A comprehensive guide for parents sending their students to 6th grade for the first time.
Written by experts, 6th Grade Ready prepares parents for the unique year ahead.
Get prepared for a special year.
Whether your child is entering middle school for the first time in 6th grade or will be doing so next year, you’ll find loads of information in 6th Grade Ready.
6th Grade Ready includes:
Beginning with how 6th grade differs from 5th and moving through preparing for 7th grade.
Expert advice on a wide range of topics, from academic expectations to emotional and social development.
Practical suggestions and relatable anecdotes.
Conversation starters for you and your middle schooler to open new lines of communication that can continue throughout the school year.
Effective strategies to balance guidance and support with encouraging self-reliance, helping parents strike the right balance.
6th Grade Ready is edited by Timothy M. Dove, who was the 2011 and 2012 Ohio State Teacher of the Year, where he was a 7th and 8th grade teacher. He has also been an adjunct professor at The Ohio State University. Since retirement from K-12, Tim has been a consultant with Battelle for Kids in Hong Kong, Learning Forward, the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), and the Collaboration for Effective Education, Development, Accountability and Reform (CEEDAR) Center.
These contributors have all been Teachers of the Year, finalists in their state, or are nationally recognized educators:
Barbara J. Hopkins, PhD, 1988 Nebraska Teacher of the Year
Jessica Wheeler Saum, 2022 Arkansas Teacher of the Year
Kristen Merrell, 2012 Missouri Teacher of the Year
Kathryn R. Hill, Ohio Science Teacher
Terry Kaldhusdal, 2007 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year
Revathi Balakrishnan, 2016 Texas Teacher of the Year
Timothy D. Ramey, 2023 DoDEA Teacher of the Year Finalist
LéAnn Murphy Cassidy, EdS, 2018 Connecticut History Teacher of the Year
Jamey Olney, 2000 DoDEA Teacher of the Year
Rachel Leach, 2018 Nevada Teacher of the Year Finalist
Allison Tomlin, 2022 Ohio Teacher of the Year Finalist
Anthony Swann, 2021 Virginia Teacher of the Year
Sally Hundley, 2005 North Carolina Teacher of the Year Finalist
Dylan Huisken, 2019 Montana Teacher of the Year
“What an amazing resource for 6th-grade families! The thing that I love most about this book is that it covers topics for the whole span of a student’s first year of middle school. Everything in between will help families with real advice and conversation starters. You will be picking up this book over and over again!”
Ashlee Peters-Roberts
2023 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year Finalist
“As a parent, grandparent, and school administrator with 43 years of public-school experience, I understand the anxiety and excitement that comes with your child entering the 6th grade. This remarkable book compiles the collective wisdom of experienced educators, all of whom have firsthand experience with 6th graders. Their combined knowledge offers a holistic approach to supporting your child during this crucial phase of their academic journey.”
Dr. Kimbe Lange
Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment and Director of Gifted Services, Oakwood Schools, Ohio
“The 6th grade scaries can be an overwhelming time for both students and parents. 6th Grade Ready is an important field guide of information. Every parent entering into the 6th-grade arena would be wise to keep this on their nightstand for the year to come.”
Michelle Faust
M.Ed., Literacy Coach