want and why?

This is another great creative writing prompt for sixth graders. They’ll have fun thinking about a talent they would like and what they would like to do with that talent.

4 Argumentative Writing Prompts for 6th Grade

Argumentative writing is another important skill for students to practice and develop. With argumentative writing, students must decide their opinion or position related to an issue and provide reasons that support their position. These reasons should be evidenced based, so research to find the support is often required.

You’ll find some of my favorite argumentative writing prompts to use with 6th grade students below.

Prompt: Which animal makes the best pet? Support your opinion with facts and examples.

I like this writing prompt for introducing students to argumentative writing. The topic of pets is something all students are familiar with, even if they don’t personally own a pet.

You can also use this topic to introduce students to providence factual reasons, versus opinions, to support their answers. For example, if students want to say that a cat is the best pet, a factual reason can’t be that cats are cute. However, they could say something like cats are the best pet because they do not have to be taken outside to go to the bathroom on a cold or rainy day.

2. Teaching Math in School

Prompt: Is it necessary to teach math in school? Why or why not?

I liked using this writing prompt with my 6th graders. Before I had students start, I took an initial poll by having the students raise their hands. Not surprisingly, a fair number of hands went up to vote against teaching math in school.

However, after we discussed the pros and cons of eliminating math instruction and students had to make their final decision before starting on their prompt, a lot of students changed their minds. It was encouraging to see them looking at the stronger reasons for leaving math in the curriculum and letting them outweigh their desire for ‘easier’ school.

3. Screen Time Limits

Prompt: Should parents place limits on how much screen time their children can have? Why or why not?

However, once they start thinking about reasons to limit screen time and examine evidence showing the impact of too much screen time on children, they may change their mind.

4. Conserving Energy

Prompt: What is the most important thing all households should be doing to conserve energy?

This writing prompt can pair nicely with a science unit on energy conservation. Clearly, there are a number of things that families can do to reduce their environmental impact.

However, for this writing prompt, students must decide which one thing is the most important and provide evidence to support their opinion.

Writing Standards for 6th Grade

Sixth graders will continue to build on the knowledge and skills they learned in elementary school. As the first of the middle school years, the writing expectations for sixth grade will be greater than those during the elementary school years.

Sixth grade is a critical year for students in regards to writing and other subject matters. They are transitioning from elementary school to the upper grades and will need the right supports to help them master the grade-level standards.

Below is an overview of the writing standards for 6th grade related to the writing process, writing purposes, writing evaluation, conventions, and research and inquiry.

Writing Process

Students should receive instruction and practice on each stage of the writing process. They should independently implement each of the stages when producing their own written work.

The stages of the writing process that sixth graders are expected to know and use include:

Writing Purposes

Sixth graders should be composing texts for a variety of purposes and intents. Many of these texts should be at least 500 to 700 words long.

Some of the different forms/intents that students should be writing about in sixth grade include:

• Research Reports
• Responses to Literature

Writing Evaluation

In sixth grade, students should practice evaluating and giving constructive feedback for another student’s wiring.

They should also begin evaluating their own work and identify their strengths and weaknesses as a writer. Then, they should use this information to set persona writing goals for improving their work.

Conventions

Below are some of the key convention skills that sixth graders should be proficient with:

• Sentence structure
• Capitalization
• Punctuation
• Cursive or manuscript

Research and Inquiry

Research and inquiry is another important standard for sixth graders to show proficiency with. By the end of the year, students should be able to:

• Compile information from multiple sources to complete a report
• Use graphic organizer to show prior knowledge about a subject
• Create a plan for research and take notes about a topic
• Create appropriate questions to research
• Choose appropriate and authoritative sources
• Locate relevant information from resources
• Summarize the information found from various sources
• Document and cite sources
• Understand and articulate the importance of avoiding plagiarism

6th Grade Journal Prompts

💾 Print or download a free PDF copy of this page:

Engage your 6th grader's imagination with our thoughtful journal prompts. Explore a variety of intriguing topics, stimulate critical thinking, and enhance writing skills with our DIY suggestions tailor-made for young learners.

As educators, parents, or caregivers, we understand the importance of fostering a love for writing within children early on. It can open doors to endless creativity, encourage critical thinking, and strengthen literacy skills. This is particularly significant during key transitional stages, like the 6th grade, where the academic demands begin to intensify.

In this article, we’re sharing a host of engaging prompts to inspire 6th grade students to express themselves through writing. These journal prompts will range from thought-provoking narrative ideas to fun creative exercises, all with the aim to spark their imagination and improve their writing skills.

So parents, teachers, and 6th graders, grab a journal, sit back, and get ready to embark on an exciting writing adventure full of self-discovery and learning. Let’s create, write, and learn together! 📓✍🏻

Exploring Emotions

Delving deeper into one's feelings through journaling encourages self-awareness and emotional intelligence, offering an important tool for personal growth for 6th graders. Here are 20 prompts to guide you in exploring emotions through writing:

• Describe a time when you felt really happy. What was happening, and why did it make you feel this way?
• Write about an incident that made you angry. How could you have responded differently?
• Reflect on a situation where you were scared. What was the reason for your fear?
• List three things that make you feel calm and peaceful.
• Write a letter to an emotion, like sadness or joy, as if it were a person.
• Describe a time when you felt proud of yourself. What led to this moment?
• Think about a moment when you felt disappointed. How did you cope with that feeling?
• Write about something that makes you nervous or anxious. What steps can you take to manage this anxiety?
• Describe a moment when you felt love. Who or what triggered this feeling?
• Write about an experience when you felt surprised. How did you react?
• Think about a time you experienced jealousy. How did it affect your behavior?
• List three things that let you feel relaxed and explain why they have this effect.
• Describe a moment when you felt annoyed. How did you deal with this feeling?
• Write about a situation that made you feel embarrassed. How did this experience help you grow?
• Reflect on an occasion when you felt gratitude. Why were you grateful?
• Write about your feelings when you succeed at something difficult.
• Describe your emotions when you see someone else in pain. What would you do to help them?
• Write about a time when you felt a sense of loss. How did you deal with these feelings?
• Reflect on an occasion when you were excited about something. Why did this event or thought excite you?
• Write about the strongest emotion you have ever felt. What triggered it, and how did it affect you?

Thoughts On Friendship

Exploring thoughts on friendship using journaling provides a chance to understand the complexities, joys, and challenges associated with forming and maintaining relationships at this stage of life. Here are 20 prompts to facilitate a deeper understanding of friendship:

• Write about your best friend. What makes them special?
• Imagine a world without friends. How would you feel?
• Think about the qualities you appreciate in a friend. List them out.
• Recall a time when a friend disappointed you. How did you handle it?
• Write a letter to a friend who moved away. What would you like them to know?
• Reflect on a funny moment you shared with a friend. Why was it memorable?
• Describe a time when a friend helped you. How did it change your relationship?
• Think about a time you were there for a friend. How did it strengthen your friendship?
• Write about your longest friendship. What has kept it going?
• Reflect on a disagreement you had with a friend. How was it resolved?
• Imagine you meet a new friend. How would you introduce yourself?
• Describe a time a friend made you feel special. How did they do it?
• Reflect on a time when you felt left out by your friends. How did you overcome that situation?
• Share a dream or goal you have and how you'd like a friend to support you in achieving it.
• Think about a friend who has similar interests. Write about what you enjoy doing together.
• Describe a time a friend pushed you out of your comfort zone. How did it feel?
• Imagine losing a friend. How would you cope?
• Think about the hardest thing about making friends. How do you overcome it?
• Write about a time you had to be brave for a friend. How did you feel?
• Reflect on a friend from a different culture. How has this friendship broadened your understanding of the world?

Imaginary Tales

Exploring imaginary tales through journal prompts allows 6th graders to stretch their creativity, build their writing skills, and engross their imaginations in worlds far beyond reality. Here are 20 prompts that invite students to engage discussion and exploration of such tales:

• Write a story about a land where the rules of gravity don't apply.
• Imagine a world where plants talk. How would a day in your life look like?
• Describe a city beneath the sea and its colorful inhabitants.
• Invent a fantasy creature with unique abilities and describe a day in its life.
• Tell about an adventure of a tiny creature living in the world of giants.
• What would happen if a wizard misplaced his wand in the human world?
• Imagine a journey to a planet made entirely of candy, what would you do there?
• Create a fairytale about a dragon that's afraid of fire.
• Write a story of you waking up with the ability to make your drawings come alive.
• Pen a tale of a kingdom where all seasons happen in a day.
• Describe an encounter with an intelligent being from another galaxy.
• Create a story using magic portals as form of public transportation.
• Imagine what would happen if all the characters from your favorite show came to life.
• Write a story about a secret society of cats who rule the world at night.
• Build a tale about a hidden forest where animals can speak human language.
• What if you found a magical calendar that controls time? Describe your first day with it.
• Create and describe a mystical fruit with strange, magical properties.
• Imagine stumbling upon an enchanted library with books that can predict the future.
• Write about an old map you discovered revealing a hidden magical island.
• Describe a haunted tower in a forgotten town, and its ghostly resident.

Adventure Chronicles

Adventure Chronicles involve writing engaging and creative narratives about daring exploits and explorations, designed to stimulate imagination and introspection for 6th graders. Here are 20 writing prompts to inspire your Adventure Chronicles:

• Describe an adventure where you discover a hidden treasure.
• Imagine being stranded on a deserted island. What would you do to survive?
• Write a narrative about a daring rescue mission in space.
• What would you do if you accidentally traveled back in time?
• What challenge would you face when climbing the highest mountain in the world?
• Create a story where you discover a new species in the Amazon jungle.
• Explain a situation where you need to escape from a sunken submarine.
• Write about your journey exploring a forbidden castle.
• Imagine an adventure where you have the ability to fly.
• Detail your dinosaur discovery after a time-travel adventure.
• Describe your efforts to solve the mystery at the museum.
• What would your quest look like to find a lost city underwater?
• Invent a narrative about an excursion to Mars.
• Chronicle an adventure of surviving a week in the wild.
• Imagine an expedition to find the North Pole. What dangers would you face?
• Explain how you would navigate through a deadly desert.
• Converse with aliens during an inter-galactic exploratory mission.
• Write a narrative on journey to rescue a trapped dragon.
• Describe your adventure of surviving a night in a haunted house.
• Devise a mission to rescue a stolen artifact from highly skilled thieves.

