Lesson Plan
Prep for Sixth?
Refresh key 5th grade skills in math, reading, and organization to build students’ confidence and readiness for 6th grade through targeted review and goal-setting activities.
Entering 6th grade with solid fluency in math facts, effective reading strategies, and strong organizational habits boosts students’ confidence and sets the tone for a successful year.
Audience
6th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive, timed reviews and goal-setting exercises.
Materials
Whiteboard and Markers, - Timer, - 5th Grade Math Facts Review Sheet, - Reading Strategies Bookmark, - Organizational Habits Checklist, - Sixth Grade Goal-Setting Worksheet, - Sticky Notes, and - Pens/Pencils
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print copies of 5th Grade Math Facts Review Sheet, Reading Strategies Bookmark, Organizational Habits Checklist, and Sixth Grade Goal-Setting Worksheet.
- Arrange classroom seating for easy partner work.
- Set up the timer on your device.
- Review each generated material to ensure familiarity with activities.
Step 1
Warm-Up and Introduction
5 minutes
- Greet students and explain that today’s goal is to refresh key 5th grade skills and prepare for a great 6th grade year.
- Ask: “What is one skill you mastered in 5th grade?”
- Record responses on the whiteboard to highlight strengths.
Step 2
Math Facts Review
8 minutes
- Distribute the 5th Grade Math Facts Review Sheet.
- Set the timer for 5 minutes and have students complete as many problems as they can.
- Go over answers together, discussing quick strategies (e.g., friendly numbers, skip-counting).
Step 3
Reading Strategies Refresher
8 minutes
- Hand out the Reading Strategies Bookmark.
- Introduce two key strategies: predicting and summarizing.
- In pairs, students read a short paragraph, make a prediction, then summarize aloud using their bookmarks.
Step 4
Organizational Habits Discussion
5 minutes
- Show the Organizational Habits Checklist.
- Ask students to identify two habits they already use and two they want to improve.
- Invite a few students to share one habit and a tip to stay organized.
Step 5
Goal-Setting Activity
4 minutes
- Give each student a Sixth Grade Goal-Setting Worksheet and sticky notes.
- Students write one academic goal and one personal goal for 6th grade.
- Volunteers post their goals on a classroom goal board to reference throughout the year.
Slide Deck
Prep for Sixth Grade
Review key 5th grade skills —
• Math facts
• Reading strategies
• Organizational habits
…and set goals for a great year!
Welcome students! Today we’re reviewing 5th grade skills to feel confident as we enter 6th grade. Use this slide to introduce yourself and set a positive tone.
Agenda
- Warm-Up: Reflect on 5th grade
- Math Facts Challenge
- Reading Strategies Refresher
- Organizational Habits Discussion
- Goal-Setting Activity
- Wrap-Up
Briefly walk through today’s agenda so students know what to expect.
Warm-Up: Reflect on 5th Grade
• Think of one thing you did really well last year.
• Share with a partner.
• We’ll record a few on the board.
Ask: “What is one skill you mastered in 5th grade?” Record answers on the board. Celebrate each response.
Math Facts Challenge
• Distribute the 5th Grade Math Facts Review Sheet
• 5-minute timed challenge
• Tally your correct answers
• Discuss strategies afterward
Hand out the review sheet and start the timer. Encourage students to use quick strategies like friendly numbers or skip-counting.
Reading Strategies Refresher
• Use your Reading Strategies Bookmark
• Strategy 1: Predict — What comes next?
• Strategy 2: Summarize — Capture main ideas
• Practice in pairs with a short text
Introduce predicting and summarizing. Model with a short paragraph, then have pairs practice.
Organizational Habits
• View the Organizational Habits Checklist
• Identify 2 habits you use
• Identify 2 habits to improve
• Share one habit and tip with the class
Project or hand out the checklist. Ask students to reflect silently, then share aloud.
