6th-Grade Math Tips That Actually Work

6th-grade made forms the foundation for high school math and hence should be practiced sincerely.

You can succeed in 6th-grade math by following these tips from our expert 6th-grade math tutors: 

• Review 6th-grade math concepts and syllabus.
• Prioritize topics and subtopics of the curriculum.
• Find the right resources to study your material.
• Manage your time effectively when practicing math.
• Analyze your learning requirements carefully.
• Set realistic goals.
• Create a realistic and detailed study plan.
• Practice past papers.
• Find a math tutor with your parents’ assistance.
• Be consistent with 7th-grade math tips.

Continue reading the detailed stepwise analysis of 6th-grade math tips if you are a middle schooler who wants to have a strong foundation for high school math.

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Review 6th-grade concepts and syllabus

Know and analyze your curriculum before you sit for practice. What is 6th-grade math curriculum? What is your 6th-grade math lesson plan? 

Make a checklist of the 6th-grade math chapters, topics, and subtopics like this: 

Equations and Inequalities

• Algebraic equations basic
• One-step equations intuition
• One-step addition and subtraction equations
• One-step multiplication and division equations
• Intro to inequalities with variables
• Dependent and Independent variables
• Analyzing relationships between variables

Make a checklist of the curriculum. Mark it with a “✅” tick after you have studied the specific subtopic, topic, or the entire lesson. Make this a part of your study plan to track your real-time progress over time.

Figure out curriculum expectations

Planning your curriculum requires study materials and resources. You must also determine instruction objectives, and consistent efforts to achieve them. The written plan helps your brain process the message that you should be able to complete the particular lesson by a specific time. Take help from your teacher or guardian to set the right curriculum expectations.

When calculating your efforts, consider answering these 10 questions that are given below:

Prioritize the topics and subtopics

• What are easy-to-score math topics? 
• What are the most difficult math topics? Do you need extra help with it?
• What are the most important topics to practice?
• What do you want to do by the end of the course or unit?

😵Wondering if 6th-grade math can get tough? Read: Is 6th-grade math hard?

Finding resources

• What activities and assessments will help you achieve your learning goals?
• Are there specific online lessons, videos, web tutorials, YouTube channels, or tutoring services that can help you excel in 6th-grade math?

🤩Parctice math with these top resources exclusively for 6th-graders. Read: 6th-grade math resources

Time Management

Set goals that are achievable in the given time frame. For example, you want to complete geometry and algebra in a day, but will you be able to do so in such a short period?

• How many hours do you get for self-study?
• How much time goes into the break? 
• Out of that, how many hours do you dedicate to math? 
• Is it possible to complete the target topic in that time?

You can now prepare your study plan once you have located relevant materials, calculated the efforts required, and understood your learning objectives.

Analyze your learning needs and goals

Once you are aware of what is expected out of your curriculum (goal). It is easy to create a study plan. Ask your parents to help you understand your learning objectives and needs.

Effective study methods, skills, and administration have a direct link with academic success. Students across grade levels benefit significantly from customized learning plans. Discover how Wiingy supports learners in achieving their academic potential: Math Tutoring for All Ages: How Wiingy Supports K-12 and Beyond.

According to research conducted by Crede, M., & Kuncel, N. R. (2006), students are more likely to maintain organization and make good use of their study time if they establish clear goals and adhere to efficient study plans. 

Follow these steps to make your study plan:

Consider your learning goals

Once you have identified your course, select particular topics that you want to learn. What score are you expecting to get? What topics will you learn first and which ones will you cover in the end? Setting smaller, realistic, and specific target goals and achieving them with your study plan will help you to achieve good grades.

Consider your learning needs

Be aware of your learning needs by identifying your curriculum and making a suitable plan. What abilities and skills do you already have? What knowledge are you heading for? What is your pattern of learning? What learning approaches do you prefer?

