Grade Six Curriculum Picks
These Grade Six Picks can be purchased from Homeschool Canada (order using the HCOS Curriculum Order Form), Anchor Academic (using your PO#),or from one of our comprehensive vendors listed on this page. Some options may also be available to borrow from the Learning Commons Search Portal , or purchase from our Used Bookstore, and/or via the Sora/OverDrive virtual eBook library.
Vendor websites are pick-and-choose and some optional or alternate suggestions may be listed, so select your items with care.
Overview Of Grade 6 Curriculum Picks
Here is an overview of the curriculum picks that we suggest for Grade 6. Please note that some subjects provide more than one option. For more information about the curriculum, please refer to the information under Detailed Information for Grade 6 Curriculum Picks.
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English Language Arts
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Mathematics
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Science
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Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Earth/Space
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Social Studies
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Bible/Christian Studies |
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Optional Resources (not detailed below)
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Detailed Information for Grade 6 Curriculum Picks
English Language Arts
OPTION A: Lightning Literature Gr 6 Student Workbook and Teacher's Guide with poetry book and readers
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Type of Resource: Home Education Curriculum
Description: Lightning Literature is a language arts curriculum designed to instill a love of literature in students, expand their ability to read intelligently and deeply, and prepare them for more advanced language arts concepts. The key components of this series are literature, grammar and mechanics, and composition. The Teacher’s Guide contains the answers to the comprehension questions for all books covered in the Student Workbook, as well as four chapters on poetry, and the grammar pages, instructions for daily composition, a discussion guide for each book, and suggestions for additional activities. The Workbook and Guide can be purchased separately, in a set together, or in a pack with the readers. You’ll need something else for teaching spelling and penmanship. The books are listed in the order they are read for the course in the description of the Student Workbook. The author’s goal in writing this series is to instill a love of great literature in children, expand their ability to read intelligently and deeply, improve their communication abilities, and prepare them for more advanced language arts concepts. The three key components to this series are literature, grammar and mechanics, and composition. Students read a variety of great children’s literature, classic and modern. Grade 6 Lighting Literature continues the Lightning Literature method of teaching intelligent reading, composition, and grammar using great children’s literature. Students are introduced to new authors, exciting stories, and different cultures and experiences. The consumable four-colour Student Worktext contains comprehension questions, discussion questions, instruction on grammar (including sentence diagramming), and workbook pages. Workbook answers are in the Teacher’s Guide. The workbook asks questions on the reading, teaches (and quizzes on) grammar and mechanics, and introduces composition techniques. Each week, students write something of their own to keep their composition muscles exercised and growing. The Workbook and Guide can be purchased separately, in a set together, or in a pack with the readers. You’ll need something else for teaching spelling and penmanship.
Samples: Teacher Intro, Teacher's Sample, Student Workbook Sample |
OPTION B: Language Lessons for a Living Education 6 by Master Books and The 10-Minute Bible Journey by Dale Mason; Number the Stars by Lois Lowry novel with Literature Kit by Classroom Complete Press; Underground to Canda by Barbara Smucker novel with Literature Kit by Classroom Complete Press, In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Bette Bao Lord novel with Progeny Press Study Guide
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Type of Resource: workbook and supplementary book
Description: students will focus on the essentials of written communication as they master and apply their skills to grammar, spelling, reading comprehension, and vocabulary expansion. Independent reading and writing proficiency are developed by consistently writing clear, effective sentences within dynamic paragraphs. In practising these skills, students will start to incorporate more creative challenges, such as figures of speech and descriptive writing.
Students will also review and integrate the eight parts of speech, tricky words and verbs, parts of a story, poems, Bible genres, map studies, picture observation, and much more. With a large Teacher Aids section included, students are equipped to meet any writing challenge. Written with a Charlotte Mason influence but designed for modern homeschoolers, the course also includes a Scope and Sequence, daily course calendar, assessment charts, recommended reading list, spelling practice ideas, and grammar sheets.
