writing skills 6th grade

6th grade writing

by: Hank Pellissier | Updated: August 4, 2022

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This year, your sixth grader should learn to use precise language, the right pronouns, and high-quality sources for research. Public presentations are also a nerve-wracking but important skill highlighted this year. Read on to learn the key sixth grade writing skills your child should learn this year.

Introducing argument writing

Developmentally, sixth graders are entering a rebellious phase. Luckily, all this attitude has an academic outlet: argument writing . Your tween will write persuasive essays that promote their bold opinions with organized logic, backed by evidence from carefully researched, respectable sources. ( Wikipedia , The Onion , and National Enquirer won’t qualify, but Wikipedia does often link to sources at the bottom of their entries that may be acceptable.)

Your 11- or 12-year-old will also write formal essays that explain complicated topics with precise information. They’ll start with intriguing introductions, and then present their research in a clear, organized way. They will use quotes, facts, definitions, compare-and-contrast statements, cause-and-effect statements, graphics (e.g., charts, graphs), subject-specific vocabulary, and multimedia. It will all be formatted (e.g., using headings, subheadings, and bullet points), to make their points clear. They’ll end with concluding paragraphs that recap their main points.

“ To put it another way, Mommy, there is compelling evidence that I need another scoop of ice cream. ” This grown-up language sounds amusingly hoity-toity in squeaky voices, but don’t laugh when your child attempts it in daily conversation. Indeed, it is good practice for their writing.

Incredibly, what happened next was..

Storytelling is a fun part of sixth grade writing. This year, kids practice narrative writing in fiction and nonfiction papers. They learn effective ways to select their narrator, characters, setting, dialogue, descriptions, and conclusion. They work to make plot sequences seem natural. To really make their stories sing, kids should use specific details, precise language, and transition vocabulary (think: After nightfall or When she awoke ) that guides readers from one setting or plot point to another. Don’t be surprised if your shy bookworm starts writing a trilogy.

If at first you don’t succeed

Grit. Determination. Perseverance. Ernest Hemingway rewrote the last page of one of his novels 39 times. Rewriting and editing both teach kids discipline and determination. They are required to plan before they write, and then plan some more as their draft develops. They’re encouraged to outline before they start writing. They draft and redraft. They will revise certain parts and maybe restructure their entire paper. Then they will edit, possibly rewrite, and re-edit. At every turn, they’re encouraged to try new approaches. This isn’t obsessive redundancy; it helps students practice thinking about what they’re really, truly trying to say and then use their writing skills to convey their thoughts clearly and exactly.

Command of the keyboard

Writing nowadays often means typing . Sixth graders accelerate their hand-eye coordination as they evolve from hunt-and-peck slowness to rat-tat-tat-tat-tatting at a furious pace. The goal is for sixth graders to be able to sit and type three pages in a single sitting. Additionally, kids are taught online interaction and collaboration (e.g., emailing their work to each other, sharing Google docs, and adding suggestions and comments to each other’s work).

My research reveals…

Sixth graders get writing assignments that require research. To answer questions like What famous historical character do you admire? What’s your favorite invention? What endangered species do you worry about the most? , your young detective will read thick reference books and print periodicals at the library and digital data online (yes, often via Google). Students learn to evaluate the credibility of sources . Is National Lampoon as legitimate as Encyclopedia Britannica ? No. Using evidence, they compile information to write reports. They’ll learn to paraphrase what they’ve read, synthesize new thoughts, and use quotations to share information without plagiarizing.

Novel approach

Is Harry Potter more emotionally conflicted than Katniss Everdeen? Sixth graders sharpen their critical thinking skills by doing literary analysis. They’ll analyze poems, stories, historical novels, and nonfiction books. Kids learn to compare and contrast topics and themes. They’ll do this, for example, by discussing the consequences of prejudice in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry and in Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad or by explaining how nature directs the plots of The Secret Garden and The Island of the Blue Dolphin . In nonfiction, sixth graders learn to divide an author’s statements into facts supported by evidence versus opinions. For example, was the Great Houdini truly “the world’s greatest magician” or is this an opinion? After all, David Copperfield walked through the Great Wall of China.

Pronouns: not just me-me-me all the time

Grammar isn’t easy, especially for 11- and 12-year-olds. Pronoun usage can be particularly tough. Kids learn about proper pronoun case . What’s that? Subjective case refers to pronouns used as subjects (I, you, he, she, it, we, they). Objective case indicates pronouns used as objects (me, you, him, her, it, us, they). Possessive case conveys ownership (my, mine, your, yours, his, her, hers, its, our, ours, their, theirs). Using pronouns incorrectly can leave the writer (or speaker) looking unintelligent. For example, Us and her carried apples over to yous big barn is neither proper nor pretty.

Mistakes in pronoun person are common among this age group. To correct this, your child needs to loyally stick with the “person” they started with. No switching from first person (I or me) to second person (you), or vice-versa: When I go to school, you should have your homework done, or When you go to school, a person should have his homework done . (Hint, that second example goes from second person to third person.) Both switches are incorrect and can create confusion.

