Computations

• Sixth grade students should have proficiency in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, positive and negative integers, fractions, time and currency. If the student has difficulty with any of these skills, the tutor can reteach the skill, use programs such as touch math, finger math or introduce math manipulatives. Teaching math a different way may help a student see the process in a new way. For example, using the fingers to compute in finger math or touch math gives the student practical tools that are always in reach.
  
  

Measurements

• Sixth grade measurement skills include both metric and English measuring systems. A student who had problems converting the measuring systems could use a table to memorize common conversions. The student may also need practice computing measurements, including determining proportions. For dry and liquid measurement practice, the tutor and students could divide recipes in half or increase them and then use the recipe to make the dish. Use of measuring tools such as rulers, tape measures, measuring spoons and cups provide hands-on ways to understand measurement skills.
  
  

Geometry

• Basic geometric knowledge for sixth graders includes measuring angles, computing perimeter and area, circle radius and circumference, and determining when lines are parallel and perpendicular. Tutors can demonstrate how to determine these geometric values using manipulatives such as tangram pieces, pattern blocks and computer-generated models to make these principles more concrete.
  
  

Word Problems

• Some students find word problems more difficult than number problems. Tutors can help the sixth-grader determine what information is important for finding the answer and how to order the steps to arrive at the correct answer. Another option includes having the student write word problems that mirror a problem written as a calculation. Math manipulatives could help the student see how to solve the problem. For example, use different colored buttons to signify three different amounts in proportion to one another to determine the total.
  
  

Graphic Representations

• The tutor can teach the sixth-grader how to read and construct different types of graphs based on statistical data. The tutor could use computer software to demonstrate how different types of graphs convey the same information. The tutor could use sports statistics to graph performance or draw data from weather reports to graph average rainfall or other pertinent data.