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources Table of Contents (under "Scope & Sequence")
Note from Curriculum Consultant: These novels have been selected as a cross-curricular resource to address Gr. 6 social studies content standards, however, alternate novels can be chosen instead. Number the Stars (or similar) novel with Literature Kit by Classroom Complete PressType of Resource: novel with workbook Description: Experience the fear and danger of World War II as one girl risks her life to save her Jewish friend. High-quality, detailed questions and support materials go beyond the typical drill questions. Find proof from the text that shows Mama is determined and quick-thinking. Put events at the end of World War II in order that they happened in the novel. Find examples of foreshadowing in the story and explain what it may be hinting at. Match vocabulary words to their underlined synonyms in the sentences. Create questions for the game Jeopardy using information from the story. Conduct an interview with one of the characters from the book with questions and the character's response. Additional crossword, word search, comprehension quiz and answer key are also included. About the Novel:
Reviews (scroll down on left side) Other Optional or Supplementary Resources (free Number the Stars Bonus Worksheets) PDF Samples (select sample page images on the left side)
Underground to Canada by Barbara Smucker novel with Literature Kit by Classroom Complete PressType of Resource: novel with workbook Description: Understand the importance of freedom and what lengths people will go to achieve it. Our comprehensive resource saves time with useful and detailed activities in a range of styles, from vocabulary, multiple choice and short answer questions. Imagine what the story would be like if it was set today, and better understand the issues that would cause two girls to run away. Become familiar with Julilly and her family with true or false questions. Identify which character said the provided statements. Rewrite the story with a third child taken on the journey. Draw Julilly and Liza's journey on a map. Aligned to your State Standards and written to Bloom's Taxonomy, our worksheets incorporate a variety of scaffolding strategies along with additional crossword, word search, comprehension quiz and answer key. About the Novel: A sensitive and dramatic story about a young girl's escape from slavery. Julilly is taken away from her mammy by a ruthless slave trader and is sold to the Riley Plantation. Sims oversees all the slaves and is very abusive toward them. If the slaves don't produce, obey rules or try to run away, he will whip them as punishment. She longs for the day when her and her friend Liza are free and can live in peace. Julilly meets a young Canadian ornithologist named Alexander Ross who helps four slaves escape through the Underground Railroad north to Canada. Julilly, her friend Liza, Lester and Adam travel following the North Star to freedom. Website (including samples, video overview and reviews)
In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Bette Bao Lord novel with Progeny Press Study GuideType of Resource: novel with workbook
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Math
Singapore Primary Mathematics 2022 Edition is not mentioned here because as the grades progress, it is more difficult to "jump in" to this method of learning. It is still a strong option and can be considered for students looking for an academically rigorous curriculum. A placement test is strongly recommended before selecting a level.
Math Lessons for a Living Education 6 Student Workbook & Teacher Guide Set
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Description: This engaging, story-based approach puts math into context for your student as they build connections between mathematical concepts and their own lives—learning both how to do the math and how to apply it to life outside the textbook. A blend of stories, copy work, oral narration, and hands-on experience brings the concepts to life, invites the student to explore the world around them, and gives this course a Charlotte Mason flavour. In Math Lessons for a Living Education Level 6 your student will learn:
Table of Contents (under "Scope & Sequence") |
Jump Math New Canadian Edition 6.1 and 6.2 Student Assessment & Practice (AP) Book 6 (Parts 1 and 2)
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Type of Resource: workbooks
Description: in conjunction with the New Canadian Edition of JUMP Math's teacher resources, Student Assessment & Practice (AP) Book 6 is designed to cover the curriculum for Grade 6 mathematics, with units on:
NOTE: The New Canadian edition of AP Book 6 is printed in two parts, Book 6.1 and Book 6.2. In order to cover the full curriculum, students will need both parts. The Teacher's Resource is highly recommended and is free when you create an account at https://jumpmath.org/.