Be realistic

Make a plan that is realistic and achievable. Know your potential. If you are capable of solving 10 problems in a day don’t overburden yourself with a target of 20. Be prepared to work hard when it is needed. Don’t underestimate yourself.

Talk to your teachers and mentors

Know what is 6th-grade math about. Teachers and counselors can help you to show your weaknesses and areas of strength. This will help you to make an effective plan by considering your level and objective of learning.

Finally, create a detailed study plan

Create a study schedule with the help of your school teacher that can be based on a monthly, weekly, or daily basis. The following information should be a part of your study plan:

The number of hours: Decide what number of hours you want to spend on math practice.

Time of the day: Select a preferable time to study math.

Lessons or Concepts: Always decide the lesson to be practiced beforehand. So you won’t waste time deciding what to study when you sit for it.

Test day: One day in a week must be scheduled for tests.The lesson that you have learned must be evaluated based on these tests by your tutors. 

If you don’t have a math tutor you can test and do a self-evaluation by solving questions from past year’s paper and marking yourself honestly.

Monthly goal: By the end of the month, what lessons or topics do you plan to cover? Keep it in writing.

💡Tip: You can use Google Sheets, study plan calendars, note-taking tools, or a simple pen and diary to plan your study.

Practice past papers 

After mastering a concept, practicing prior papers is similar to taking memory tests. Taking memory tests is an effective study strategy to retain the concept for longer. Source: Roediger, H. L., & Karpicke, J. D. (2006).

The past year’s papers helped the students to understand the test format and the probable questions that might come for the tests in their finals. Students can analyze their past papers and figure out the important concepts to cover them thoroughly for better results.

These are tips to practice past papers effectively:

Follow recent years’ papers first

For example, if you’re about to take your exam in 2024, start by practicing question papers from the year 2023 to the year 2014 in this order: 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, and so on.

Use past papers to revise a concept

You can have a self-assessment by solving past papers on the topics you have already covered. This will give you a true self-assessment.

For example: If you are revising the concept of fractions in math, you could find some past exam questions on fractions and try to answer them. This will help you to identify the areas where you need more practice.

Focus on the timely completion of answers

Answer each question by setting a timer. This will prepare you to answer questions in the real exam hall.

For example: If the exam is for 3 hours, try to complete your practice papers in 2.5 hours. Proofread the answers in the half an hour that is left. 

Focus on the improvement areas

Observe what questions you find difficult when you practice past papers. Go back and study the topic again. You can seek help from your teacher if you are struggling or finding it still difficult to solve.

For example, If you find the concept of algebra difficult, practice it more to strengthen the concept.

Let your parents find you a math tutor

Research has shown that a clear understanding of the syllabus and teacher’s feedback is essential for effective learning. This understanding helps students identify what topics to focus on and ensures that they are adequately prepared for the content that will be tested. Source: Hattie, J., & Timperley, H. (2007).

You must take your parents’ help to do this. Pay attention to your learning needs. A math tutor can help you by clearing difficult math concepts, test preparations, and assignments, and guiding you to excel academically. Plus, 1-on-1 tutoring can provide personalized lessons and improve your grades.

6th-grade math tutors at Wiingy provide 1-on-1 tutoring support. You can choose from 1000+ expert tutors and affordable private tutoring costs. You need not commit to long-term lesson plans because you can sign up with just 1 lesson. Your demo session is complimentary!

Be consistent with 6th-grade math tips

Consistency in practicing math regularly in 6th grade builds a strong foundation for high school math. The problem-solving technique makes you confident. Regular math practice solidifies your basic concepts.

It also motivates you to learn and perform well. You can take up challenges and face them again in case you fall behind. Consistency is the key to success.

🤔Curious about the consequences and solutions of failing in 6th-grade math? Read: What happens if you fail in 6th-grade math class?

Looking to Learn 6th Grade Math? Book a Free Trial Lesson and match with top 6th Grade Math Tutors for Concepts, Homework help, and Assignment Help!

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