Diving Into History

Exploring historical events and figures through journal writing can ignite students' curiosity while enhancing their understanding of the past, prompting their reasoning and critical thinking skills. Here are 20 thought-provoking prompts related to 'Diving into History':

• Imagine living in the time of the American Revolution. Write a diary entry from that period.
• If you could have a conversation with Martin Luther King Jr., what would you ask him?
• Describe a day in the life of an Egyptian Pharaoh.
• Write a letter as if you were a soldier in World War II writing home.
• Explore what life might have been like for a child your age during the California Gold Rush.
• Illustrate a day in ancient Rome. What would your daily tasks be?
• If you could witness any historical event, what would it be and why?
• Choose a famous inventor and write about how their invention has impacted the world.
• Imagine you are an explorer discovering America for the first time. Write about your experiences.
• Write a news report on the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
• Write a journal entry from the perspective of Amelia Earhart on her solo flight across the Atlantic.
• Imagine being a pilgrim on the Mayflower. Record your thoughts about the journey.
• Describe the effects of the Great Depression on a typical American family.
• Discuss what it would be like to experience the Civil Rights Movement first-hand.
• Write a letter to President Abraham Lincoln, discussing your thoughts about the Civil War.
• If you could ask Rosa Parks one question, what would it be?
• Write about a day in the life of a knight during the Middle Ages.
• Imagine you're a worker building the Great Wall of China. Describe the challenges you face.
• If you could experience life in one ancient civilization, which would it be and why?
• Write a journal entry from the perspective of Neil Armstrong walking on the moon.

Reflections On Personal Achievements

Reflecting on personal achievements through journaling allows us to recognize and celebrate our growth and progress, acting as a tool to motivate us for future challenges. Here are 20 prompts that can guide 6th graders in reflecting on their personal achievements:

• Recount a goal you set and achieved recently. How did it make you feel?
• Detail a time when you overcame a fear. What steps did you take?
• Write about a project or task you completed that you're particularly proud of.
• List three skills you learned this year, whether at school or at home.
• Discuss a time when you received praise or recognition. How did it affect you?
• Reflect on an obstacle you overcame. What strategies did you employ to deal with it?
• Write about your biggest success in school last year. How have you built on that success?
• Write about an achievement that required a lot of hard work. How did you stay motivated?
• Describe a time when you performed well under pressure.
• Recall an experience where you used failure as a stepping stone for success.
• Think of a personal milestone you reached recently. How did it make you feel?
• Detail a time when you shared a personal achievement with your loved ones.
• Reflect on a competition or game that you won. What did you learn from that experience?
• Record a situation in which you were able to help someone else because of something you’ve learned.
• Discuss an achievement that you never thought you would accomplish. What changed?
• Write about a problem you solved or a difficult decision you made.
• Share an accomplishment that made you happy for a long time.
• Reflect on how you achieved a personal best in something you love doing.
• Write about a time when you received constructive criticism and used it positively.
• Describe an achievement that initially seemed impossible. How did you manage to achieve it?

Exploring The Future

Focusing on "Exploring the Future" through 6th grade journal prompts allows students to improve imaginative thinking and fosters their ability to envision and discuss potential scenarios in personal and global contexts. Here are 20 journal prompts centered on Exploring the Future:

• Imagine what your life could be like 10 years from now. Where are you living and what's your day-to-day routine?
• Predict what the world might look like in 50 years. What are the greatest changes society has encountered?
• Write about your dream job. Describe a typical day in this career.
• How do you imagine technology will evolve by the year 2040?
• Write a letter to your future self. What advice or reminders would you like to include?
• Visualize your dream house. Describe its details and explain why you chose this design.
• Write about a future family vacation. Where would you go and what activities would you engage in?
• What new subjects do you think should be taught if you were in a future school?
• Imagine meeting your future self. What questions would you ask?
• Picture your hometown 20 years from now. How is it different or the same?
• Which futuristic invention do you wish existed already? Describe how it would work and how it could benefit society.
• If you could make one law for the future, what would it be, and why?
• Imagine your future best friend. What do they look like? What qualities do they have?
• Envision a day when you run a company. What kind of company would that be and how would the company operate?
• Predict what kind of music will be popular 30 years from now.
• Describe a future world where there's no more pollution. What actions were taken to achieve this?
• Write about a day in your life as the future President or Prime Minister.
• What would your future city look like if you were the city planner?
• If you could invent one thing to better the world's future, what would it be?
• Picture your future family dinner. Who are the people around the table, and what are you talking about?

Environmental Concerns

Exploring environmental concerns through journaling encourages students to reflect on the impact of their actions on the environment, helping develop responsible and sustainable habits. Here are 20 prompts that can help delve into environmental concerns:

• Reflect on a recent news article you read about climate change. How did it make you feel?
• Imagine a day without plastic. Write about how you managed your day.
• Write about a local environmental issue in your community. What can be done to address it?
• Think about an endangered species. What can we do to save them?
• Describe the changes you would make if you were in charge of environmental policies in your country.
• Discuss the impact of littering in your neighborhood – why is it important not to litter?
• Write a short narrative about a world affected by pollution.
• Reflect on how the use of fossil fuels affects the environment.
• Write a letter to a company suggesting a change that would be better for the environment.
• Imagine a conversation between two trees being cut down – what are they saying?
• Write about a personal habit you could change to lessen your carbon footprint.
• Discuss the importance of recycling and how you can promote it in your school.
• How can daily habits positively or negatively affect our water sources?
• Reflect on how environmental changes can affect the animals in the wild.
• Write about ways to conserve energy at home.
• Show understanding of how excessive use of paper impacts the environment.
• Think about the food you eat. Write about sustainable food practices.
• How does pollution affect our health?
• Write a short story on the theme of 'A World Without Bees'.
• Discuss the concept of 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' and how you can implement it in your daily life.

Real-life Superheroes

Real-Life Superheroes provide us an opportunity to reflect and identify the qualities we admire and wish to embody, fostering personal growth through our journaling journey. Here are 20 prompts to help you explore their impact on your world:

• Write about a real-life superhero in your life – a person you look up to or admire.
• Detail a time when you acted as a superhero for someone else.
• Describe how you would use superpowers for good if you had them.
• Think about a real-life superhero in your community. How do they inspire you?
• Write a letter to a real-life superhero expressing your admiration.
• How would the day of your real-life superhero look like?
• Write about a time you felt empowered to make a difference, like a superhero.
• Explore a social issue you'd address if you were a superhero.
• Draw parallels between a superhero's life and your own life.
• How do your real-life superheroes balance their professional and personal lives?
• Share how a real-life superhero’s story brought a positive change in your life.
• If you could have a conversation with your real-life superhero, what would you talk about?
• Write a short story where you team up with a real-life superhero.
• Assess a difficulty you’re facing right now and think about how your real-life superhero would overcome it.
• Journal about what you’ve learned from your real-life superhero’s challenges and how it applies to your life.
• Identify three qualities you admire most in your real-life superhero and how you can develop them.
• Reflect on how your real-life superhero impacts you and your community.
• How has your perspective changed after learning about your real-life superhero’s journey?
• Write about a lesson you’ve learned from your real-life superhero.
• Imagine an interview with your real-life superhero, what would you ask?

Understanding Family Dynamics

Exploring family dynamics through journaling allows us to reflect on the distinct roles, interactions and patterns in our families, aiding our understanding of our personal identities and our emotional responses. Here are 20 prompts for developing understanding of family dynamics:

• Write about your favourite family memory. How did this event contribute to your family's dynamic?
• Reflect on a situation where there was a disagreement in your family. How was this resolved?
• Think about a family tradition. How does this ritual impact your family relationships?
• Describe the roles of each family member and how they interact with one another.
• Identify a time when your family had to work together to accomplish a goal. What role did you play?
• Recount an experience when a significant change occurred in your family. How did your family adapt?
• Describe how you and your siblings get along. What is unique about these relationships?
• Write about your parents' communication style. What positives and negatives do you observe?
• Reflect on how the dynamics of your family have changed as you've grown older.
• Describe the personality traits you share with your family members. How do they affect the way you interact?
• Write about someone in your family who you admire. What qualities do they embody?
• Reflect on a big decision your family had to make together. What was the outcome?
• Describe an annual family gathering. How do the dynamics play out during this event?
• Consider how your family copes with difficult situations. What strengths and weaknesses do you observe?
• Think about the values your family upholds. How are these values passed on?
• Write about how differences in opinion are addressed in your family.
• Reflect on a time when you felt misunderstood by your family. How did you handle it?
• Describe your familial connections. How do extended family members contribute to your family dynamics?
• Write about your role in the family. If you could change it, would you? Why or why not?
• Reflect on what 'family' means to you. How does your definition influence your family interactions?

