What should 6th graders be learning in math

Understand that on a number line, positive and negative numbers are on opposite sides of 0 zero. Find real-world examples of negative numbers, including temperature above and below zero, elevation above and below sea level, or credits and debits in a checking account. Use understanding of negative numbers to plot points in all four quadrants of a four-quadrant graph. Write, read and understand algebraic expressions mathematical statements in which letters stand for numbers.

Understand the difference between a mathematical equation like a complete sentence and a mathematical expression like a phrase in a sentence. Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving area, surface area, and volume of non-circular figures, including cubes, rectangles and rectangular prisms three-dimensional objects with 6 rectangular faces; see example below.

Graph polygons figures with three or more sides ; find side lengths by subtracting coordinates. Understand the meaning of mean and median as different measures of center and range. It is natural to make mistakes, and in fact, mistakes help us learn and do better. If you avoid math work because you are afraid of looking stupid and making mistakes, you will likely not fulfill your potential.

Practice and learn through games. Math practice can be boring, so make it fun by practicing while playing games. Just make sure you are also completing your regular classwork. When your teacher gives you time to use the computer to practice math, make sure you stay on task. You can use free computer time to go on math game websites.

Your teacher may be able to pick out appropriate games for you to play. According to one study, the majority of men pursuing a career in STEM science, technology, engineering, and math became interested in the subject through games and toys they played when they were younger. Study with friends. Learning is always more fun with friends, as long as you stay on task. Study partners can also help you with missed work from absences, as well as preparing for tests.

You can share notes and learn from each other, since some members of the group may be better at certain skills than others. To make sure your study sessions are effective, have goals for each session, and come prepared with your notes, work, and textbooks. Method 3. Take notes. By taking notes in class and reviewing those notes, you are doing yourself a favor. Note taking is a sure way to improve your math performance. If you miss a day, ask one of your study partners for their notes.

If your teacher tells you to write something down, or says that something is important or will be on a test, write it down. Write down formulas, terms, and definitions. Just write down what you think seems important. You might also miss out on important information your teacher is giving while you are trying to keep up. However, make sure you write down all the steps you need to solve the problems on your assignment or else you might get stuck later on. Keep your notes organized.

At the beginning of each class, write down the date, unit, and topic you are learning about. Try to use bullet points when you are taking your notes. If your notes are messy, it is worth recopying them each day. Make sure your handwriting is neat, so you can read your notes later. You can also reorganize the notes so that they are easier to follow. Use a planner. Your school might have given you a planner or agenda at the beginning of the year.

Use it! Write down your math homework each day. You can also write down the dates and times that your math study group meets. Review your planner each weekend, so you know what is coming up. Keep a neat desk and locker. Make sure you use your notebooks, folders, and binders. Take the time to put your math work in your math folder. If you put it in a different folder, you will likely forget where it is.

Keep your folder neat. Keep graded work in the right pocket, and work you need to turn in or complete in the left pocket. Method 4. Ask questions in class. The odds are that if you are confused about something, other people are confused, too. Even if you are the only one who is confused, having others thinking you are dumb is not worth the risk of not learning. So it is important to ask questions right away. Understand what the assignments are.

Before you leave class, make sure you understand what is expected of you. Look at your textbook and ensure that the assignment you wrote down matches what is in the book. If your teacher is grading with a rubric, make sure you look at the rubric before you begin your assignment. If you have questions about the rubric, ask your teacher. Complete all assignments. The surest way to survive math class is to complete all of your assignments. Teachers usually give full or partial credit if you complete all the requirements of the assignment and show your work.

It is very hard to raise your grade once you receive a few zeros on assignments. Review the work you get back. Determine why your answers were marked incorrect. If you made careless mistakes, take care to work more slowly next time. If you made mistakes because you did not fully understand the math concepts, speak to your teacher about getting more help. Method 5. Talk to your math teacher. Donate Login Sign up Search for courses, skills, and videos. Not feeling ready for this?

Check out Get ready for 6th grade. Course summary. Arithmetic operations.