Pronoun number is also crucial. If the subject indicates a plural quantity, the related possessive pronoun needs the identical number. Here’s an example of this common error: All of the school girls took her umbrella. (It should be their umbrellas) . Vague pronouns are also a no-no. Take the sentence: Alice put a vase with a red rose on the desk, and sold it. What was sold: the vase, the rose, or the desk? We don’t know because it, used here, is too vague.

Sentences, spelling, punctuation

Sixth grade writing raises the bar when it comes to sentence structure. Kids are expected to vary their sentences by alternating the length and structure to keep their writing interesting.

When it comes to spelling, many sixth graders know that spelling rules in English are finicky and have many exceptions. Kids learn to spell odd English words correctly, with silent letters ( island, crumb ) and bizarre combo consonants ( cough, pheasant ). As such, spelling is best learned through practice and, eventually, by memorizing. If your child gets frustrated spelling words like climb or plumbing , let them know that Theodore Roosevelt, Andrew Carnegie, and a committee of concerned citizens tried to simplify English spelling more than a century ago — sadly, to no avail.

Finally, as their writing becomes more advanced, sixth graders tend to use commas, parentheses, and dashes to set apart phrases and clauses. You can help by reviewing these sentences and making sure the punctuation is placed correctly.

It’s all about presentations

In sixth grade, kids will read their writing aloud to classmates. As they read, they’ll be expected to make eye contact, pronounce their words clearly, and speak loudly enough to be heard by the entire class. They’ll share their arguments, research papers, projects, and literary efforts, which will often be accompanied by visual displays, music, audio, charts, and slides. Your child may be nervous before these presentations, but hopefully your child will be empowered by the experience.

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The Guide to 6th Grade: Reading and Writing

Review reading and writing curricula for 6th grade, including what to expect and resources to support learning..

In their first year of middle school, 6th graders embark on a new journey in their schooling, and with that comes new challenges and changes. In many ways, 6th grade is a year of significant transition for students as they use the skills they have previously learned and apply them to more complex and independent learning in deeper and more rigorous ways. 

While collaboration may still be an important part of the curriculum, students are often required to produce more extensive independent work, specifically in writing. This calls for greater independence and organizational skills, and it may certainly require some adjustment and practice in the beginning of the school year.

Read on to find out what to expect this year! You can shop all sixth grade books and activities at The Scholastic Store .

Sixth Grade Reading 

The ultimate goal of the 6th grade reading curriculum is for students to read increasingly complex texts over the course of the year, preparing them for high school, college, and careers beyond. Students read a variety of texts and different genres, including fiction, drama, poetry, and non-fiction.

There is a specific emphasis on and increase in the reading of nonfiction texts in order to prepare students to read, write, and research across subjects. As students read more complex texts, analyzing and understanding them in deeper ways, they strengthen their knowledge of all subjects.

In order to build reading skills, your 6th grader :

• Uses evidence from the text in order to summarize the plot, make inferences about and analyze the text, and determine the central theme or themes in a text.
• Understands and explains the point of view in a text; understands the significance of certain words and passages in a text.
• Understands and relays the main thesis or claims of a non-fiction text and its supporting evidence.
• Reads and compares different texts and genres that address the same topics.
• Uses a variety of media and formats, including video and audio, to further enhance understanding of a topic or text.
• Participates in class-wide and group discussions expressing the ideas and skills learned.
• Practices a variety of vocabulary skills, including using the context in which a word is found to determine the meaning of words, recognizing roots of words, and using digital and physical reference materials (dictionaries, thesauruses, and glossaries).
• Gains an understanding of and the ability to explain figurative language in a text.

6th Grade Writing 

In middle school, 6th graders are encouraged to push themselves further in their writing and write with increased complexity in terms of  length, subject matter, vocabulary, and general writing techniques. At the same time, 6th graders practice and refine many of the skills previously taught to them while enhancing them with the new skills and techniques they learn. 

In order to build writing skills, your 6th grader :

• Writes using more complex vocabulary and about more complex content.
• Writes over extended periods of time, such as when writing long-term research or expressive pieces that may take a week.
• Writes for short amounts of times, such as in one sitting.
• Writes a variety of genres for a variety of audiences.
• Use supporting claims and evidence based on credible texts and resources.
• Include an introduction, a conclusion, and transitions.
• Integrate other forms of media and formats, such as graphs, charts, headings, audio, or video when appropriate.
• Descriptive detail of characters, settings, and experiences.
• A clear structure, with a logical order and flow, thought-out word choice, and a conclusion.
• Plans, revises, and edits writing, with guidance from teachers and peers.
• Writes pieces that display the reading skills achieved, including analysis of text, making comparisons and claims, and developing arguments using specific evidence.
• Uses technology and the Internet to produce and publish writing, work with others, and type a minimum of three pages in one sitting. 

Shop the best resources for sixth grade below! You can find all books and activities at  The Scholastic Store . 