Thoughts On Personal Identity

Exploring personal identity through journaling aids 6th graders in understanding themselves and their unique place in the world. Here are 20 prompts that can steer their writing towards deepening self-awareness and shaping personal identity:

• Write about a time when you felt most authentic and 'yourself'. Why was this moment significant?
• Scribble down three adjectives that best describe your personality. How do these traits manifest in your daily life?
• Reflect on an event that has significantly shaped your personal identity. Write about its impact on you.
• Jot down five personal values you hold dear. How do these values influence your actions?
• Illustrate the qualities you admire in others. Would you like to cultivate any of these characteristics?
• Recall a time when your actions upset you. How would you react differently today?
• Describe your ideal day. What does it tell you about your preferences and desires?
• Write about your personal strengths. How have these helped you overcome challenges?
• Think about one thing you'd like to change about yourself. Why is this change important to you?
• Reflect on your biggest fear and how it affects your attitudes and behaviours.
• Sketch your personal goals for the next five years. What do these goals indicate about your aspirations?
• Convey who you are using only metaphors.
• Write a letter to your future self. What advice or reminders would you give?
• Identify the roles you play in your family, friendships, and school life. How do you feel about these roles?
• Recall an instance when someone's opinion altered your self-perception. Do you agree or disagree with their view?
• Jot down your favourite hobbies and passions. How do they contribute to your sense of self?
• Describe a moment when you felt proud of yourself.
• Write about a personal challenge you're facing. How is it making you stronger or wiser?
• Recall a compliment that you received recently. How did it make you feel?
• Reflect on the biggest lesson you've learned so far in your life. What did it teach you about yourself?

School Life Chronicles

Exploring and reflecting on school life chronicles can stimulate thought-provoking responses and develop perspective that goes beyond classroom learning. Here are 20 writing prompts that revolve around school life chronicles for your 6th grade journal:

• Narrate your first day at middle school, how did you feel?
• Describe an event at school this year that made you feel proud.
• Write about your favorite class this year and why it tops your list.
• How was your relationship with your classmates developed throughout the year?
• Detail a specific challenge you overcame this year in school.
• Write about a special school event or field trip that you attended this year.
• Explain a project or assignment that you worked really hard on and the outcome.
• Describe your favorite spot in school and what makes it special.
• List three lessons you learned this year that have nothing to do with academics.
• Write about a teacher who has significantly influenced your school experience.
• Recall an unexpected act of kindness you witnessed or experienced in school.
• Write about one subject you’ve improved in and how you achieved it.
• Describe your favorite school lunch and why you love it.
• Recall a funny incident at school that made you laugh.
• Write about the most challenging homework assignment this year and how you handed it.
• Explain any changes in your school routine and how they affected you.
• Reflect on a book you read for school that you found intriguing.
• Write about a meaningful conversation you had with a friend or teacher at school.
• Narrate an event at school that made you see things from a different perspective.
• Write about how you handle your school stress and maintain balance.

Book Report Reflections

Book Report Reflections encourage improved understanding, deeper engagement, and progression of thought while reading. Below are 20 prompts to foster thoughtful reflection after completing a book report:

• Discuss the development of the protagonist throughout the story.
• Reflect on the major theme of the book and why you think the author chose it.
• Analyze the relevance of the title to the overall story.
• Describe your favorite chapter and why it compelled you the most.
• Write about a situation from the book you wish ended differently.
• Reflect on the relationship between the primary characters.
• Analyze the antagonist's motivation.
• Share your feelings upon finishing the book.
• Discuss a secondary character that you found intriguing.
• What three questions would you ask the author about the book?
• Do you think the story would change drastically if set in a different time or place?
• What would you change about the book?
• Discuss a scene that surprised you, and why.
• What personal connections did you make while reading the book?
• Reflect on the ending, did it satisfy your expectations, why or why not?
• How does the book compare to others by the same author?
• Did your opinion of the book change as you read? If so, how?
• Write about a scene that affected you emotionally.
• If you were to write a sequel, what would happen next?
• Reflect on the lessons learned and how they can be applied in real life.

Conversations With Historical Figures

Exploring conversations with historical figures in journal prompts broadens a student's understanding of history and fosters critical thinking. Here are 20 writing prompts that encourage 6th graders to engage in hypothetical dialogues with figures from the past:

• Imagine you're talking with Abraham Lincoln. What issues would you raise about his presidency?
• Write a letter to Amelia Earhart, expressing your admiration for her determination.
• Write a conversation you could have with Martin Luther King Jr. discussing the current state of civil rights.
• If you could ask Cleopatra one thing about her life, what would it be?
• Sketch a dialogue with Albert Einstein about his theory of relativity.
• Write an interview with Leonardo da Vinci, asking him about his inventions and artworks.
• Frame a discussion with Mahatma Gandhi on the topic of non-violence.
• Compose a letter to Vincent Van Gogh, offering him support during his struggles.
• Design a teatime conversation with Queen Victoria about the challenges of being a queen.
• If you could ask Rosa Parks one question about her act of defiance, what would it be?
• Craft an interview with Julius Caesar asking about his leadership style.
• Write a conversation with Anne Frank about her life in hiding.
• Compose a letter to Thomas Edison, asking about his creative process.
• Describe a chat with George Washington about the challenges of leading a new nation.
• If you got the chance to cook a meal with Julia Child, what would you ask her?
• Imagine a conversation with Neil Armstrong about what it feels like to walk on the moon.
• Write a conversation with Susan B. Anthony discussing the importance of women’s right to vote.
• Sketch a dialogue with Beethoven about how he composed music despite his deafness.
• Compose a letter to Charles Dickens asking about his inspiration for his novels.
• Imagine a conversation with Sacajawea about her journey on the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Science Fiction Fantasies

Writing journal prompts on Science Fiction Fantasies allows sixth graders to travel beyond the confines of our known reality, to explore alien civilizations, future technologies, or fantastic creatures. Here are 20 writing prompts to spark your interstellar imagination:

• Imagine you're an astronaut on a newly discovered planet. What do you see, smell, and hear?
• Write a story about a (friendly) encounter with an alien species. How would you communicate?
• Think of a technology that doesn't exist today, but might in the future. How would it change everyday life?
• You've discovered a teleportation device. Where would you go and why?
• Create your own alien creature. Describe them in detail.
• What if humans could time travel? Where would you go and what would you change?
• Invent a news story about a significant event in a distant galaxy.
• Suppose Earth has to evacuate due to a natural disaster. Describe your journey to a new planet.
• Write a diary entry from the POV of a robot.
• Imagine you're a scientist and you've just invented a new kind of spaceship. Describe it.
• Plan out a day in your life, 500 years from now.
• What if you had a pet from another planet? Describe it and its unique abilities.
• Suppose you could speak the language of the stars. What would they tell you?
• Write a story about finding a mysterious, ancient alien artifact.
• Imagine you found a door to another dimension in your school locker. Where does it lead?
• Create a story about saving Earth from an incoming asteroid.
• Write a letter home, as an astronaut on a multi-year space mission.
• What if plants could talk? Write a conversation you have with a tree from a far-off moon.
• Design your own futuristic city. What makes it unique?
• Suppose you could control gravity. How would you use this ability in your daily life?

World Traveler Dreamings

Exploring World Traveler Dreamings through journaling fosters imagination, broadens understanding and fosters a sense of curiosity about different cultures and places. Here are 20 journal prompts related to World Traveler Dreamings:

• If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
• Write a postcard to a friend from your dream travel destination.
• Create a bucket list of five countries you wish to visit.
• Imagine you've woken up in your favorite country. Detail your first day there.
• What are some unique customs or traditions you might encounter in your dream destination?
• Write a dialogue with a local resident from the place you wish to visit.
• Describe the flight journey to your chosen country.
• Think about a world landmark you want to see. Write about what you imagine it would feel like to stand in front of it.
• Imagine the local food at your dream destination. Write about your favorite meal.
• What would you pack in your luggage for a trip around the world?
• Write a poem about exploring a foreign city for the first time.
• Suppose you found a magical carpet that can take you anywhere. Where would you go and why?
• Are there any endangered species in the place you want to visit? Write about how you can help protect them.
• Write about a local festival or cultural event you would like to participate in at your dream destination.
• How would you explain your hometown to someone from another country?
• If you could learn a new language before you travel, which one would it be and why?
• Discuss a famous person from a country you want to visit. What would you talk about?
• How might seeing different parts of the world change your perspective?
• What aspects of your dream travel destination are you most nervous about encountering, and why?
• Imagine you could live in your dream country for a year. Write about your life there.

Magical Encounter Scenarios

Magical Encounter Scenarios invite us to unleash our imagination and infuse an element of the supernatural into our everyday experiences, opening new avenues for self-expression and creativity. Here are 20 prompts that can help you delve into the world of magical encounters in your journaling process:

• Imagine you have found a magic lamp. What are the three wishes you would ask the genie and why?
• Describe what a day would look like if you could become invisible at will.
• Write about an adventure you'd have if you had a magical talking pet.
• What if magic were real and part of daily life? How would it change your routine?
• If a magical portal opened in your school, where would it lead?
• Suppose you discovered that you could talk to animals. What conversations would you have?
• You’ve suddenly gained the ability to fly. Where would you go and why?
• Describe an encounter with a mythical creature in your neighborhood.
• If a magical mirror could show you one thing from your future, what would you want to see?
• You find a mysterious magical artifact. What does it do and how do you use it?
• What if your favorite storybook character visited you for a day?
• Imagine if you could time travel. Where and when would you go?
• Describe a magical game you invent that becomes popular in your school.
• If you were granted an extra hour every day that only you knew about, how would you use it?
• What if you woke up one day and found a unicorn in your backyard?
• How would your life change if you found a magical map of hidden treasures in your town?
• Would you risk it to drink a potion that gave you superpowers? Why or why not?
• Write about what happens when you plant a magical seed your Grandma gave you.
• You have a magical camera that can capture not only images but also emotions. What would you photograph?
• Imagine if you could transform into any animal. Which one would you choose and why?

