Grade Six Curriculum Picks

Note: These Grade Six Picks can be purchased from Homeschool Canada (order using the HCOS Curriculum Order Form). Some options may also be available to borrow from the Learning Commons Search Portal and/or via the 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

English Language Arts

Mathematics

Science 

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Earth/Space

Science/Social Studies

The Teacher's Big Book of Graphic Organizers Gr. 5-12 12 OR  3-D Graphic Organizers

Social Studies

Bible/Christian Studies

Optional/Additional Resources (not detailed below)

Detailed Information - Grade 6 Curriculum Picks

English Language Arts

Language Lessons for a Living Education 6 and The 10 Minute Bible Journey (Mason)

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.

Website: https://www.masterbooks.com/language-lessons-for-a-living-education-6

Series Overview: https://www.masterbooks.com/language-lessons-for-a-living-education-series 

Placement Guide: https://www.masterbooks.com/mwdownloads/download/link/id/939/

Review: https://cathyduffyreviews.com/homeschool-reviews-core-curricula/composition-and-grammar/graded-language-arts-curricula/language-lessons-for-a-living-education#

Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

Table of Contents: see this page under "Description"

Number the Stars (or similar) novel with Literature Kit by Classroom Complete Press

Type 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:
A story of a ten-year-old girl, her family and their courageous journey to save the lives of their Jewish friends. During the darkest days of World War II living in Copenhagen, ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen is caught up in these unfolding historical events when she learns that the life of her best friend: Ellen Rosen, is in danger. The Rosens go into hiding and Annemarie's parents volunteer to take Ellen into their home until the voyage to the safe country of Sweden can be arranged. Annemarie is thrust into several perilous adventures as she does the utmost to save the lives of the Rosens. Annemarie's courage and ingenuity are severely tested as she is forced to confront German soldiers intent on killing her friend.

Note from Curriculum Consultant: This novel has been selected as a cross-curricular resource that will also address the Gr. 6 social studies content area of "regional and international conflict: genocide", however an alternate novel can be chosen instead.

Website: https://classroomcompletepress.com/products/ccp2506 

Video Overview: https://youtu.be/6o7AemuP-kA

Reviews: see this page (scroll down on left side), https://classroomcompletepress.com/products/ccp2506 

Other Optional or Supplementary Resources: FREE Number the Stars Bonus Worksheets here 

PDF Samples: see this page (select sample page images on the left side), https://classroomcompletepress.com/products/ccp2506 

Amos Fortune, Free Man (or similar) novel with Progeny Press Study Guide

Type of Resource: novel with workbook

Description: provides a Christian perspective to classic literature through reading comprehension and literary analysis activities. Vocabulary words are used throughout the novel, utilizing a variety of activities to stimulate retention and growth. Literary techniques and moral lessons are explored. Activities and writing assignments address themes such as research, art, map, field trip, video, poetry, storytelling, writing, racism discussion, and epitaph.

About the Novel: biographical; based on a true story. For the first 15 years of his life, Amos Fortune was At-mun, prince of an African tribe. He always believed that, as a future king, he was to live to serve his people. But At-mun's life is turned upside down when he and many of his people are captured and brought to the United States to be sold as slaves. At-mun is purchased by a kind Quaker family, who gives him the name Amos and welcome him into their home. Under the care of the Copelands, Amos learns to read and speak English and learns about their God. When Amos comes to understand that as a child of God his royal heritage has been restored, his life is transformed. For the rest of his life, Amos continues the work he believes he was born to do: serve his people. Through the many turns his life takes, Amos shows trust and assurance in God, and though he works to achieve his own freedom and the freedom of others, he knows that true freedom can only come from faith in God.

Note from Curriculum Consultant: This novel has been selected as a cross-curricular resource that will also address the Gr. 6 social studies content area of inequality and racism, however an alternate novel can be chosen instead.

Website: https://stores.progenypress.com/amos-fortune-free-man-study-guide/ 

Review: https://cathyduffyreviews.com/homeschool-reviews-core-curricula/phonics-reading/novel-and-play-study-guides/progeny-press-study-guides-for-literature# 

Table of Contents and PDF Samples: https://stores.progenypress.com/content/AmosFortune_smpl.pdf 

Math

Option 1: Math Lessons for a Living Education 6

Option 2: Jump Math New Canadian Edition 6.1 and 6.2

Singapore Math Standards Edition 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.

Option 1: Math Lessons for a Living Education 6 Student Workbook & Teacher Guide Set

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:

• Averaging
• Rounding
• Fractions
• Factors
• Decimals
• Percentages
• Geometry
• Maps
• and so much more!