Explore other grade guides: 

• Kindergarten
• First Grade
• Second Grade
• Third Grade
• Fourth Grade  
• Fifth Grade
• Seventh Grade
• Eighth Grade

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Reading Worksheets, Spelling, Grammar, Comprehension, Lesson Plans

6th Grade Writing

For sixth graders, this Common Core area helps students gain mastery of writing skills by working collaboratively and producing written texts, understanding syntax and vocabulary, and organizing their ideas. Among the complete standards for this grade, sixth graders will be asked to: begin to effectively use evidence, reason, arguments, sources and language to support a written text, demonstrate command of formal style, improve reader comprehension of written texts by employing techniques like graphics, multimedia, and formatting, employ facts, definitions, quotations, details, and other information to develop written topics, use appropriate technology to publish writing and to collaborate on written projects, demonstrate keyboarding skill, go through the process of writing, editing and revision for their written work.

Haiku: Write Your Own!

This worksheet features the Japanese poetry style haiku.

Write Rhyming Couplets

Time for some poetic rhyming couplets!

Abraham Lincoln Bio Poem

Your students will write a bio poem about Abraham Lincoln.

Back to School Diamante Poem

Teach your students a fun way to write diamante poems using our new back to school worksheet.

Bio Poem: My Mother

A fun Mother’s Day bio poem activity for your students!

Bio Poem: Pilgrim

A biography poem, also called a bio poem, is a short poem which describes a person or thing. This printable Thanksgiving Activity guides students through creating a bio poem about Pilgrims.

Bio Poem: Someone You Know

Students will write a bio poem about someone they know using the format set in this worksheet.

Christmas Tree Bio Poem

A biography poem, also called a bio poem, is a short poem which describes a person or thing. Sometimes writing a bio pem can be tricky! This printable Christmas Activity guides students through creating a bio poem about a Christmas tree.

Correct the Transition Words Mistakes – Worksheet

Have your students revise sentences and correct transition word mistakes with this educational writing activity.

Diamante Poem: Antonyms

Students write an antonym diamante poem in the space provided.

Diamante Poem: Synonyms

A diamante poem takes its name from the shape it makes: a diamond. Diamante poems were introduced in 1969 by Iris Tiedt. Students write a synonym diamante poem in the space provided.

Edgar Allan Poe; Journalist Trickster

Students read about one of Edgar Allan Poe’s hoaxes when he was a journalist. Each student then write’s their own hoax!

Edgar Allan Poe: Secrets in Poetry

Students read from Edgar Allan Poe’s “An Enigma” and decipher the name of the woman’s whose name is hidden within the text.

Father’s Day Bio Poem: My Father

Enhance your students’ writing skills with this fun Father’s Day Biography Poem activity.

Fourth of July Bio Poem: America

Encourage your students to learn about America with this Fourth of July Biography Poem activity.

George Washington Bio Poem

Your students will write a bio poem about George Washington.

George Washington’s List of Rules

When George Washington was a young boy, he made a list of rules for himself. Students choose one of the rules and write what it means.

Halloween Bio Poem Activity: Ghost

Create a bio poem about your own personal ghost with our fun Halloween printable activity!

Identify the Topic Sentence

The topic sentence in a paragraph states the main idea of the paragraph. While it is usually at the beginning of the paragraph, it also can be in the middle or end of it. Students underline the topic sentence in each activity.

Identify the Transition Words

Help your students identify different transition words with this printable writing worksheet.

How to Improve Writing in Sixth Grade

Written by Dan

Sixth grade is a pivotal year for students as they transition from elementary to middle school. Writing is an essential skill that students need to develop to succeed in their academic career.

However, many students struggle with writing, which can significantly impact their grades and confidence. Therefore, providing students with the necessary tools and techniques to improve their writing skills is essential.

Understanding the Basics of Writing is the first step towards improving writing skills. Students must have a solid grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure foundation to express their ideas effectively.

Types of Writing in Sixth Grade vary from narrative, descriptive, persuasive, and expository writing. Each type of writing requires a different set of skills and techniques. Therefore, it is essential to understand the purpose and audience of each type of writing to write effectively.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the basics of writing is crucial to improving writing skills.
• Types of Writing in Sixth Grade require different skills and techniques.
• Incorporating technology and practical writing exercises can enhance writing skills.

Understanding the Basics of Writing

Writing is an essential skill that students must develop as they progress through middle school , and sixth grade is no exception. To become a better writer, students need to understand the basics of writing, including grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and word choice.

Grammar is the foundation of good writing. It involves understanding the rules that govern the structure of sentences, such as subject-verb agreement, proper use of pronouns, and correct use of tenses.

Students can improve their grammar skills by reviewing grammar rules , practicing sentence structure, and using grammar-checking tools.

Punctuation is another critical aspect of writing. It involves using punctuation marks such as periods, commas, and semicolons to clarify meaning and create a smooth flow of ideas.

Students can improve their punctuation skills by reviewing punctuation rules, practicing punctuating sentences, and proofreading their work for errors.

Capitalization is the use of capital letters at the beginning of sentences , proper nouns, and titles. Students must understand when and where to use capital letters to convey meaning accurately.

Word choice is also essential in writing. It involves selecting the most appropriate words to convey meaning and create a clear and concise message.