Animal Kingdom Chronicles

Incorporating the complex and diverse world of the Animal Kingdom into journal prompts allows 6th graders to explore their curiosity while practicing their writing skills. Here are some prompts centered around the Animal Kingdom Chronicles:

• Write a day in the life of an elephant.
• Imagine you are a bird migrating for the winter. Describe your journey.
• Choose any sea creature and write about its life under the sea.
• Write a diary entry as a panda living in a zoo.
• Imagine you're a snake shedding its skin. Write about that experience.
• Write a story about a predator and its prey but with a surprising twist.
• Describe your surroundings from the perspective of an ant.
• Write a story about an unlikely friendship between two different animals.
• Imagine being a kangaroo for a day. Describe your day.
• Come up with a conversation between a group of dolphins.
• Write about the experience of a butterfly emerging from its cocoon.
• Draw a scene of the rainforest and write about the sounds you might hear.
• Compare the life of a domestic cat and a lion in the wild.
• Write a letter from a pet to its owner.
• Pretend you're a spider building its web. Describe that process.
• Envision the life of a pet dog when the family is not around.
• Write a story about a group of birds building a nest.
• Pretend you are a vet and write about your day treating different kinds of animals.
• Describe a day in the life of a squirrel gathering nuts for the winter.
• Imagine you're an octopus in an aquarium. What would you think of the people watching you?

Thoughts On Teamwork

Exploring the value and dynamics of teamwork in your journal entries equips you with important life skills and fosters an understanding of collaboration strategies. Here are 20 ideations to guide you in your journey of understanding teamwork through journaling:

• Describe a time you collaborated well with a team. What was your role?
• Discuss an incident where teamwork fell apart. What do you think went wrong?
• Write about a successful team you admire. What makes them effective?
• List down three traits of an ideal team member and explain why you chose them.
• Imagine an upcoming group project. Write about your plan of action as a team member.
• Reflect on a disagreement within a team you were a part of. How would you handle it today?
• Write a letter to your teammates appreciating their participation in a group project.
• Share an idea to build a strong bond within your team.
• List the pros and cons of working in a team.
• Write about a situation where a team’s collective decision was better than an individual decision.
• Pen down your thoughts on how to manage talkative teammates during a group discussion.
• Discuss the roles and responsibilities you prefer when working in a team.
• Write about a scenario where a team overcame a massive challenge.
• Think of an event where the contributions of every team member were necessary for success.
• Write a letter to a teammate helping them understand their important role within the team.
• Write about how to respectfully interject during a discussion dominated by a single teammate.
• Reflect on the importance of diversity within a team.
• Write down your feelings when your ideas are acknowledged by your team.
• Describe your experience as the leader of a team, if you’ve had one. What were your learnings?
• Finally, pen down your thoughts on how teamwork shapes one’s character over time.

Art Inspiration

Art Inspiration through journaling allows 6th graders to creatively and effectively express their uniqe visions and passion for various forms of artwork. Let's explore some art-inspired writing prompts for sixth-grade students:

• Write about your favorite painting, how does it make you feel?
• If you were a character in a comic strip, who would you be? Describe your superpower.
• Create an imaginary world in words, then design a piece of artwork that portrays this vision.
• Remember the last museum or art exhibition you visited. Write about a piece of artwork that caught your attention.
• Describe a sculpture that resonates with your personality.
• Invent an abstract drawing on your mind, and then describe it in words.
• Write a short story inspired by pieces of broken glass.
• You have been tasked to design the book cover of your most favorite novel. Describe your design in words.
• Imagine you could only express your emotions through colors. What would happiness, sadness, anger, and excitement look like?
• Write a letter to a famous artist. What would you like to tell them?
• If you were to paint the dream you had last night, how would it look like? Describe it in your journal.
• Which art form you like the most- painting, sculpture, or music, and why?
• Design a piece of wearable art. Write about the colors, shapes, and materials you would use.
• You come across an ancient mural. Write about how you interpret the mural.
• Imagine being an art critic for a day, describe a fictitious painting in great detail and give your critique.
• Rewrite the ending of your favorite novel visually. Describe your artwork.
• If your life was a canvas, what colors would represent different stages of your life so far?
• Write about your favorite piece of art in your home. Why is it special to you?
• Imagine a public space you often visit as a blank canvas. How would you transform it artistically?
• If you could jump into a painting and live in that world, which one would it be and why?

Understanding Space And Astronomy

Understanding Space and Astronomy through journaling enriches 6th graders' perspective about our universe, inspiring curiosity and appreciation for the cosmic world. Below are 20 prompts to spark insightful interactions with Space and Astronomy in your journaling practice:

• Describe the solar system. How does understanding its vastness make you feel?
• Imagine you're an astronaut exploring a new planet. What would you see, feel, and do?
• Write about a space mission, detailing the preparation, journey, and discovery.
• List five questions you would ask an astronomer.
• What are the moon phases and how do they impact Earth?
• If you could name a star, what would you name it and why?
• What do you think life on Mars would be like?
• How does living in space affect the human body?
• Write about a day in the life of an alien on a different planet.
• What is a black hole, and what are your thoughts on it?
• If you could design your own spaceship, what features would it have?
• How can we protect our earth from space threats like asteroids?
• Write a fictional story of a space adventure.
• What would be the benefits, if any, of colonizing another planet?
• Why do seasons change? Explain the role of Earth's rotation and axis.
• How does the moon affect the tides on Earth?
• Imagine discovering a completely new galaxy. Write about what you might find there.
• Describe what the night sky looks like from your backyard. What constellations can you see?
• What is your favorite planet, and why?
• If you could chat with a famous astronaut, who would it be, and what questions would you ask them?

Cultural Exchange

Exploring Cultural Exchange via journaling allows 6th graders the chance to broaden their understanding and respect for diverse cultures, people, and ways of life. Here are 20 diverse prompts that navigate through the fascinating realm of cultural exchange:

• Write about a cultural tradition your family practices. What do you enjoy about it most?
• Explore a foreign cuisine you would love to try. Why does it interest you?
• Describe an international festival you would like to attend. What makes it appealing?
• Reflect on a traditional tale or story from another culture that you've heard or read. How did it make you feel?
• Pen down your thoughts about a holiday tradition from a culture different from yours.
• If you were to visit a country of your choice, which one would it be and why?
• List three things you'd like to learn about the culture of your chosen country.
• What's a popular sport or activity in another country that you'd like to play or do? Write your reasons.
• Write about a foreign language you would like to learn and why.
• Explore a distinctive musical instrument from a different culture that you'd want to master.
• Discuss a famous piece of artwork from another culture that captivates you.
• Describe a traditional clothing style from a different culture that you appreciate.
• Imagine you're meeting a pen pal from another country. List the questions you'll ask to learn about their culture.
• Explore few practices of a different culture that are distinct from your own.
• Write about the significance of cultural exchange in developing global understanding.
• Talk about a movie or book set in a different culture that captured your imagination.
• Describe an international ritual, celebration or practice you wish was a part of your own culture.
• Write a letter to a foreign friend explaining about your hometown's local culture and festivals.
• If you were to teach a cultural tradition of yours to a foreign friend, what would it be and why?
• Discuss how learning about diverse cultures has influenced or changed your perspective.

Sports Chronicles

"Sports Chronicles" revolves around exploring personal experiences, views, and thoughts related to different sporting activities. Here are 20 potential writing prompts that sixth graders can use to dive into this exciting theme:

• Describe your most memorable moment in a sport you play or watch.
• How could sportsmanship be displayed better in a game you recently saw or participated in?
• Write a short story about your favorite athlete's journey to success.
• Imagine you have been picked to compete in the Olympics. What sport would you choose and why?
• How does playing or watching sports make you feel?
• Discuss a time when a sport or physical activity taught you a valuable lesson.
• What is one sport you would like to try and why does it appeal to you?
• Chart out the dream team for your favorite sport, explaining why you chose each athlete.
• Write about a tough loss in a sports game and what it taught you.
• Describe the best game or sports event you have ever watched.
• If you were the coach of your school team, what are some ideas you would introduce to improve performance?
• Reflect on your favorite sports memory with a friend or family member.
• Write about your favorite sports movie or book and what you learned from it.
• What is your pre-game ritual or superstition, and why do you believe in it?
• Discuss a lesser-known sport you feel deserves more recognition and why.
• Write a letter to an athlete you admire, telling them what about them inspires you.
• Describe the most challenging aspect of your favorite sport and your strategies to overcome it.
• If you had the chance to make a new sport, what would it be like?
• Share a time when you had to work as a team in a sport and the outcome.
• Explain how practicing sports can help in other areas of life.

Favorite Hobby Exploration

Exploring favorite hobbies in journaling prompts encourages 6th graders to engage deeper with their interests, understand why they bring them joy, and perhaps discover new aspects about them. Here are 20 writing prompts focused on favorite hobby exploration:

• Describe your favorite hobby. Why does it interest you?
• How did you first become interested in this hobby?
• What is the most challenging part of this hobby and how do you handle it?
• Has there been a time you felt particularly proud while engaging in your hobby? Describe this moment.
• If you could share your hobby with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
• Write down the steps to teach your hobby to a beginner.
• How can you involve your friends or family in your hobby?
• What is one thing you want to achieve or accomplish through your hobby?
• If you could change one thing about your hobby, what would it be and why?
• Does your hobby relax you, excite you, challenge you, or all three? Explain your answer.
• Write a short story where your hobby plays a significant role.
• Who is your role model in your hobby field and why?
• How do you think your hobby could be useful in your future career?
• What are the biggest misconceptions people have about your hobby?
• What benefits have you gained from practicing your hobby?
• If you had unlimited resources, how would you enhance your hobby experience?
• How has your hobby changed or evolved since you first started?
• Do you have a special memory while practicing your hobby? Describe it.
• If your hobby were to be an animal, which would it be and why?
• Imagine you've won a trophy, medal, or achieved a milestone in your hobby. Write a thank you speech.