Note from Curriculum Consultant: The multi-modal approaches to solving math problems presented in this resource can be a benefit to some students, but other students may find this approach confusing and would be better served with a program that presents a consistent approach to solving problems. On pages where there are multiple grade options, choose the correct grade from the dropdown menu. Teacher Resource/Lesson Plans (free when you register online as a Teacher) Other Optional or Supplementary Resources
Table of Contents (free when you register online as a Teacher) Sample Pages (free when you register online as a teacher)
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Science
Biology
Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology Textbook* and Student Notebooking Journal*
Note from Curriculum Consultant: if Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology was used/purchased in Grade 5, then begin at chapter 9 (lessons 9 and 10 address Grade 6 content standards; for a full description of this resource, see the Grade Five Curriculum Picks SOPHIE page). If this resource was not started in Grade 5, it is not recommended as a resource for Grade 6 since only a couple of chapters directly address the content standards. In this case, select, “The Electrifying Nervous System” by Master Books. |
The Electrifying Nervous System by Master Books, AND Elementary Anatomy: Nervous, Respiratory, Circulatory Systems Teacher Guide
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Type of Resource: Hardcover Textbook Description: God created you with much care, love and incredible design. Developed by a homeschooling pediatrician, this book focuses on the amazing design and functionality of the human body’s nervous system. You will discover:
Learn interesting and important facts about why you sleep, the function of the central nervous system, what foods can superpower your brain functions, and much more in a wonderful exploration of the brain and how it controls the wondrous machine known as your body!
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Chemistry
Kitchen Chemistry: Cool Crystals, Rockin' Reactions and Magical Mixtures with Hands-on Science Activities by Cynthia Light Brown
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Use this book with one of the "Graphic Organizers" resources mentioned on this page to assist with learning and reinforcing key concepts. Type of Resource: nonfiction book Description: Starting with an exploration of atoms and molecules and how they make up the world, Kitchen Chemistry goes on to discuss mixtures, reactions, states of matter, solutions, and more! By using familiar scenarios such as boiling water, baking cookies, and creating slime, kids make text-to-text, text-to-self, and text-to-world connections that deepen their understanding of the world around us and the connection to chemistry to be found in every area of life. Hands-on STEM activities, essential questions, and links to online primary resources help readers learn the fundamentals of the world of chemistry!
Website (includes Table of Contents) Guide (includes essential questions and vocabulary) |
Physics
What are Newton's Laws of Motion? by Denyse O'Leary
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Use this book with one of the "Graphic Organizers" resources mentioned on this page to assist with learning and reinforcing key concepts. Type of Resource: nonfiction book Description: examines how Sir Isaac Newton developed three basic laws that govern the way in which objects move. Readers will learn how Newton expanded on the work of other great scientists, including Galileo and Copernicus, to make his important discovery. The book also explains how Newton’s laws have influenced modern science and technology in areas such as sports and transportation.
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Earth/Space
Exploring Creation with Astronomy 2nd edition by Jeannie Fullbright (with recommended but optional Notebooking Journal)
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Type of Resource: home education curriculum
Description: presents a scientifically sound and God-honoring study of astronomy for grades K-6. Content covered includes a tour of the solar system while learning about stars, the Sun, the planets, the moon, meteors, asteroids, galaxies, and astronauts. With many hands-on activities to help young scientists retain what they learn, our science curriculum uses the Charlotte Mason methodology to introduce elementary-level students to the wonders of our solar system, the stars, and beyond. A detailed daily lesson plan is included in the Notebooking Journal.
Table of Contents and Sample Pages
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The options in this section can be utilized where resources in Science or Social Studies do not provide a way to interact with the material presented. Teachers and students can pick and choose organizers that appeal to them and are readily adaptable to the material they are learning.
The Elementary Teacher's Big Book of Graphic Organizers, Gr 5-12
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Type of Resource: workbook
Description: veteran educator and NCTE trainer Katherine McKnight shows how students can use graphic organizers as an important tool to organize new information. Providing a visual representation that uses symbols to express ideas, concepts, and convey meaning, graphic organizers help to depict relationships between facts, terms, and ideas. The author demonstrates how graphic organizers have proven to be a powerful teaching and learning strategy.