To improve their writing skills, sixth-grade students need to practice writing regularly, read widely, and seek feedback from their teachers and peers. They can also use online resources such as writing prompts, grammar games , and writing communities to enhance their skills and get inspiration.

In conclusion, understanding the basics of writing is crucial for sixth-grade students to become proficient writers. By mastering grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and word choice, students can create clear and effective writing that conveys their ideas accurately.

Students can improve their writing skills and succeed in middle school and beyond with practice, feedback, and dedication.

Types of Writing in Sixth Grade

In sixth grade, students are introduced to various types of writing that help them develop their skills and express their thoughts and ideas effectively. The three main types of writing in sixth grade are narrative writing, descriptive writing , and persuasive writing.

Narrative Writing

Narrative writing involves telling a story or recounting an event or experience. This type of writing focuses on developing characters, setting, and plot.

Students learn to use descriptive language, dialogue, and sensory details to create a vivid and engaging story. They also learn to organize their ideas and thoughts in a logical sequence.

Descriptive Writing

Descriptive writing is all about creating a picture in the reader’s mind. It involves using sensory details to describe a person, place, object, or event.

Students learn to use figurative language, such as similes and metaphors, to make their writing more exciting and engaging. They also learn to use precise vocabulary and sentence structures to convey their ideas effectively.

Persuasive Writing

Persuasive writing is all about convincing the reader to agree with the writer’s point of view. Students learn to identify an argument, provide supporting evidence, and write a conclusion summarising their main points.

They also learn to use persuasive techniques, such as rhetorical questions and emotional appeals, to make their writing more convincing.

In conclusion, sixth-grade students are introduced to various types of writing that help them develop their skills and express their thoughts and ideas effectively. By mastering narrative, descriptive, and persuasive writing, students can become confident and knowledgeable writers who can communicate their ideas clearly and effectively.

Improving Writing Skills

Writing is an essential skill that students must master to succeed academically and professionally. Sixth-grade students can improve their writing skills in various ways, including enhancing their vocabulary, effective editing and revising, and utilizing feedback.

Vocabulary Enhancement

One of the most effective ways to improve writing skills is by enhancing vocabulary.

Students can expand their vocabulary by reading widely and frequently, looking up unfamiliar words, and practicing using new words in their writing. Using a thesaurus can also help students find synonyms and antonyms to replace overused or repetitive words.

Effective Editing and Revising

Editing and revising are essential components of the writing process. Students should learn to edit and revise their work to check for spelling , grammar, punctuation, and clarity.

They can use online tools such as grammar checkers and spell checkers to help them identify errors in their writing. Additionally, students can read their work aloud to identify awkward phrasing and sentence structure.

Utilizing Feedback

Feedback is an essential part of the writing process, as it helps students identify areas of improvement in their writing.

Teachers, peers, and parents can provide feedback on students’ writing, highlighting strengths and suggesting areas for improvement. Students should learn to accept feedback constructively and use it to improve their writing skills.

In conclusion, improving writing skills is a process that requires practice, patience, and perseverance. Sixth-grade students can enhance their writing skills by expanding their vocabulary, effective editing and revising, and utilizing feedback.

By following these tips, students can become confident and knowledgeable writers who can express their ideas clearly and effectively.

Incorporating Technology in Writing

Incorporating technology in writing can be a great way to engage sixth-grade students and improve their writing skills. With the rise of online and at-home learning, technology has become an integral part of the education system. Here are some ways to incorporate technology in writing:

1. Use Online Writing Tools

There are many online writing tools available that can help improve writing skills. These tools can help students with grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Some popular online writing tools include Grammarly, Hemingway, and ProWritingAid. These tools can help students identify their weaknesses and improve their writing skills.

2. Utilize Writing Apps

Writing apps can be a great way to encourage students to write more. Apps like Google Docs, Microsoft Word, and Evernote can help students write and edit their work. These apps also allow students to collaborate with their peers and receive feedback on their writing.

3. Create Digital Portfolios

Digital portfolios can be a great way to showcase students’ writing skills. Students can create digital portfolios using platforms like Google Sites or WordPress.

These portfolios can include written work, images, and videos. Digital portfolios can help students reflect on their writing skills and track their progress over time.

Incorporating technology in writing can be a great way to engage sixth-grade students and improve their writing skills.

With the rise of online and at-home learning, technology has become an integral part of the education system. Students can improve their writing skills and become confident writers by using online writing tools, writing apps, and creating digital portfolios.

Practical Writing Exercises

Improving writing skills in sixth grade can be challenging, but students can make significant progress with the right tools and exercises. Here are some practical writing exercises that can help sixth-graders improve their writing skills.

Writing Prompts

Writing prompts can be an excellent way to help sixth-graders develop their writing skills. Teachers can provide prompts that encourage students to think creatively and critically.

These prompts can be in the form of questions, statements, or scenarios. Students can respond to these prompts in various formats, including essays, narratives, and persuasive writing.