Technology In Everyday Life

Reflecting on the role of technology in our daily lives allows 6th graders to better understand their relationship with digital tools and the impact of advancements on societies and individuals. Here are 20 writing prompts igniting a thought process about Technology in Everyday Life:

• Jot down three ways technology has made your schoolwork easier.
• Write a brief story about a world without technology.
• Describe a scenario where technology made a situation more difficult. What would you have done differently?
• What's your favorite piece of technology and why?
• Imagine a new technology that could solve a problem you recently faced. Describe it.
• List down three ways how technology has changed your family's lifestyle.
• Imagine a day without your cell phone or any electronic gadgets. How would you feel and spend your day?
• Write about an app or a game that you think would be helpful to 6th graders.
• Describe the potential dangers that technology may pose for children of your age.
• Consider how technology has contributed to environmental issues. What are your thoughts about it?
• Write a letter to a time-traveler from the past explaining modern technology.
• Think about how technology has changed the way we communicate. Is it a positive or negative change for you?
• Imagine what technology might look like 50 years from now.
• How has technology changed the way you play or leisure time?
• Write about your favorite tech gadget you want to invent.
• Discuss how technology affects how you complete your homework. Is it easier, harder, why?
• Remember a time when technology helped you in a critical situation. Explain the situation.
• How would online schooling be different if technology was not advanced as it is today?
• Write about the dangers of too much screen time and how you can monitor and manage it.
• List some instances where you could replace technology with more traditional methods, and explain why this might be beneficial.

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Critical Thinking Questions for 6th Grade Math

Activities to help students answer inferential questions.

Sixth grade students have mastered the four operations of mathematics -- addition, subtraction, division and multiplication. By the end of the year, these middle school students have used these operations with decimals, fractions and negative numbers. At this point, math also involves reasoning, building on knowledge and observing; these skills are encouraged by higher level questions and participation from the students in a collaborative setting.

Open Questions

Asking open questions is a way to provide an opportunity for your students to think critically. For example, asking the sixth grade students how many polygons they can make with an area of 24 units is an open question. A closed question with the same objective is to have a polygon drawn and ask them the area of that polygon. Open questions can have more than one answer, and differentiation occurs automatically with this type of question. The more advanced students search for many ways to construct the polygon and answer the question. Other students also try to find a polygon to meet the criteria, realize that finding the many answers is valued, and continue working. Discussion of the different ways to answer the open question adds value to the question in the sixth grade classroom.

Questioning Words

In Bloom's Taxonomy, a collection of verbs is divided into levels of thinking. Appraise, compare, contrast, criticize, differentiate, discriminate, distinguish, examine and question are verbs from Bloom's "analyzing" level, which encourages critical thinking. For example, having your sixth graders compare the distances around various circles' circumferences to their diameter measurements is a great introduction to pi and the formula for the circumference of a circle. It is also a critical thinking question which promotes exploration.

Great questions are wasted if wait time is not given for the answers. Too often teachers don't allow the students time to think and answer, blurting out the answer themselves or calling on another student. Some sixth grade students need more time to formulate their answers. Teachers should provide a few seconds of wait time for students to process the question and their answer.

Make Connections

Math builds on prior lessons. Critical thinking questions should help the sixth grade students see those relationships and connections. Teachers should ask students how the problem they are working on is connected to something they learned previously. For example, when your sixth graders are learning about ratios, you can remind them of their study of similar triangles. By asking them to think of how ratio and similar triangles are connected, the students are led to review what they have already learned about similar shapes and apply it to the study of ratios. The teacher helps the students to see the relationship between the two concepts and to deepen their understanding through the connections.

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Susan Rickey started writing in 1994 with a technology feature article for the "Pioneer Press." She was the writer of the Klamath Forest Alliance newsletter, an environmental organization. Rickey obtained her teaching credential from California State University and acquired her Bachelor of Science from the University of Arkansas.

A Crash Course in Critical Thinking

What you need to know—and read—about one of the essential skills needed today..

Posted April 8, 2024 | Reviewed by Michelle Quirk

• In research for "A More Beautiful Question," I did a deep dive into the current crisis in critical thinking.
• Many people may think of themselves as critical thinkers, but they actually are not.
• Here is a series of questions you can ask yourself to try to ensure that you are thinking critically.

Conspiracy theories. Inability to distinguish facts from falsehoods. Widespread confusion about who and what to believe.

These are some of the hallmarks of the current crisis in critical thinking—which just might be the issue of our times. Because if people aren’t willing or able to think critically as they choose potential leaders, they’re apt to choose bad ones. And if they can’t judge whether the information they’re receiving is sound, they may follow faulty advice while ignoring recommendations that are science-based and solid (and perhaps life-saving).

Moreover, as a society, if we can’t think critically about the many serious challenges we face, it becomes more difficult to agree on what those challenges are—much less solve them.

On a personal level, critical thinking can enable you to make better everyday decisions. It can help you make sense of an increasingly complex and confusing world.

In the new expanded edition of my book A More Beautiful Question ( AMBQ ), I took a deep dive into critical thinking. Here are a few key things I learned.

First off, before you can get better at critical thinking, you should understand what it is. It’s not just about being a skeptic. When thinking critically, we are thoughtfully reasoning, evaluating, and making decisions based on evidence and logic. And—perhaps most important—while doing this, a critical thinker always strives to be open-minded and fair-minded . That’s not easy: It demands that you constantly question your assumptions and biases and that you always remain open to considering opposing views.

In today’s polarized environment, many people think of themselves as critical thinkers simply because they ask skeptical questions—often directed at, say, certain government policies or ideas espoused by those on the “other side” of the political divide. The problem is, they may not be asking these questions with an open mind or a willingness to fairly consider opposing views.

When people do this, they’re engaging in “weak-sense critical thinking”—a term popularized by the late Richard Paul, a co-founder of The Foundation for Critical Thinking . “Weak-sense critical thinking” means applying the tools and practices of critical thinking—questioning, investigating, evaluating—but with the sole purpose of confirming one’s own bias or serving an agenda.

In AMBQ , I lay out a series of questions you can ask yourself to try to ensure that you’re thinking critically. Here are some of the questions to consider:

• Why do I believe what I believe?
• Are my views based on evidence?
• Have I fairly and thoughtfully considered differing viewpoints?
• Am I truly open to changing my mind?

Of course, becoming a better critical thinker is not as simple as just asking yourself a few questions. Critical thinking is a habit of mind that must be developed and strengthened over time. In effect, you must train yourself to think in a manner that is more effortful, aware, grounded, and balanced.

For those interested in giving themselves a crash course in critical thinking—something I did myself, as I was working on my book—I thought it might be helpful to share a list of some of the books that have shaped my own thinking on this subject. As a self-interested author, I naturally would suggest that you start with the new 10th-anniversary edition of A More Beautiful Question , but beyond that, here are the top eight critical-thinking books I’d recommend.

The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark , by Carl Sagan

This book simply must top the list, because the late scientist and author Carl Sagan continues to be such a bright shining light in the critical thinking universe. Chapter 12 includes the details on Sagan’s famous “baloney detection kit,” a collection of lessons and tips on how to deal with bogus arguments and logical fallacies.

Clear Thinking: Turning Ordinary Moments Into Extraordinary Results , by Shane Parrish

The creator of the Farnham Street website and host of the “Knowledge Project” podcast explains how to contend with biases and unconscious reactions so you can make better everyday decisions. It contains insights from many of the brilliant thinkers Shane has studied.

Good Thinking: Why Flawed Logic Puts Us All at Risk and How Critical Thinking Can Save the World , by David Robert Grimes

A brilliant, comprehensive 2021 book on critical thinking that, to my mind, hasn’t received nearly enough attention . The scientist Grimes dissects bad thinking, shows why it persists, and offers the tools to defeat it.

Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know , by Adam Grant

Intellectual humility—being willing to admit that you might be wrong—is what this book is primarily about. But Adam, the renowned Wharton psychology professor and bestselling author, takes the reader on a mind-opening journey with colorful stories and characters.

Think Like a Detective: A Kid's Guide to Critical Thinking , by David Pakman

The popular YouTuber and podcast host Pakman—normally known for talking politics —has written a terrific primer on critical thinking for children. The illustrated book presents critical thinking as a “superpower” that enables kids to unlock mysteries and dig for truth. (I also recommend Pakman’s second kids’ book called Think Like a Scientist .)

Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters , by Steven Pinker

The Harvard psychology professor Pinker tackles conspiracy theories head-on but also explores concepts involving risk/reward, probability and randomness, and correlation/causation. And if that strikes you as daunting, be assured that Pinker makes it lively and accessible.

How Minds Change: The Surprising Science of Belief, Opinion and Persuasion , by David McRaney

David is a science writer who hosts the popular podcast “You Are Not So Smart” (and his ideas are featured in A More Beautiful Question ). His well-written book looks at ways you can actually get through to people who see the world very differently than you (hint: bludgeoning them with facts definitely won’t work).

A Healthy Democracy's Best Hope: Building the Critical Thinking Habit , by M Neil Browne and Chelsea Kulhanek

Neil Browne, author of the seminal Asking the Right Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking, has been a pioneer in presenting critical thinking as a question-based approach to making sense of the world around us. His newest book, co-authored with Chelsea Kulhanek, breaks down critical thinking into “11 explosive questions”—including the “priors question” (which challenges us to question assumptions), the “evidence question” (focusing on how to evaluate and weigh evidence), and the “humility question” (which reminds us that a critical thinker must be humble enough to consider the possibility of being wrong).

Warren Berger is a longtime journalist and author of A More Beautiful Question .

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Dystopian Literature in 6th Grade: Opening Minds and Critical Thinking

Dystopian literature is by far my favorite genre. I'll dabble in other genres, but always find myself right back into this genre. When I found out Lucy Calkins was developing a unit for middle school I was so excited to check it out. I was eager to see if I could use it with my 6th graders and I was happy that I could!

Why 6th Graders Thrive with this Literature

I had a lot of hesitations and reservations at first. Most of the books I read are young adult and

I often ask myself , why do I love these books so much? Why do I dive into these dark and often depressing worlds? Why do I love settings that are apocalyptic? I know how extreme these books can be, can 6th graders handle this?