Website: https://www.masterbooks.com/math-lessons-for-a-living-education-level-6 

Placement Tests: https://www.masterbooks.com/mwdownloads/download/link/id/750/

Series Overview Video: https://youtu.be/JHlMs8kFp18

Series Overview Webpage: https://www.masterbooks.com/math-lessons-for-a-living-education-series/

Review: https://cathyduffyreviews.com/homeschool-reviews-core-curricula/math/math-grades-k-6/math-lessons-for-a-living-education

Table of Contents: found on this page under "Description"

PDF Sample Pages: https://www.masterbooks.com/mwdownloads/download/link/id/830/ 

Option 2: Jump Math New Canadian Edition Student Assessment & Practice (AP) Book 6 (Parts 1 and 2) 

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:

• Number Sense
• Patterns and Algebra
• Geometry
• Measurement
• Probability and Data Management

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.

Website: https://jumpmath.org/jump/en/ap_6_new_cdn 

Teacher Resource/Lesson Plans: free when you register online, https://jumpmath.org/jump/en/tr_6_new_Cdn.

Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

• Answer Keys for AP Book 6
• Quizzes and Tests for Grade 6
• Curriculum Guides for Grade 6
• Digital Lesson Slides for Grade 6

Table of Contents here

Sample Pages: 

• Teacher Resource 6.1
• Teacher Resource 6.2
• Student AP Book 6.1
• Student AP Book 6.2
• Grade 6 Problem-Solving Lessons

Science 

Option 1: Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology Textbook* and Student Notebooking Journal

Option 2: The Electrifying Nervous System by Master Books AND Elementary Anatomy: Nervous, Respiratory, Circulatory Systems Teacher Guide

*Note: if Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology was used/purchased in Grade 5 begin at chapter 9 (lessons 9 and 10 address Grade 6 content standards). 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. For a full description of this resource, see the Grade Five Curriculum Picks SOPHIE page.

Option 2: The Electrifying Nervous System by Master Books, AND Elementary Anatomy: Nervous, Respiratory, Circulatory Systems Teacher Guide

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:

• The main areas and structures of the brain and what important role each plays in making your body work
• Awesome examples of God’s creativity in both the design and precision of human anatomy showing you are wonderfully made
• Important historical discoveries and modern medical techniques used for diagnosis and repair of the brain!

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! 

Note from Curriculum Consultant: This resource contains activity options for younger students as well, so is good for multi-grade use. Use with Elementary Anatomy: Nervous, Respiratory, Circulatory Systems Teacher Guide.

Website: https://www.masterbooks.com/the-electrifying-nervous-system-hardback-single 

Review: https://cathyduffyreviews.com/homeschool-reviews-core-curricula/science/topical-areas/human-body-and-health-education/elementary-anatomy-nervous-and-respiratory-systems# 

Book Trailer (video): https://www.masterbooks.com/mwdownloads/download/link/id/635/

Table of Contents and PDF Sample Pages: https://www.masterbooks.com/mwdownloads/download/link/id/610/ 

Chemistry

Option 1: Candy Chemistry Science Kit by Thames & Kosmos

Option 2: Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics Textbook and Notebooking Journal

Option 1: Candy Chemistry Science Kit by Thames & Kosmos

Select this resource for a lighter academic approach, and/or if a lengthy resource has been chosen for other science topics.

Type of Resource: science kit 

Description: Explore chemistry as you cook up candies and chocolates in the kitchen! Perform a number of sweet experiments and learn important physical science principles related to candy and cooking. Discover why sugar crystallizes to make rock candy. Learn about specific heat and the phases of matter by molding chocolates. Use a thermometer and learn about heat and temperature while boiling sugar. Gain experience with measurements and conversions, volumes, and weights. Investigate the chemistry of gummy bears. Learn about the mysterious phenomenon of triboluminescence with wintergreen candies. Make gummy candies, chocolate shapes, and hard sugar candy using the special tools included: plastic and metal molds, candy thermometer, spatula, dipping fork, and more. Finish them with foils, paper cups, sticks, and wrappers. The 48-page, full-colour manual provides instructions and explanations. Does not contain hazardous chemicals or food items; you supply the safe ingredients from your kitchen.

Website: https://store.thamesandkosmos.com/products/candy-chemistry 

Additional Support - Download Manual

OPTION 2: Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics Textbook and Notebooking Journal

Note: This resource is a full-year program, and can be completed over several years (i.e. Grades 4 - 6). If it is selected for Grade 6 Science, it may be the only resource a student selects for the year (although some students could also choose to complete "Solar System" by Classroom Complete Press, as it is not too demanding).

Type of Resource: student textbook and journal

Description: presents a scientifically sound and God-honoring study of chemistry and physics for grades K-6. Your student will study the basic building blocks of creation, atoms and molecules, and then journey through simple chemicals, the laws of motion, and energy in its many forms, before discovering concepts of electricity and magnetism.

The activities and projects in this course are sure to delight and inspire your young minds. They’ll begin by exploring the basic building blocks of creation, atoms and molecules, and then journey through simple chemicals, the laws of motion, and energy in its many forms, before discovering concepts of electricity and magnetism. Along the way, your students will make a bouncy ball, formulate a smoke bomb, build a solar oven, construct a working periscope, fashion a miniature motor, and create a lava lamp! All the while, God will be glorified as the Master Designer of all that they’re discovering about the world and how it works. This exciting course will give your students a love for learning and confidence in science that will carry them through the school years and beyond.