Organizational Skills

Organizational skills are crucial to effective writing. Sixth-graders can learn how to organize their writing by using graphic organizers, such as mind maps, flowcharts, and diagrams. These tools can help students to structure their writing and develop their ideas logically.

Outlining is another effective way to organize writing. Sixth-graders can benefit from learning how to create an outline before starting their writing. An outline can help students to organize their thoughts, develop their ideas, and create a structure for their writing.

Specific Details

Including specific details is essential to effective writing. Sixth-graders can learn how to include specific details by practicing descriptive writing. Teachers can provide prompts that encourage students to use their senses to describe a person, place, or thing.

Discipline is critical to effective writing. Sixth-graders can learn to be disciplined writers by setting goals, creating schedules, and sticking to deadlines. Teachers can help students to develop discipline by providing clear expectations and holding them accountable for their work.

Collaboration and Group Discussions

Collaboration and group discussions can be effective ways to improve writing skills. Sixth-graders can benefit from working with their peers to share ideas, provide feedback, and revise their writing. Teachers can facilitate these discussions by providing prompts, guiding, and feedback.

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About The Author

I'm Dan Higgins, one of the faces behind The Teaching Couple. With 15 years in the education sector and a decade as a teacher, I've witnessed the highs and lows of school life. Over the years, my passion for supporting fellow teachers and making school more bearable has grown. The Teaching Couple is my platform to share strategies, tips, and insights from my journey. Together, we can shape a better school experience for all.

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Grade 6 Writing

Discover grade 6 writing standards.

Sixth-grade writing is all about demonstrating complexity in original work. Learners at this grade level are expected to continue developing their English language arts skills to better articulate their thoughts effectively and showcase the writing skills they’ve acquired during their time in elementary school. In Grade 6, you child should write stronger arguments, more engaging stories, and present factual information with ease.

Similar to the lower grade levels, your child will continue to develop a strong understanding of the relationship between reading and writing, as they will now have to start analyzing information to determine the main points of a text in order to inform their writing.

Grade 6 Writing Goals:

• I can write clear arguments and provide evidence to support my claims
• I can maintain a formal or informal tone throughout my writing
• I can write strong conclusions and story endings
• I can use linking words and phrases to connect ideas and paragraphs
• I can research and include facts in my reports
• I can use dialogue and vary the pace in my narratives
• I can use technology to produce and publish my writing
• I can clearly write in different styles and text types
• I can write with stamina for a sustained period of time

Grade 6 students will predominantly focus on three key writing approaches:

Opinion Writing

Informative writing, narrative writing.

The advice below will set up your child for sixth-grade writing success!

Argument and opinion writing are very important writing skills, as they allow learners to effectively voice their opinion and share different perspectives on the same piece. Once they master these skills, they’ll be able to state a clear point of view and support it with reason and evidence.

Arguments should be written in a formal style. Understanding the difference between formal and informal writing, and when each should be used is a skill children will learn in sixth grade.

Being able to use linking words is an important skill your child should have at this grade level. These words are the glue that stick claims and reasons, sentences and paragraphs, together. By sixth grade, children are expected to use a variety of linking words effectively when writing arguments.

Here are a few for you to practice with your children:

• consequently, as a result, therefore, henceforth, moreover,
• furthermore, similarly, additionally, equally, likewise,
• nevertheless, even so, regardless, in contrast, despite, finally, immediately

When a child has crafted their argument by clearly stating their position, giving reasons, adding supporting details, and using linking words, they need to write a concluding statement. A concluding statement should wrap up the argument. It could summarize the main points from their argument, or rephrase their position, and it should end on a positive note.

Practice Tip

You can encourage your child to work on understanding the differences between formal and informal language by comparing two different texts and discussing their similarities and differences.

When writing informative texts, there are a variety of different strategies that children can use depending on the topic and purpose. Using definitions and cause/effect are examples of these.

Here are some top tips on how to plan an informative piece of writing:

• Identify the main topic of the piece.
• Create a list or discuss important points to mention.
• Organize the points discussed by order of importance.
• Offer a factual and neutral point of view - offering statistics if needed. Topics should be developed with facts, definitions, details, and quotations.
• Be precise and clear on the points made. Use a variety of linking words to clarify the relationship between ideas and to help transition between sentences and paragraphs.

Informative writing pieces should be closed with a concluding section that summarizes the main points and leaves the reader thinking about the topic. This conclusion should offer recommendations on further reading for the audience, or leave the reader with questions relating to the future of the topic.

Work on informative writing by asking your child to write a weekly grocery shopping list, asking them to name all of the essential items which are used on a regular basis. Looking for more? Our reading & writing program for kids offers lots of lessons on how to incorporate factual information into a piece of informative writing!

Technique, description, and a well-sequenced plot are all expected features of sixth grade level narratives. When working on narrative writing, some aspects to focus on include a clear focus on the topic, good descriptions of characters , settings and other imagery relevant to the narrative. Narratives may also include techniques such as dialogue.

These narrative techniques are very useful, as they allow the plot to move forward and help to develop well-rounded characters.

