Is Your 6th Grader Struggling in Language Arts?
Here is How to help
by Ash Kirkland
Sixth grade hits different. It’s not just the start of middle school—it’s the start of a whole new academic world. Suddenly, your child is expected to think deeper, write clearer, and read between the lines like a tiny literary detective. Welcome to the big leagues.
If your 6th grader is feeling overwhelmed by Language Arts this year, trust me—they’re not the only one. These skills take time to bloom. Let’s look at why things feel tougher, and how you can help your child navigate it with confidence (and maybe even a little joy).
Why 6th Grade Language Arts Can Feel Like a Whole New World
Reading Goes Beyond the Plot
In Indiana, sixth graders are expected to analyze literature and nonfiction. That means identifying themes, tracing how ideas develop, comparing texts, and citing actual text evidence to back up their ideas. No more “just guessing”—now they’ve got to prove it with quotes and analysis. If they’re not confident in their reading fluency or comprehension, this can feel like a steep climb.
Vocabulary Gets Real
Words like implicit, interpret, evaluate, and author’s intent are now regulars in their ELA world. They’re expected to learn and use academic language to talk about texts, craft arguments, and make connections. Learning root words, Greek and Latin affixes, and context clues becomes more than helpful—it becomes essential.
Writing Isn’t Just Creative Anymore
Narrative writing is still a thing (thank goodness), but now they’re also writing argumentative essays, informative reports, and formal responses. Indiana’s standards ask for solid structure: introductions, clear thesis statements, body paragraphs with evidence, and smooth transitions. Oh, and don’t forget grammar: verb tenses, pronouns, and sentence variety are being graded more closely than ever.
How You Can Help at Home (Without the Fuss)
You don’t need to go full teacher mode. Just a few routines and the right tools can make a big impact.
Read Side-by-Side
Grab an article, short story, or even a blog post and read it together. Ask things like: “What do you think the author’s trying to say?” or “Why did the character make that choice?”—the kinds of questions they’ll get asked in class. Then, answer them together. You’re modeling how to think critically.
Let Them Pick Their Reading—Even if It’s a Graphic Novel
Daily reading still matters. Whether it’s Percy Jackson, manga, or even fan fiction (yep, that counts), reading for fun builds stamina and vocabulary. Try out Indiana’s INSPIRE digital library or check your local public library’s teen events—they often have book clubs, gaming nights, and even writing workshops.
Use Online Tools That Feel More Like Games
Sites like ReadTheory, IXL, and CommonLit align with Indiana standards and are used in many schools already. Blooket and Gimkit make vocabulary and grammar practice actually fun (imagine that). Ask your school if they use Clever or Canvas for access.
Play the Word Game Upgrade
Bring on the family dinner vocab games. Challenge each other to replace boring words like “good” or “bad” with stronger, spicier synonyms. The sillier the better. Think atrocious, fantastic, mediocre, phenomenal—get theatrical with it.
Encourage a Mini Journal or Private Blog
Invite your child to write a blog just for family and friends—or even keep a private one. It can include game reviews, top 5 lists, rants about school lunch, or even made-up news articles. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s practice. Writing every day builds confidence fast.
Look for Real-World Writing Opportunities
Check out student contests like Scholastic’s Art & Writing Awards or local writing challenges from Indiana libraries and newspapers. Some local papers even post student editorials or reviews. When writing has a purpose beyond a grade, it suddenly matters more.
What Your 6th Grader Can Start Doing On Their Own
Let’s be honest—sixth graders may roll their eyes at your help, but they’re more ready than they think to take charge. Here are some things they can do without too much grown-up involvement:
Keep Reading Aloud
Even if it feels “babyish,” reading aloud builds fluency, helps them catch awkward phrasing, and strengthens their voice. If they’re reluctant, let them record themselves reading a passage and play it back. It’s a good way to self-correct and boost confidence.
Start Asking “Why?” After Reading
Make a game of it: why did the character do that? Why did the author end it this way? Why did the villain have a point? Asking why builds inference skills, which are a big deal on Indiana’s ILEARN tests and classroom assignments alike.
Create Storyboards or Comics
If your kid is artsy, let them sketch out scenes from a story or book they read. Then ask them to write dialogue or summarize each panel. It’s creative comprehension—and it sticks.
Write Reviews or Short Articles
Suggest they write reviews of books, games, or even YouTube channels. They can email them to grandparents, post them on a private blog, or even try to get published in a school or public library newsletter. Bonus points if they edit and revise before sending—it’s a real-world writing win.
Progress Takes Time, But You’re on Track
Watching your child struggle can hit hard—but it doesn’t mean they’re falling behind. It means they’re learning. These skills take time to settle in, and with patience, encouragement, and a few creative tricks, they will get stronger. Sixth grade is a leap, but it’s also a launchpad.
You’re doing better than you think—and so are they.
