Your child will be learning a lot about relationships this year – between numbers, that is. Sixth grade math takes on ratios and proportions, negative and positive numbers, equivalent equations, and how to depict three-dimensional shapes in two dimensions. All this and X marks the spot for pre-algebra.

Here are the 8 math skills your sixth grader should learn by the end of the year:

• Using ratios to represent relationships between different quantities, sizes, and values.
• Solving word problems with ratios by plotting them on charts, graphs, and tables.
• Calculating percents.
• Dividing fractions by fractions.
• Understanding negative numbers and plotting them on number lines.
• Finding X (the missing value) in equations as a prelude to algebra.
• Solving real-world math problems involving area, surface area, and volume.
• Learning the basics of statistics.