Young writers should utilize figurative language (including similes, metaphors, and personification) and a wide vocabulary to include precise words and phrases in their short stories. Narrative writing relies heavily on providing a high level of detail with the aim to allow the reader to clearly visualize the actions, characters and settings present in the story. For example, adverbials of time and place are linking words we often use to sequence paragraphs. They show shifts in time and place that help readers follow the sequence of a narrative.

Concluding a piece of narrative writing may sometimes be challenging, as there are many techniques to choose from. We really encourage writers to try out different endings to their narrative pieces, including cliffhangers, unexpected plot twists or a classic happy ending!

The narrative lesson series on our program is a great way to help your young writer to explore narrative techniques such as pacing, description, and dialogue to move the plot forward and develop characters and events.

How Night Zookeeper can help

Night Zookeeper is a language arts program created to support sixth grade students as they prepare for middle school. Our gamified approach to teaching writing puts an educational twist on video games to help students to stay focused, engaged and entertained as they learn!

Our program hosts a wealth of award-winning sixth-grade writing content, including challenges, writing assignments, interactive lesson series, creative writing prompts, printable resources, and much more!

With the regular feedback provided by our tutors to children, our program helps learners to develop good habits in regards to drafting and redrafting their writing.

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• Grade 6 Writing Prompts
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• Grade 6 Punctuation

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6th grade English Language Arts skills: Find out what you need to know

Want to help your sixth-grader master reading and writing ? Here are some of the skills your sixth-grader will be learning in the classroom.

Reading & writing

Rich and challenging texts

Read closely from rich and challenging sixth grade-level texts, with guidance when text is particularly demanding.

Some sample texts for sixth-graders:

• "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain
• "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" by Mildred D. Roll
• “O Captain! My Captain!” by Walt Whitman
• "Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad" by Ann Petry
• Preamble and First Amendment to the United States Constitution
• "Cathedral: The Story of Its Construction" by David Macaulay

Parenting Guides 6th grade English Language Arts tips: Here's how to help your student

Making inferences

Cite evidence to explain what a story, play, poem, or informational text says, and what clues can be used to make inferences or “read between the lines.”

Identifying the main theme

Identify the theme or main idea in both literary and informational text, based on specific details; summarize the text without adding opinions.

Identify essential information while reading:

As the amount of reading material your child is assigned increases, he will need to develop new strategies for synthesizing all that he is learning. Help him figure out how to process information by asking questions such as “What was the main idea in the article you just read?” “What are the most important things you want to remember about it?” Learning how to identify and focus on essential information will be an important skill throughout his life.

parenting-guides 6th Grade Parenting Guides

Tracing an argument

Trace an argument and specific claims in a text, differentiating claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.

Exploring short novels:

Now that your child is in middle school he will be given longer reading assignments, such as short novels. These might be classics you remember, like The Witch of Blackbird Pond, or newer works, like the Hunger Games trilogy. Try to read these assignments yourself, if you have the time. You’ll enjoy them and will be able to discuss them in detail with your child. Ask questions that go beyond just talking about what happened in the book. Ask him what motivated different characters or how he thinks they felt in different situations.

Ask “What if” questions:

Ask “what if” questions about the books and stories your child is reading. What if the author had decided to change a specific plot point? What if a character in a biography had made a different decision at a key moment? Ask questions that prompt your child to think through the motivations behind the actions of different characters.

Vocab, text meaning, and tone

Read and understand sixth grade vocabulary, and determine how an author’s word choices affect the meaning and tone of a text.

Understanding new words and phrases

Use different strategies to understand new words and phrases; for example, use context as a clue; use common Greek and Latin roots as a clue; consult a dictionary online or in print.

Examples of common Greek roots: biblio (book) as in bibliography; therm (heat) as in thermometer.

Examples of common Latin roots: aqua (water), as in aquarium; cent (hundred), as in century.

Tip: Read instruction manuals.

If you find yourself assembling household items, ask your child to read through the directions and guide you through the assembly process. The instructions often include technical words and sequencing concepts, which help your child develop important non-fiction reading skills.

Supporting arguments

Write arguments that state a claim, and support the claim with clear reasons and relevant evidence from credible or trusted sources.

Informative papers

Write informative or explanatory papers that examine a topic and express information clearly. Use facts, details, and other information to develop the topic.

Developing story elements

Write stories or narratives about real or imaginary experiences. Establish a context and develop story elements such as characters, a well-sequenced plot, and descriptive details.

Supporting thinking and research

Include evidence from text to support thinking and research.

Using technology

Use technology to produce and publish writing, and to work on writing with others.

Using a computer keyboard

Use a computer keyboard comfortably; type at least three pages in a single sitting.

Fun writing projects:

Keep an eye out for fun projects that involve writing. If your child made a family tree when she was younger, she can update it with a companion piece of writing in which she provides short biographical entries about each person. She can make these as simple or as involved as she likes. An especially interesting relative’s entry could become a longer profile, incorporating information from an interview with that relative and external published sources.

Using basic grammar rules

Use basic rules of English grammar, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling in written work.

