Whether your child is entering middle school for the first time in 6^th grade or will be doing so next year, you'll find loads of information in 6^th Grade Ready useful to you and your student. Beginning with how 6^th grade differs from 5^th and moving through preparing them for 7^th grade, this book will serve as your guide. It will describe what to expect in a variety of areas and what to look for as you navigate your child's physical, emotional, and academic growth.


Most chapters conclude with a list of conversation starters, as using open-ended questions is the best way to get information from your student. Not only will having these conversations assist you in supporting your child, but they will also open new lines of communication that can continue throughout the school year.


Sixth grade can be a major year of change for your child. We hope this book helps you as you support your student to be the best they can be.


Each contributor to 6th Grade Ready is a current or former 6th grade teacher who has worked extensively with parents and families of students. These contributors have all been Teachers of the Year or finalists in their state or are nationally recognized educators:


Barbara J. Hopkins, PhD, 1988 Nebraska Teacher of the Year
Jessica Wheeler Saum, 2022 Arkansas Teacher of the Year
Kristen Merrell, 2012 Missouri Teacher of the Year
Kathryn R. Hill, Ohio Science Teacher
Terry Kaldhusdal, 2007 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year
Revathi Balakrishnan, 2016 Texas Teacher of the Year
Timothy D. Ramey, 2023 DoDEA Teacher of the Year Finalist
LéAnn Murphy Cassidy, EdS, 2018 Connecticut History Teacher of the Year
Jamey Olney, 2000 DoDEA Teacher of the Year
Rachel Leach, 2018 Nevada Teacher of the Year Finalist
Allison Tomlin, 2022 Ohio Teacher of the Year Finalist
Anthony Swann, 2021 Virginia Teacher of the Year
Sally Hundley, 2005 North Carolina Teacher of the Year Finalist
Dylan Huisken, 2019 Montana Teacher of the Year