Goal-Setting Activity
• Grab a Sixth Grade Goal-Setting Worksheet and a sticky note
• Write one academic goal and one personal goal
• Post your goals on our classroom board
Explain how to complete and post the goals. Encourage realistic and specific goals.
You’re Ready for 6th Grade!
Great job today!
• Keep practicing math facts
• Use your reading strategies
• Stay organized with good habits
• Check your goals often
Let’s make this our best year yet!
Congratulate students on their work today. Remind them to refer back to their goals, strategies, and checklists throughout the year.
Worksheet
5th Grade Math Facts Review Sheet
Complete as many of the following problems as you can in 5 minutes. Show your work and mark your answers clearly.
Time: 5 minutes
- 8 + 7 = ______
- 12 + 15 = ______
- 23 + 9 = ______
- 37 + 18 = ______
- 49 + 26 = ______
- 14 - 9 = ______
- 27 - 13 = ______
- 52 - 28 = ______
- 64 - 37 = ______
- 89 - 45 = ______
- 6 × 7 = ______
- 8 × 5 = ______
- 9 × 9 = ______
- 12 × 4 = ______
- 7 × 8 = ______
- 56 ÷ 7 = ______
- 72 ÷ 8 = ______
- 81 ÷ 9 = ______
- 45 ÷ 5 = ______
- 64 ÷ 8 = ______
Bonus Challenge
- 125 + 376 = ______
- 814 - 459 = ______
- 12 × 14 = ______
- 156 ÷ 12 = ______
- (8 + 3) × 5 = ______
- 45 ÷ (3 + 2) = ______
Good luck!
Worksheet
Reading Strategies Bookmark
Use these strategies to become a stronger, more thoughtful reader. Keep this bookmark handy when you read!
Strategy 1: Predict
Before and during reading, think about what might happen next. Use clues from the text.
Prompt: What do you predict will happen next?
Strategy 2: Summarize
After reading a section, capture the main ideas in your own words.
Prompt: Write a one-sentence summary of what you read.
Strategy 3: Visualize
Create a mental image or sketch of key scenes, characters, or events.
Prompt: What images come to mind? Draw or describe them below.
Strategy 4: Question
Ask questions about the text to deepen understanding and curiosity.
Prompt: Write one question you have about what you read.
Tip:
• Reread parts that aren’t clear
• Use your own words and drawings
• Refer back if you need more details
Worksheet
Organizational Habits Checklist
Use this checklist to identify and strengthen the habits that help you stay organized in 6th grade. Check each habit you currently use:
- I use a planner or agenda book to record assignments.
- I keep my binder and folders organized and labeled.
- I write down my homework assignments daily.
- I use color-coded folders or tabs for different subjects.
- I pack my backpack the night before school.
- I create a daily to-do list to manage tasks.
- I check my notes and materials before leaving each class.
- I use a calendar or reminder app for long-term projects.
- I review and organize my class materials each week.
- I set specific goals for staying organized.
Reflection Questions
Which two habits do you already use?
Which two habits would you like to improve?
Think of one strategy or tip to help you stay organized this year. Describe it below:
Keep this checklist somewhere you can see it and review it at the start of each week!
Worksheet
Sixth Grade Goal-Setting Worksheet
Use this worksheet to set clear, meaningful goals for your first year of middle school. Be specific and think about the steps you’ll take and how you’ll track your progress.
Academic Goal
My academic goal for 6th grade is:
Why is this goal important to me?
Steps I will take to achieve this goal:
How will I measure my progress?
Personal Goal
My personal (non-academic) goal for 6th grade is:
Why is this personal goal important to me?
Steps I will take to achieve my personal goal:
How will I know I have succeeded?
Action Plan
When will I check on my progress?
(e.g., daily, weekly, monthly)
Who can support me in reaching these goals?
(e.g., teacher, parent, friend)
Keep this worksheet somewhere you can see it. Revisit your goals regularly and update your plan as you grow!