Listening & speaking

Class participation

Participate in class discussions about complex sixth grade topics, texts, and issues. Be prepared to refer to evidence in a text when discussing ideas, to restate other people’s ideas, and to understand other perspectives.

Explaining speakers' claims

Listen to and describe another speaker’s arguments and claims, and explain whether the claims are supported by reasons and evidence.

Giving a presentation

Give a clear, well-organized presentation about an argument or research finding. Support ideas with facts, details, and descriptions.

Research & inquiry

Research projects

Conduct short research projects to answer a research question, gathering information from several print and online sources, and refocusing the question when needed.

Tip: Suggest fun writing processes

Keep an eye out for fun projects that involve writing. If your child made a family tree when he was younger, he can update it with a companion piece of writing in which he provides short biographical entries about each person. He can make these as simple or as involved as he likes. An especially interesting relative’s entry could become a longer profile, incorporating information from an interview with that relative and external published sources.

Evaluating sources

Evaluate whether sources can be trusted, and paraphrase or summarize the material without copying it. Provide a basic bibliography or list of sources.

For tips to help your sixth-grader in English Language Arts class, check out our sixth grade English Language Arts tips page .

TODAY Parenting Guides resources were developed by NBC News Learn with the help of subject-matter experts, and align with the Common Core State Standards.

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6th Grade Writing Strategies and Assignments

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In 6th grade, students must be able to write clear and thorough pieces for a selected audience. Assignments can include different types of writing, such as narrative, explanatory and persuasive. Although writing has likely been a key part of your child's education throughout the years, learning to write well takes practice. He or she may improve more quickly with new writing strategies and at-home practice assignments.

What Strategies Can I Use to Help My Child With 6th Grade Writing?

Although students advance their writing skills every year, 6th grade and middle school writing requires more complex organization and focus than previous grades. In order to help your son or daughter ease into this new level of writing, spend a little bit of time each day to review basics that are already being discussed in class.

You can start by providing your child a list of different types of writing and asking him or her to determine which are most appropriate for specific purposes and audiences. Alternatively, encourage your child to review examples of different types of texts to get a better understanding of how each are used. In addition to these basic review strategies, you can also provide your child with practice writing assignments to complete in his or her free time.

Three Writing Assignments for 6th Graders

Writing prompts.

Writing prompts are used in nearly every grade of elementary and middle school to help students practice writing without having to focus too much on topic selection. Once your child reaches 6th grade, writing prompts will likely be more open-ended and left for his or her interpretation.

In 6th grade, writing prompts can be narrative, expository or persuasive in nature, and they may focus on writing in a journal, writing a poem or starting a story. For example, the prompt could simply be a famous quote and asking the child to explain what it means to him or her. If you choose, you can come up with your own prompts for your son or daughter to complete on a daily or weekly basis, or you can find several free prompts available online.

Journalistic Writing

While writing is an important skill for kids to develop, oral communication and research proficiency are necessary as well. In this activity, your child will act as a reporter in order to gain interviewing, fact checking, topic selection, headline writing and news reporting practice at home.

To start, provide some examples of both news and feature stories that your child can read. Because news and feature writing differ, your son or daughter should choose which type of story he or she will write before moving forward with the activity. Additionally, your child will select a topic of interest that he or she can interview you, family members or friends about.

As your son or daughter moves through the process of developing interview questions, organizing and writing the story, you may need to provide some guidance regarding what details need to be included and what makes the most sense. Once the story is complete, save a copy and repeat the activity once each week. After a few months, you should be able to put together a mock newspaper of all the articles your child has written.

Creative Writing

To give your child further practice with descriptive writing and creative thinking, have him or her create a menu for an imaginary restaurant. You may want to start this activity by printing a few different types of menus from the Internet. For example, your child may like to see samples of breakfast, lunch, dinner, steakhouse, deli and other menus to spark a few ideas.

In order to get started, you may want to buy a piece of poster board and fold it into thirds so your son or daughter has a lot of space to work with and can really feel like he or she is writing a restaurant menu. During the activity, your child will create sections for beverages, soups, salads, entrees and more. Additionally, you may ask your child to create a brief overview of the restaurant on the front or back cover along with a logo and restaurant name. Each item on the menu should include a detailed description that really lets the reader understand what the item is without seeing a picture.

Other Articles You May Be Interested In

Everywhere you look there seems to be some sort of educational reform being proposed, implemented or suggested. In many cases reform is intended to be for the better, but a recent bill being sponsored in Washington state calls for doing away with statewide writing assessments. Is less writing necessarily a good thing?

Your child may have no intention of becoming a farmer. Perhaps even having a garden as an adult is unlikely. Still, as students around the country are learning, when schools add farming to the school day, students benefit in numerous ways.

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6th Grade Writing Worksheets

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This Week's Sixth Grade Read and Writing Workbook - PDF and No Prep

Writing worksheets for sixth grade.

In the sixth grade, the writing curriculum should focus on producing error-free, cohesive, multi-paragraph essays. At this age, students are expected to write increasingly complex essays and narratives that include a formal introduction, ample supporting evidence, and a solid conclusion. The language arts worksheets on this page are a great way to give your sixth grader a chance to practice these skills. They're fun to work on, so kids actually enjoy doing them!