It is an engaging way to teach your young students just how God made everything in the universe. Jeannie Fulbright presents a scientifically sound and God-honoring study that covers atoms, molecules, simple chemicals, laws of motion, electricity, magnetism, and simple machines.

Website: https://www.apologia.com/product/apologia-advantage-set-chemistry-physics-with-regular-notebooking-journal/

Series Overview: https://www.apologia.com/elementary-science-for-homeschool/ 

Series Review: https://cathyduffyreviews.com/homeschool-reviews-core-curricula/science/science-unit-studies/apologia-s-exploring-creation-series-elementary-grades# 

Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

• Chemistry and Physics MP3 Download/Audiobook
• Chemistry and Physics MP3 Audio CD

Table of Contents and PDF Samples here 

Physics

Forces & Motion: From High-speed Jets to Wind-up Toys (textbook, student journal, teacher's guide)

• Forces and Motion: Teacher's Guide
• Forces and Motion Student Book
• Forces and Motion: Student Journal

Earth/Space

Solar System by Classroom Complete Press

• Introduction to the Solar System
• The Inner Planets
• The Outer Planets
• The Moon
• The Stars
• Constellations
• Asteroids, Meteors & Comets

• Bonus Worksheets
• Uranus Worksheet
• Constellations Map
• Comets & Meteors Research Worksheet
• Space, Space, Space Chapter Slice
• Space: The Final Frontier Chapter Slice

Science/Social Studies

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. 

Option 1: The Elementary Teacher's Big Book of Graphic Organizers, Gr 5-12

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.

• Includes 100 graphic organizers-more than any comparable book
• Included graphic organizers can be used before-, during-, and after-learning activities across the content areas
• Contains easy-to-follow instructions for teachers on how to use and adapt the book's graphic organizers
• Offers strategies for teachers to create their own graphic organizers for different grade levels

Note from Curriculum Consultant: This is a recommended pick for grades 6-9 and can be used again year after year. 

Website: here 

Option 2: 3-D Graphic Organizers: 20 Easy-to-Make Learning Tools That Reinforce Key Concepts (Grades 3 - 6)

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!

Website: https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/books/3-d-graphic-organizers-by-daniel-j-barnekow/ 

Social Studies

Economy and Globalization by Classroom Complete Press

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:

• Economic Globalization
• The History of Currency
• The Great Depression
• International Commercial Law
• Migration
• Multinational Corporations
• Foreign Direct Investment

Website: https://classroomcompletepress.com/products/ccp5783

Free Supplementary Resources:

• Bonus Worksheets
• Human Migration Worksheets
• Global Warming: Effects Worksheets
• Learning Skills for Global Competency: Adapting to Different Customs Worksheet
• Learning Skills for Global Competency: How You Are With Change Quiz Worksheets
• Learning Skills for Global Competency: Have Fun Making Mistakes Worksheets
• Capitalism vs. Communism Bonus Worksheets

PDF Samples: see left panel on this page

Shannen and the Dream for a School by Janet Wilson

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.

Website: https://secondstorypress.ca/kids/shannen-and-the-dream-for-a-school 

Supplementary Resources:

• Teaching Guide by Laura Horton
• Kids' Power Teacher Resource by Shawntelle Nesbitt
• Heartspeak about Shannen's Dream YouTube documentary 
• Shannen's Dream: Safe and Comfy Schools PDF

World Electoral Processes by Classroom Complete Press

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:

• History of the Voting System
• Legitimacy of Democratic Gov.
• Presidential System of Gov.
• Parliamentary System of Gov.
• A Dictatorship Gov.
• The Voting System
• Electoral Systems & Reform

Website: https://classroomcompletepress.com/products/ccp5762

Free Supplementary Resources: Bonus Worksheets

Table of Contents: see side left panel on this page

Understanding Propaganda by John Joseph Micklos

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.

Website: https://www.capstonepub.com/library/products/understanding-propaganda/ 

Table of Contents and Sample Pages: Google preview here

Understanding Social Media by Pamela Jain Dell

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.

Website: https://www.capstonepub.com/library/products/understanding-social-media/ 

Table of Contents and PDF Samples: see Google preview here

Bible/Christian Studies

Who Am I? And What Am I Doing Here? by David Webb and John Hay (Apologia)

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:

• God made me in His image and crowned me with glory
• He has given me special gifts and a unique purpose in life
• I can creatively express God’s love
• I am meant to think about beautiful and praiseworthy things, especially God and His Word
• I must make decisions based on God’s truth
• I can always know the wise thing to do
• I must cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in my life
• I am a beloved child of God whose true identity is found in Christ.

Website: https://www.apologia.com/product/who-am-i-textbook/ 

Review: https://cathyduffyreviews.com/homeschool-extras/worldview-curriculum/what-we-believe-series 

Table of Contents and Sample Pages: https://view.publitas.com/apologia/apologia-who-am-i-sample/page/1