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3-D Graphic Organizers: 20 Easy-to-Make Learning Tools That Reinforce Key Concepts (Grades 3 - 6)
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Type of Resource: workbook Description: bring a new dimension to graphic organizers-and increase students' ability to learn and remember important content-area information-with these 20 engaging learning tools. Each organizer comes with a ready-to-go template, easy step-by-step directions, and ideas for using it across the curriculum. The finished three-dimensional products serve as powerful reference tools-and make a great classroom display to show off what students have learned. Great for individual, small-group, and whole-class learning! |
Social Studies
Economy and Globalization by Classroom Complete Press
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Type of Resource: workbook
Description: debates the pros and cons of nationalization and privatization as it relates to the global economy. Review the early history of currency, from the barter system to metal money, then finally what we use today. Go back to the Great Depression and act out a scene to showcase the economic hardships faced by people living during this era. Hold a panel discussion on international immigration policy. Design your own multinational company and write a business plan. Write a case study about a particular example of outsourcing. Conduct a class debate about whether or not trends towards economic globalization have been good for people around the world. Practice exchanging world currencies using up-to-date currency exchange rates in an international airport. Aligned to your State Standards and written to Bloom's Taxonomy, additional hands-on activities, crossword, word search, comprehension quiz and answer key are also included. Highlights:
Free Supplementary Resources:
PDF Samples (look for images on the left hand side). |
Shannen and the Dream for a School by Janet Wilson
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Use this book with one of the "Graphic Organizers" resources mentioned on this page to assist with learning and reinforcing key concepts. Type of Resource: Biography/Memoir Description: the true story of Shannen Koostachin and the people of Attawapiskat, a Cree community in Northern Ontario, who have been fighting for a new school since the late 1970s when a fuel leak contaminated their original school building. It is 2008, and thirteen-year-old Shannen and the other students at J.R. Nakogee Elementary are tired of attending class in portables that smell and don’t keep out the freezing cold winter air. They make a YouTube video describing the poor conditions, and their plea for a decent school gains them attention and support from community leaders and children across the country. Inspired, the students decide to turn their grade-eight class trip into a visit to Ottawa to speak to the Canadian government. Once there, Shannen speaks passionately to the politicians about the need to give Native children the opportunity to succeed. The following summer, Shannen is nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize. Her passion and that of the other students makes politicians stand up and take notice and becomes a rallying point for the community and for the country. Shannen will never see her dream fulfilled. Tragically, she was killed in a car crash in 2010. Her family, friends, and supporters are continuing to fight and to honour her memory as they work for equality for children in communities everywhere.
Supplementary Resources: |
World Electoral Processes by Classroom Complete Press
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Type of Resource: workbook
Description: breaks down the differences between a presidential, parliamentary and dictatorship government. Travel back to ancient times to experience the first voting system. Explore the concept of a democratic government and whether it truly represents the people. Discover how the president has to share powers with the legislature in a presidential system. Explain why it is easier to pass laws in the parliamentary system than in the presidential system. Roleplay as a member of Parliament and deliver a 90-second statement about an important issue. Find out why most dictators were military leaders, and how the role of a dictator has changed over time. Learn about suffrage and what the requirements are for a citizen to be allowed to vote. Hold your own election to decide on a policy for running your classroom. Written to Bloom's Taxonomy and includes additional writing tasks, crossword, word search, comprehension quiz and answer key. Highlights:
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Understanding Propaganda by John Joseph Micklos
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Use this book with one of the "Graphic Organizers" resources mentioned on this page to assist with learning and reinforcing key concepts. Description: everybody believes they're immune to propaganda, but everyone is wrong about that. Propaganda assaults us daily, on tv, on the internet, on the streets of our cities; everywhere we look, and even when we don't think we're looking. Easy-to-understand text, simple infographics, and lots of examples help kids learn how to crack the code of propaganda and learn how to use their brains to decide when they are being manipulated into believing lies presented as the truth.
Table of Contents and Sample Pages (google preview) |
Understanding Social Media by Pamela Jain Dell
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Use this book with one of the "Graphic Organizers" resources mentioned on this page to assist with learning and reinforcing key concepts. Type of Resource: nonfiction book
Description: everybody thinks they can handle social media. They're only on with their friends. Everything on social media is real. Except that it isn't. Easy-to-understand language, simple infographics, and evocative photos show kids what's real and what's fake on the various social media platforms, and how to tell the difference.
Table of Contents and PDF Samples(google preview) |
Bible/Christian Studies
Who Am I? And What Am I Doing Here? by David Webb and John Hay (Apologia)
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Type of Resource: textbook
Description: helps children understand what it means to be fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of the Most High God. Students will develop a healthy, biblical self-image based on the truths taught in this second book in the What We Believe Series. Students will develop a healthy, biblical self-image based on these truths:
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