By the time students reach sixth grade, reading takes on a new level of importance. They are expected to tackle more complex texts, analyze deeper themes, and apply critical thinking skills across multiple subjects. However, if a child struggles with fluency, comprehension, or vocabulary, reading can quickly become frustrating.
As a reading coach, my students often tell me how much easier math or science became as their reading skills improved. The ability to research, understand technical information, and carry out multi-step processes becomes crucial to their success across all subjects. These skills can seem daunting to a struggling reader, but with consistent effort, they often find success beyond what they (or their parents) could have imagined!
The Science of Reading tells us that students need consistent instruction in fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and analytical thinking to become strong readers. Whether your child is a confident reader or needs extra support, these 10 research-backed strategies will help them develop the skills they need to succeed.
1. Encourage Independent Reading with Challenging Texts
Independent reading is key to developing strong literacy skills, but sixth graders need books that are both interesting and challenging on topics that are meaningful to them.
How to Help Your Child Build a Reading Habit:
- Let them choose books that align with their interests.
- Introduce various genres—historical fiction, fantasy, biographies, and nonfiction.
- Set aside 30 minutes of daily reading time.
The more children read at their level, the more their comprehension and critical thinking skills grow.
2. Strengthen Fluency with Advanced Texts
Fluent readers read smoothly, accurately, and with expression, allowing them to focus on meaning rather than decoding words.
Ways to Improve Fluency:
- Have them read aloud with expression to practice pacing and tone.
- Use repeated reading of difficult passages.
- Pair books with audiobooks—listening to fluent reading while following along helps model proper fluency.
When reading becomes automatic, comprehension improves, and reading feels less like work.
3. Build Vocabulary Through Word Study
By sixth grade, students are encountering more advanced academic vocabulary in all subjects. Instead of memorizing definitions, help them analyze word structure.
- Teach prefixes, root words, and suffixes (e.g., disappeared= dis + appear + ed).
- Use context clues in the surrounding sentences to determine word meaning.
- Use supplemental exercises like Wordly Wise 3000® workbooks (grades 2-12).
Understanding word parts helps students decode unfamiliar words more efficiently.
4. Strengthen Comprehension with Active Reading Strategies
Reading isn’t just about getting through the words—it’s about understanding, analyzing, and reflecting.
How to Encourage Active Reading:
- Have your child underline or highlight key details while reading.
- Teach them to take notes as they read passages to record thoughts or questions.
- Ask them to summarize sections in their own words to check for understanding.
Interacting with the text helps retain information and improve comprehension skills.
5. Use Graphic Organizers to Streamline Thoughts
When reading complex texts, graphic organizers can help students visualize and remember important information.
- Cause-and-effect charts to track character decisions and storylines (a simple T chart).
- Compare-and-contrast diagrams for different perspectives (like a Venn Diagram).
- Plot diagrams to analyze story structure (like a Story Mountain).
These tools help break down information into manageable parts.
6. Make Reading Interactive with Discussions and Writing
Talking about books helps students process information, form opinions, and improve comprehension.
Ways to Engage with Books Beyond Reading:
- Discuss key themes: “What lesson do you think the author wants readers to learn?”
- Have your child write a book review—Would they recommend it? Why or why not?
- Encourage creative writing exercises based on books, such as rewriting the ending.
When kids engage with books in multiple ways, they retain more and think more deeply about what they read.
7. Challenge Thinking with Higher-Order Questions
Asking higher-level questions helps children develop critical thinking skills beyond basic comprehension.
- Inferential: “What do you think the author is trying to say?”
- Analytical: “How does this book connect to real-world issues?”
- Evaluative: “Do you agree with the character’s choices? Why or why not?”
Encouraging deeper discussions helps children become thoughtful, engaged readers.
8. Utilize Digital Tools and Reading Apps
Technology can enhance reading skills when used effectively.
Best Reading Apps for Sixth Graders:
- Spark Reading – Fiction and non-fiction books with comprehension questions.
- Libby – Partner with your local library to obtain a card and access free digital books.
- Khan Academy – A trackable reading and vocabulary course with history and science texts.
Pairing print and digital reading creates a balanced reading experience.
9. Connect Reading to Real-World Topics
Reading is more meaningful when kids see how it applies to real life.
- Read and discuss current events to build knowledge and critical thinking.
- Explore books about topics they love, such as sports, science, or history. Some popular titles include: 42 is Not Just a Number: The Odyssey of Jackie Robinson, American Hero by Dorreen Rappaport, The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly, or Exploring the History of Medicine by John Hudson Tiner.
- Encourage research-based reading, such as learning about a famous person, place, or invention.
When reading is relevant and personal, kids engage more deeply.
10. Consider an Online Reading Tutor for Extra Support
If your child struggles with:
- Fluency and reading speed
- Understanding complex texts
- Making inferences and drawing conclusions
A one-on-one reading tutor can provide structured, personalized instruction to help.
Benefits of an Online Tutor:
- Personalized lessons based on your child’s specific needs.
- Engaging, interactive sessions using proven Science of Reading strategies.
- Flexible scheduling for busy families.
At Savvy Learning, our expert tutors specialize in helping sixth graders strengthen comprehension, fluency, and analytical thinking skills.
Final Thoughts
Helping your sixth grader build strong reading skills doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on fluency, comprehension strategies, vocabulary growth, and real-world connections, you can make reading an enjoyable and meaningful experience.
- Encourage independent reading with engaging books.
- Strengthen critical thinking through discussions and writing activities.
- If needed, consider an online reading tutor for additional support.
📚 Want expert guidance? Contact Savvy Learning today to learn how our online reading tutors can help your child succeed!