Upon lots of reflection the short answer is YES, they can. Here is the thing with 6th graders. They are 11/12 years old and LOTS of things are going on developmentally. They are at that awkward age where they are still enjoying their little kid activities, but slowly transitioning into a process of discovery and identity-finding. They start questioning everything. They want to know what's going on in the world, but their brains can't quite wrap their heads around it yet.

These books are a great way to trigger their need to investigate and discover, while doing so in a safe way. Also, while dystopian books are pretty much defined as stories that have a negative view on the future, I do not think the books are trying to send negative messages. At the heart of these books are the characters. Characters faced with unimaginable struggles. Struggles that could happen in our world if we don't do things to change it. These characters deal with loss, impossible tasks, and more...but, here's the bottom line, they don't give up. Their resiliency is tested constantly. But throughout the entire text, they learn to work together with others. To unite together to fight injustice. To strive for hope and happiness. All of this is key to building empathy .

Not only that, these books are ripe with setting, imagery, character development, symbolism, flashback, themes, and all the other good stuff we E.L.A. teachers want our kiddos to know. They provide so much inspiration for story-writing, too. These stories are also SO relevant today.

What Books?

So, this is the real tricky part. As I've mentioned, lots of these books are young adult. My first introduction to the genre was 1984 and The Handmaid's Tale ; yea, definitely not good for 6th graders. The thing with young adult is that a lot of 6th graders are ready to read those books and they absolutely devour them. The fact that they are a little edgy makes them fill that need to "grow up". I remember reading Go Ask Alice when I was around their age. Super intense. Drug abuse and much more. It freaked me out, but I absolutely loved that book and it taught me a lot. It actually gave me perspective once I hit high school. I had a handful of friends who started using drugs, some of these kids had some major issues with it, but this book always popped into my mind. I never gave in and had a lot of empathy for those kids.

It's also important to know that young adult literature is classified as 12 and up. Middle grade reading is considered 8-11. Do you see the deal here? 6th graders are smack dab in the middle.

Carefully choosing texts is very important here, as well as keeping parents in the loop, and knowing your students. I do this unit in January. So by then, I know the kids, I know the parents, I know what's up. I share the list with parents so they know what they're in for. I then let the kids choose the books they want to read with a group of their choosing. With their group members, they pick from the list. I then compile that information and share it with parents again. If I receive any pushback, I accommodate.

My list does contain some edgier young adult, but I try to steer clear of the PG-13/almost R books. While most of the books on my list do include violence of some sort and the occasional curse, honestly, I know most of these students have heard and seen a lot worse in video games and on YouTube.

I definitely avoid anything that touches upon sexuality in a borderline R-rated way. Most of the books I've read really don't get too crazy in that area. Although one year, I had the book Eve on the list. I had a student come up to me and show me some lines that were, well, racier than I was expecting. At the time, I said stick with it, but if you are uncomfortable and/or mom is uncomfortable we can switch. It actually turned out wonderfully because she LOVED the book and mom and her had some great discussions! Needless to say, though, I took the book off the list!

There are also some really tame ones out there. Some of these are my go-to's for the students not quite mature enough yet and that's okay!

Here is my list .

Students get the books from the public library.

How to Introduce It

I've been kicking off the unit lately with the movie The Truman Show . You could also use Wall-E or The Lorax , but I like using The Truman Show because most kids have never even heard of it and again, it has a slight edge that gets them interested. We analyze the dystopian components of the film to get them familiar with the genre.

Next up is my Origin of a Dystopia activity. The kids really love this. It really gets their minds around the concept of the worlds they are reading about. (I should also add, my kids start reading the books a week before we start the unit during independent reading time). First, they think of things that are troubling in our worlds. Next, they think of the problems associated with those problems and then think, if those problems continue, what could happen, hypothetically, to our world.

Then, they determine how they could fix that problem if it DID come true. What rules would they need to make? From there, they get into how these rules would be enforced and who would have issues with these rules. The ultimate conversation leads into how it's extremely difficult to have a perfect utopia.

I haven't done this yet this school year. It is certainly going to be interesting, that's for sure!

You can get this activity below!

What I Focus On

If you are using the Lucy Calkins unit , there's lots of ground to cover, but I definitely lighten the load for my 6th graders. I've used Among the Hidden by Margaret Haddix as my read aloud the past few years, but I am trying to find another one. I LOVE Scythe by Neal Shusterman and have hesitated using it, but I might dig into it more this summer and choose some not too intense excerpts. Here is what I focus on:

Setting : This is a major component of this unit. The big aspect being how is this world different, but also the same as ours? Students have to dig for text details to prove both of these.

Mood : This goes along with setting. At this point of the school year, I've done lots of mood activities, especially my mood vs. tone digital activities . We mostly focus on finding strong text details and words to identify mood. I also do an art activity with them. It's similar to blackout poetry, but instead, they focus on mood. In a normal school year, they find a page that shows a strong mood. I take a picture with my phone and print out all the pages. They then set off words that show the mood and draw an image around it. Here are some examples:

Power & Systematic Problems : We touch the surface for this one. The goal is to mostly identify how characters deal with power and control. I also focus on how characters deal with the systematic or political problems going on in their books.

Archetypes : Hero, villain, mentor, anti-hero, sidekick...those are the major archetypes of focus. Students determine if their characters fit into those archetypes.

Symbolism : This is always hard for my 6th graders, but we give it a go. I like to play this game with them first to get them thinking about symbols. They find a variety of objects and think about when these symbols were present in the story and what the meaning is behind a specific object.

Flashback and Foreshadowing : I love flashbacks! I think they are so important to the story. I have them go back into their books and sticky flashbacks and how they could connect to things that happened later in the story. I've actually written a sequel to "The Pedestrian" by Ray Bradbury for this exact reason. Click below for that!

Character Change : These books focus on character change SO much. The metamorphosis of characters is so great...so I have the students think about what moments lead to the change and what pressured him/her to change.

When the unit is done, the students come together to do a one-pager ! I actually have them do it on poster board so they can all work on it together

Bottom Line

6th graders CAN do dystopian literature as long as it is dealt with delicately, while also getting them to think and ask questions.

You're not teaching them what to think; you're teaching the how to think. You want to be careful not to push any sort of political opinions, especially in this fragile word, but you want to encourage them to question.

You can get this unit below! Just keep in mind that it aligns with Lucy Calkins' unit so no lesson plans are included.

************

Want a custom bundle from me click below.

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What Do You Learn in 6th Grade Math? A Complete Guide

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What Do You Learn in 6th Grade Math?

Introduction.

In 6th grade math , students learn about fundamental concepts including fractions , decimals, percentages, basic algebra, and geometry . They also develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills through more advanced arithmetic and introduction to data analysis.

Sixth-grade math is a critical milestone in a student’s mathematical journey . It bridges the gap between elementary arithmetic and more advanced mathematical concepts , laying a solid foundation for future mathematical endeavors .

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the diverse and essential topics covered in 6th-grade math , providing a detailed overview of each area and offering illustrative examples with step-by-step solutions to aid in understanding.

Number Sense and Operations

In 6th grade math , students delve into the concept of place value, gaining a deeper understanding of how digits in multi-digit numbers relate to each other and their respective values. They also learn to identify factors and multiples, enhancing their ability to work with different numbers in various mathematical operations .

Additionally, students differentiate between prime and composite numbers, a skill that lays the groundwork for more advanced topics in number theory and arithmetic.

Find the prime factors of the number 36.

The prime factors of 36 are 2, 2, 3, and 3.

Fractions and Decimals

Students in 6th grade math focus on mastering the operations of adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions and decimals, which are crucial skills for more complex mathematics . They also learn to convert between fractions and decimals with ease, allowing for greater flexibility in solving mathematical problems.

Applying these skills to real-world contexts, students solve problems involving fractions and decimals, thereby understanding the practical applications of their mathematical knowledge.

Add the following fractions: 3/4  and 1/2 ​ .

To add fractions, find a common denominator (4 in this case) and add the numerators:

3/4 + 2/4 = 5/4 ​ .

Ratios and Proportions

Sixth-grade math introduces students to the concept of ratios, equipping them with the ability to compare different quantities and discern their relationships. They also tackle solving problems involving proportions, which is fundamental in understanding how one set of quantities is related to another.

Applying this knowledge, students learn to use ratios and proportions in various practical situations, such as adjusting ingredients in recipes when scaling them up or down, which demonstrates the real-life utility of these mathematical concepts .

If 4 students out of 20 own a bicycle, what is the ratio of students with bicycles to those without?

The ratio is 4:16 or simplified to 1:4.

In 6th grade math , students learn to calculate the area and perimeter of two-dimensional shapes such as rectangles and triangles, enhancing their geometric understanding. They also explore the properties of these shapes, focusing on angles and lines, which form the foundation for more complex geometric concepts.

Additionally, they are introduced to the concepts of volume and surface area, beginning to comprehend how to measure three-dimensional space and the extent of surfaces, skills that are essential for higher-level mathematics and practical applications.

Calculate the area of a rectangle with a length of 8 units and a width of 5 units.

The area A of a rectangle is given by:

A = length × width

In this case,

A = 8 × 5 = 40 square units

Integers and Rational Numbers

In 6th grade math , students expand their number sense by understanding positive and negative numbers and exploring the concept of integers and their place on the number line. They learn to perform operations with these integers, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, which is fundamental for algebra.

Additionally, they explore rational numbers, which include fractions and decimals, and understand their position within the broader category of real numbers, laying the groundwork for more advanced mathematical studies .

Calculate the following: (−3) × 7 ( − 3 ) × 7 .

(−3) × 7 = −21 ( − 3 ) × 7 = − 21

Data and Statistics

In 6th grade math , students develop skills in statistics by learning to collect, organize, and interpret data, which enables them to make informed conclusions and predictions. They calculate measures of central tendency, such as the mean, median, and mode, to analyze data sets and understand their distribution.

Additionally, students create and interpret various types of graphs and charts, such as bar graphs, line graphs, and pie charts, which helps them to visually represent and communicate data effectively.