What's in These Writing Worksheets?

It takes years to become an effective writer. So the more practice you can give your students the better. The 6th grade writing worksheets on this page are an endless resource full of fun exercises, puzzles, and writing prompts. They ask students to do things like write a topic sentence, practice grammar, properly use your vs. you're, pick a viewpoint on a topic, and write an opinion piece for a newspaper. Give your sixth-grade child a chance to show you how imaginative they can be with their writing! This page offers a virtually endless supply of writing prompts and exercises that can be printed out and used anywhere you can take a pen and paper. Once printed, there's no need for an internet connection, and writing longform is a great way for kids to practice their penmanship and fine motor skills, something that digital tools don't offer. These easy, no-prep worksheets are perfect for parents and teachers who want to give students more writing practice. Try one today and see how much fun your sixth graders have completing these worksheets!

Free tools to make your students better writers and readers .

Quill.org, a non-profit, provides free literacy activities that build reading comprehension, writing, and language skills for elementary, middle, and high school students.

Writing Across the Curriculum: Quill's nonprofit mission is to now build both reading and writing skills through free, OER content across the curriculum. Over the coming years, we will be building a library of free ELA, social studies, and science activities that engage students in deeper thinking through writing prompts that provide immediate feedback.

9 million students have written 2 billion sentences on Quill.

Quill Reading for Evidence

Provide your students with nonfiction texts paired with AI-powered writing prompts, instead of multiple-choice questions, to enable deeper thinking.

Students read a nonfiction text and build their comprehension through writing prompts, supporting a series of claims with evidence sourced from the text. Quill challenges students to write responses that are precise, logical, and based on textual evidence, with Quill coaching the student through custom, targeted feedback on each revision so that students strengthen their reading comprehension and hone their writing skills.

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Quill Connect

Help your students advance from fragmented and run-on sentences to complex and well structured ones.

Using the evidence-based strategy of sentence combining, students combine multiple ideas into a single sentence. They then receive instant feedback designed to help them improve their clarity and precision.

Quill Lessons

The Quill Lessons tool enables teachers to lead whole-class and small-group writing instruction.

Teachers control interactive slides that contain writing prompts, and the entire class responds to each prompt. Each Quill Lessons activity provides a lesson plan, writing prompts, discussion topics, and a follow up independent practice activity.

Quill Diagnostic

Quickly determine which skills your students need to work on with our diagnostics.

The diagnostics cover vital sentence construction skills and generate personalized learning plans based on the student’s performance.

Quill Proofreader

Proofreader teaches your students editing skills by having them proofread passages.

Students edit passages and receive personalized exercises based on their results. With over 100 expository passages, Proofreader gives students the practice they need to spot common grammatical errors.

Quill Grammar

Students practice basic grammar skills, from comma placement to parallel structure.

Quill Grammar has over 150 sentence writing activities to help your students. Our activities are designed to be completed in 10 minutes so you have the freedom to use them in the way that works best for your classroom.

How Quill Works

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You can quickly and easily set up your classroom in Quill by inputting student names or providing students with a unique code. If you use Google Classroom or Clever, you can automatically set up your classroom with one click.

Choose activities

Decide if you want your students to proofread passages, combine sentences, or complete a diagnostic. Use our ten minute activities as building blocks during your classroom instruction.

Use easy-to-consume reporting

Use our reporting to spot trends and identify growth opportunities. Monitor comprehension on specific writing standards.

Get immediate feedback for your students

Save time grading and watch your students correct their mistakes instantly.

Intervene where students struggle

See exactly where your students need intervention with our comprehensive reports.

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Free Printable Writing Worksheets for 6th Grade

Discover a vast collection of free printable Reading & Writing worksheets tailored for Grade 6 students, created by Quizizz. Enhance your students' learning experience and strengthen their literacy skills with our diverse range of resources.

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Explore printable Writing worksheets for 6th Grade

Writing worksheets for Grade 6 are essential tools for teachers to help their students develop and improve their reading and writing skills. These worksheets provide a variety of activities and exercises that focus on grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, and comprehension, all designed to cater to the specific needs of sixth-grade students. By incorporating these worksheets into their lesson plans, teachers can ensure that their students receive ample practice and reinforcement in key areas of language arts. Furthermore, these Grade 6 writing worksheets can be easily adapted to suit individual learning styles and abilities, making them a versatile and valuable resource for any classroom.

Quizizz is an excellent platform for teachers to access a wide range of resources, including writing worksheets for Grade 6 students. In addition to offering a vast library of engaging and interactive quizzes, Quizizz also provides teachers with the option to create their own customized quizzes and worksheets. This feature allows educators to tailor their materials to the specific needs and interests of their students, ensuring a more personalized and effective learning experience. Moreover, Quizizz offers various other tools and resources that can be used alongside Grade 6 writing worksheets, such as gamified quizzes, flashcards, and performance tracking. By incorporating Quizizz into their teaching strategies, educators can enhance their students' reading and writing skills while making learning more enjoyable and engaging.