How to Choose a 6th Grade Math Textbook

Choosing a 6th Grade Math Textbook

Check for Alignment with State Standards

When choosing a 6th grade math textbook to use at home with your children, the first thing to check for is alignment with the state standards. There are national math standards that are consistent from state to state, but individual states often have a variation on the standards in regards to how they are taught and tested. For this reason, you'll want to make sure the textbook you choose is structured to meet the guidelines of your specific state. Differences in vocabulary and the way questions are worded can hinder your child's performance in math if the wrong textbook is used.

Scrutinize the Format

The next factor to consider is the overall format of the textbook. Will it keep your children engaged? Does it start with the basics and gradually build up to complex lessons and concepts? You'll need to decide if the structure of the information is clear and easy to follow. The information can be there and the textbook can be aligned with the 6th grade math standards in your state, but if the format is faulty, it has the potential to do more harm than good.

Review Textbook Examples

When done correctly, examples and sample problems enhance the lessons by showing students exactly how math problems should be solved step by step. Without proper examples, students will usually have a difficult time fully understanding the information presented in the lessons. So, check out the examples and make sure they are clear and systematic.

Check for Supporting Materials

Finally, most good textbooks provide some sort of supporting materials with the purchase of the book. Often, this can include student workbooks, suggestions for enrichment activities or a cd containing items such as worksheets and practice tests. Many textbooks also have online components. There is usually an accompanying website with the book that parents and students can log on to for practice problems, additional lessons or games.