Calculate the mean (average) of the following numbers: 12, 15, 18, and 21.

The mean is calculated by adding up all the numbers and dividing by the count:

(12 + 15 + 18 + 21)/4

Algebraic Expressions

In 6th grade math , students begin to explore the basics of algebra by learning to simplify and evaluate algebraic expressions, a process that involves combining like terms and understanding the use of variables. They also tackle solving one-step equations, which is a crucial step towards mastering more complex equations in future studies.

These algebraic concepts are not just theoretical; students apply them to solve practical problems, integrating mathematics into everyday situations and preparing them for real-world applications.

Solve for x in the equation 2 x − 3 = 9 .

Add 3 to both sides to isolate 2 x : 2 x = 12 . Then, divide by 2 to find x : x = 12/2 ​ = 6 .

• Probability

In 6th grade math , students are introduced to the concept of probability, which they come to understand as the measure of how likely events are to occur. They learn to calculate probabilities for simple events and experiments, using fractions, decimals, and percentages. This newfound knowledge is then applied to analyze the probability in various scenarios, including games of chance, helping students to predict outcomes and make informed decisions based on their calculations.

If you roll a fair six-sided die, what is the probability of rolling an even number (2, 4, or 6)?

There are 3 favorable outcomes (even numbers) out of 6 possible outcomes, so the probability is 3/6  or 1/2 .

Coordinate Plane

In 6th grade math , students learn to plot points on a Cartesian coordinate plane, also known as the x-y plane, grasping how the x and y coordinates determine the location of a point in two-dimensional space. They understand the concept of coordinates and their role in representing precise locations on a grid.

With this understanding, they solve basic problems related to the coordinate plane, such as finding the distance between two points or identifying patterns within coordinate pairs, which is essential for their progression in geometry and algebra.

Plot the point (4, -3) on the coordinate plane.

Start at the origin (0,0), move 4 units to the right along the x-axis, and then move 3 units down along the y-axis to locate the point (4, -3).

Practical Applications

In 6th grade math , students start to apply their mathematical skills to real-life situations, enhancing their understanding of how math is used in various contexts such as finance—for budgeting and calculating interest—measurement for creating plans or models, and geometry for understanding shapes and space.

This real-world application fosters their mathematical reasoning and critical thinking, enabling them to approach and solve everyday problems with logical strategies, and preparing them for practical challenges they may encounter in their daily lives.

Calculate the total cost of purchasing 3 items, each priced at \$12.50, with a 10% discount and a 6% sales tax.

• Find the discounted price per item: 10\% discount = 0.10 x 12.50 = \$1.25 .
• Subtract the discount from the original price: 12.50 – 1.25 = \$11.25 .
• Calculate the subtotal for 3 items: 3 x 11.25 = \$33.75 .
• Find the sales tax: 6\% tax = 0.06 x 33.75 = \$2.03 .
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85 Fun Critical Thinking Questions for Kids & Teens

Have you ever thought about using fun questions to practice critical thinking?

Students may need a little guidance to think their way through questions that lack straightforward answers.

But it is that process that is important!

How the Right Questions Encourage Critical Thinking

Every parent knows how natural it is for children to ask questions. 

It should be encouraged. After all, asking questions helps with critical thinking.

As they grow older, however, training them to answer questions can be equally beneficial.

Posing questions that encourage kids to analyze, compare, and evaluate information can help them develop their ability to think critically about tough topics in the future. 

Of course, critical thinking questions for kids need to be age-appropriate—even better if you can mix a little fun into it!

That’s what I hope to help you with today. I’ve organized the questions below into three different ages groups:

• Upper elementary
• Middle school
• High school 

Get a Question-Based Critical Thinking Exercise—Free!

Introduce critical thinking gently & easily with thought-provoking exercises.

Upper Elementary

Students in upper elementary grades can be reluctant to put themselves out there, especially with answers that seem weird. 

In some cases, such hesitancy is actually fear of differing from their peers (and a barrier to critical thinking ). 

But that’s exactly why it’s important to practice answering ambiguous questions. 

We want our children to stand firm for their beliefs—not cave to peer pressure. 

Additionally, students may feel uneasy about answering serious questions, uncertain of tackling “big” problems. 

However, with careful use of creative questions for kids, it’s possible to engage even the most reluctant children in this age group. 

The idea is to simply get them interested in the conversation and questions asked.

If you have an especially reserved student, try starting with the funny critical thinking questions. 

Humor is a natural icebreaker that can make critical thinking questions more lighthearted and enjoyable. 

Of course, most younger kids just like to be silly, so playing upon that can keep them active and engaged.

With that said, here are some great questions to get you started:

1. Someone gives you a penguin. You can’t sell it or give it away. What do you do with it?

2. What would it be like if people could fly?

3. If animals could talk, what question would you ask? 

4. If you were ice cream, what kind would you be and why?

5. Do you want to travel back in time? If yes, how far back would you go? If no, why not?

6. What could you invent that would help your family? 

7. If you could stay up all night, what would you do?

8. What does the man on the moon do during the day?

9. What makes something weird or normal? 

10. Can you describe the tastes “salty” and “sweet” without using those words?

11. What does it feel like to ride a rollercoaster?

12. What makes a joke funny?

13. What two items would you take if you knew you would be stranded on an island and why?

14. Do you have a favorite way of laughing?

15. What noise makes you cringe and cover your ears? Why?

16. If you could be the parent for the day, what would you do?

17. If you could jump into your favorite movie and change the outcome, which one would you pick and why?

18. If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do?

19. What makes a day “perfect”?

20. If you owned a store, what kind of products would you sell?

21. If your parents were your age, would you be friends with them?

22. Would you still like your favorite food if it tasted the same as always, but now had an awful smell?

23. What would you do if you forgot to put your shoes on before leaving home?

24. Who would you be if you were a cartoon character?

25. How many hot dogs do you think you could eat in one sitting?

26. If you could breathe under water, what would you explore?

27. At what age do you think you stop being a kid?

28. If you had springs in your legs, what would you be able to do?

29. Can you describe the color blue to someone if they’re blind?

Middle School

At this point, students start to acquire more complex skills and are able to form their own conclusions based on the information they’re given. 

However, we can’t expect deep philosophical debates with 12 and 13 year olds. 

That said, as parent-teachers, we can certainly begin using more challenging questions to help them examine and rationalize their thought processes. 

Browse the fun critical thinking questions below for students in this age range. 

You might be surprised to see how receptive middle school kids can be to such thought-provoking (yet still fun) questions .

30. What would happen if it really did rain cats and dogs?

31. What does it mean to be lucky?

32. If you woke up in the middle of a dream, where would you be?

33. Is it ever okay to lie? Why or why not?

34. If you were solely responsible for creating laws, what one law would you make?

35. What makes a person a good friend?

36. What do you think is the most important skill you can take into adulthood?

37. If you had to give up lunch or dinner, which would you choose? Why?

38. How much money would you need to be considered rich?

39. If you knew you wouldn’t get caught, would you cheat on a test?

40. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be?

41. What is your greatest strength? How is that an asset?

42. If you had an opportunity to visit the International Space Station, would you do it?

43. Is it better to keep the peace or speak your mind?

44. Imagine yourself as your favorite animal. How would you spend your day?

45. Would you be friends with someone who didn’t have the same values as you?

46. How much screen time do you think is too much?

47. Can you describe your favorite color without naming it?

48. If you suddenly became blind, would you see things differently?

49. Would you ever go skydiving?

50. Describe the time you were the happiest in your life. Why did this make you happy?

51. If you had a million dollars, what would you do?

52. If you had to move to a new city, would you change how you present yourself to others?

53. What do you need to do in order to be famous?

54. If you could rewrite the ending of your favorite book or movie, what changes would you make?

55. How would you tackle a huge goal?

56. How would you sell ice to an eskimo in Alaska successfully?

57. What makes you unique?

High School

Critical thinking takes on an entirely different role once students reach high school. 

At this age, they have a greater sense of right and wrong (and what makes things so) as well as a better understanding of the world’s challenges.

Guiding teens to delve deeper and contemplate such things is an important part of developing their reasoning and critical thinking skills. 

Whether it’s fun questions about hypothetical superpowers or tough critical thinking questions about life, older teens typically have what it takes to think their way to a logical conclusion . 

Of course, use your discernment as you choose discussion topics, but here are some questions to help get you started:

58. How can you avoid [common problem] in the future?

59. Do you think it’s okay to take a life in order to save 5, 10, 20 or more people?

60. If you could go back and give your younger self advice, what would it be?

61. Is it better to give or receive a gift?

62. How important is it to be financially secure? Why?

63. If it was up to you, what one rule would you change in your family?

64. What would you do if a group of friends wanted to do something that you thought was a bad idea?

65. How do you know that something is a fact rather than an opinion?

66. What would it take to get you to change your mind?

67. What’s the most important thing in your life?

68. If money were of no concern, what job would you choose and why?

69. How do you know if you’re happy?

70. Do you think euthanasia is moral?

71. What is something you can do today that you weren’t able to do a year ago?

72. Is social media a good thing or not?

73. Is it right to keep animals in a zoo?

74. How does your attitude affect your abilities?

75. What would you do if you found out a friend was doing something dangerous?

76. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Why?

77. What will life on Earth look like in 50 years?

78. Which is more important, ending world hunger or global warming?

79. Is it a good idea to lower the voting age to 16? Why or why not?

80. If the electrical power went out today, how would you cook if using wood wasn’t an option?

81. If you could magically transport yourself to any other place, where would that be and why?

82. When should teenagers be able to stay out all night?

83. Does the number zero actually exist?

84. What defines a generous person?

85. Does an influential person influence everyone?

Feel free to print out these fun critical thinking questions and incorporate them into your homeschool week!

will your children recognize truth?

About the author.

Jordan Mitchell

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Critical Thinking Skills Grade 6

Displaying top 8 worksheets found for - Critical Thinking Skills Grade 6 .

