How is 3rd grade language arts like 6th grade math?

Answer: In 3rd grade you move from learning to read to reading to learn. In 6th grade you move from learning math basics to using and applying math at higher levels. It is important that students have the basics of language or math down before they move on to these next levels. Unfortunately, many students aren't getting the basics and they can never successfully move on to the next level. I have heard this about language before - but never about the switch necessary in math. Often so many other things are happening in middle school that they never really "get" math. Later I'll talk more about approaches to teaching math.