Some of the worksheets for this concept are 81 fresh fun critical thinking activities, The critical thinking, Lesson problem solving and critical thinking, Who works where, Empower the mind critical thinking, Career women, Learning styles and study skills work, The communication skills workbook.

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Evan-Moor Skill Sharpeners Critical Thinking, Grade 6 Workbook, Problem Solving Skills, Fun Activities, Higher-Order, Open-Ended Questions and Challenges, Science, Math, Social Studies, Language Arts Paperback – Student Edition, December 31, 2016

Purchase options and add-ons.

Foster your sixth grader's critical thinking skills and see confidence soar with this engaging full-color workbook!

Children are naturally inquisitive from infancy, yet creative and problem-solving skills need to be nurtured as children grow. Like reading and math skills, critical thinking skills require practice.

The variety of fun and creative activities in Skill Sharpeners: Critical Thinking will challenge your child to use higher-order thinking skills based on Bloom’s Taxonomy.

Every page provides a new and interesting activity that will help your child:

• Think outside the box and use higher-order thinking skills through open-ended questions and challenges
• Tap into his or her creativity with art projects and hands-on activities
• Become a better learner by practicing critical thinking skills in cross-curricular activities (based on science, math, social studies, and language arts content)

The 100+ activities are organized around these 6th grade themes:

• Animal Kingdom: Predators; Prey
• Time: Looking Back; Looking Forward
• Technology: Solutions; What’s Possible?
• Places: At Home; Around Town

Grade 6 activities include word games, word problems, riddles, and drawings that involve critical thinking skills such as:

• Create, and more!

Plus, each page lists the critical thinking skill(s) so that you know what your child is practicing.

Includes answer key.

Every Skill Sharpeners workbook now includes a free downloadable Teaching Guide! The Skill Sharpeners: Critical Thinking Teaching Guides include:

• How to Use directions for teaching critical thinking skills
• Sample pacing guide to complete lessons and activities
• Teaching suggestions for learning to problem solve
• Extension activities that include journals, behavioral verbs, and additional discussion topics

About Evan-Moor A leader in PreK–8 educational publishing, Evan-Moor has been a trusted partner of teachers and parents for over 40 years. Our mission is helping children learn, and we do this by creating resources that motivate children to learn important skills and concepts across the curriculum while also inspiring a love of learning.

• Reading age 11 - 12 years
• Part of series Skill Sharpeners Critical Thinking
• Print length 144 pages
• Language English
• Grade level 6 and up
• Dimensions 8.25 x 0.5 x 10.75 inches
• Publisher Evan-Moor Educational Publishers
• Publication date December 31, 2016
• ISBN-10 1629383546
• ISBN-13 978-1629383545
• See all details

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Our mission is helping children learn, and we do this by providing teachers and parents with the resources they need to cultivate a love of teaching and learning.

Evan-Moor has been publishing high-quality supplemental PreK–8 educational resources for use in the classroom and home, since 1979. We are based in the United States with our corporate office in Monterey, California.

Evan-Moor’s content is created by highly-experienced educators and is aligned with U.S. standards and effective educational practices.

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Supporting Parents:  Engaging activities for home build children’s curiosity and confidence! Full-color activities engage children in learning fundamental skills.

Supporting Homeschool Families:   Easy-to-use resources build a strong academic foundation, and challenge kids to develop their critical thinking skills in every subject area.

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About the author.

Evan-Moor has been providing high-quality, creative, and engaging PreK-8 educational resources for teachers and parents since 1979. Our mission is helping children learn, and we do this by providing teachers and parents with the resources they need to cultivate a love of teaching and learning. Our award-winning content is created by highly experienced educators, aligned with the most current standards, and available across the curriculum.

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Evan-Moor Educational Publishers; Activity Book edition (December 31, 2016)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 144 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1629383546
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1629383545
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 11 - 12 years
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 6 and up
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.6 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.25 x 0.5 x 10.75 inches
• #273 in Children's General Study Aid Books

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Spectrum Critical Thinking for Math, Grade 6

Description.

• Engaging and educational 6th grade math activities. "Drawing bar graphs", "Graphing", and "Multiplying and dividing fractions and decimals" are a few of the fun math activities that incorporate critical thinking for kids to help inspire learning into your child's classroom or homeschool curriculum.
• Tracking progress along the way. "Check what you know" and "Check what you've learned" sections are included at the beginning and end of every chapter. A mid-test and final test are also included in the Spectrum math book to test student knowledge. Use the answer key to track student progress before moving on to new and exciting activities.
• Practically sized for every activity. The 128-page 6th grade math workbook is sized at about 8 ½ inches x 10 ¾ inches—giving your child plenty of space to complete each exercise.
• 7 chapters of math activities
• Mid-test, final test, and answer key
• "Check what you've learned" and "Check what you know" reviews

OverDrive Read

• ISBN: 9781483839615
• Release date: April 3, 2017
• File size: 4694 KB

OverDrive Read PDF ebook

Juvenile Nonfiction Mathematics

Publisher: Carson Dellosa Education

OverDrive Read ISBN: 9781483839615 Release date: April 3, 2017

PDF ebook ISBN: 9781483839615 File size: 4694 KB Release date: April 3, 2017

• Spectrum - Compiler
• Formats OverDrive Read PDF ebook
• Languages English

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THE 6TH GRADE NICKNAME GAME Novel Study Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Vocab, MCQs, True or False

Subject: English

Age range: 7-11

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Last updated

11 April 2024

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THE 6TH GRADE NICKNAME GAME Novel Study: This is a Novel Study by GORDON KORMAN consist of 17 Chapters divided into 4 Sections (40 pages). Each Section of this Novel Study comprised of following questions: 12 x Comprehension Questions (3 Worksheets) 4 x Critical Thinking Questions (1 Worksheet) 4 x Writing Prompts Questions (1 Worksheet) 10 x Vocabulary Words (Definition Required) (1 Worksheet) 4 x Chapter Review Questions (1 Worksheet) 5 x MCQ’s (1 Worksheet) 5 x True or False Questions (1 Worksheet) Answer Key is given (Where Applicable) (1 Worksheet) Detail of the Chapters breakdown into Sections is as follows: SECTION 1: Chapter 1-4 SECTION 2: Chapter 5-8 SECTION 3: Chapter 9-12 SECTION 4: Chapter 13-17 Purpose of this Novel study is to improve learning & comprehension skills through high quality Literature by engaging the students in a way they forge personal connection with the Story & its Characters. Expose students to different emotions, experiences, and environments to build compassion, critical thinking and background knowledge. Worksheets are made in 8.5” x 11” Standard Letter Size. This resource is helpful in students’ assessment, Independent Studies, group activities, practice and homework. This product is available in PDF format and ready to print as well.

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Test Prep Guide for the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) and Testing Talented and Gifted (TAG)

Test Preparation Practice for GATE and TAG Assessments

December 16, 2022, by The Critical Thinking Co. Staff

The GATE and TAG are two of the most common tests administered to find out if your child qualifies for a gifted program. The acronym GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) and TAG (Talented and Gifted) can be used for a specialized school program or for a group of tests that are taken for entry into a gifted and talented program.

These programs are offered during and after school and involve a differentiated curriculum. This specialized curriculum usually compacts and accelerates the typical grade-level course work, making content much more difficult. Some programs are one to two grade levels above standard public school education. Deeper analysis in specialized subject matter will demand higher-level thinking such as analysis, evaluation and synthesis.

How are students identified for the GATE/TAG programs? Many school districts offer opportunities for children to take a test such as the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT), Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) or Naglieri Non-Verbal Ability Test (NNAT). The test score is then used to decide whether a child qualifies for a GATE/TAG program.

The terms GATE and TAG are not used universally. Private and public school districts may have a specific name for their gifted program (such as Spectrum, Honors, Advanced or Enrichment), or refer to it by the name of the school where the accelerated program is offered.

If you find out that your school will be testing for its GATE/TAG program you may be able to find more information from the school psychologist or district Web site about time, place and content of the tests.

By introducing your child to a wide range of thinking skills and activity formats covered on most IQ and achievement tests, infused with standards-based curriculum, you will provide invaluable preparation that will that will lead to higher test scores, and success beyond the test date.

The Critical Thinking Co.™ now offers Test Prep bundles for GATE/TAG programs. These new book bundles include award winning titles with a proven success record in test preparation.

After learning which specific test your child will take to qualify for the GATE/TAG program at your school, be sure to use our test prep guide online to learn more about the test.

Try our easy-order bundles by age/grade, or simply choose items that your children will enjoy at a skill-appropriate level that you think will challenge them. Free printable samples are available for all our materials so you can try before you buy.

Test Prep Bundles and Suggested Test Prep Plan for GATE/TAG

We recommend working with the bundles over at least a six-week period, but we also recognize parents often receive a testing date with less than 30-days’ notice. If you are really pressed for time, and you see the student has mastery in a section, you may skip ahead. You may also want to bookmark and return to activities that are more challenging.

One way to measure the mastery is to use the first few items in each activity as a pre-test. If you see that your children answers quickly and correctly, you may want to consider moving on. If they struggle, go through the activities as best you can, but bookmark them and consider going back over the material. Using the pre-test technique will give you a good idea of where the child’s strengths and weaknesses are across the skills and abilities the material covers.

The bundles offer a lot of material, but if you make working with the books part of the daily routine, you’ll be surprised how fast things will move. Remember, the youngest students have shorter attention spans, so 15 minutes a session is fine.

It is also important to point out that all the titles have value well beyond the testing window. Each title will help enhance your child’s ability to reason and analyze, skills that are essential for success in many arenas.

These bundles are the same bundles created for the CogAT® test prep. The contents of these bundles were determined by The Critical Thinking Co. ™ and are not endorsed by either the author or publisher. We do not claim that our materials match up exactly to each test or teach all the skills measured in a particular assessment.