How long are the short lessons for 6th grade?

Here is a quote from a blog post by SCM, then I will link you to the actual post.

“In Charlotte’s schools the lessons for grades 1–3 were no longer than 15 or 20 minutes maximum and some subjects didn’t take that long. Grades 4–6 nudged the maximum length out to 20 or 30 minutes, and grades 7–9 increased to 30 or 45 minutes maximum.”

Here is the actual post: http://www.simplycharlottemason.com/blog/three-basic-cm-principles-subject-by-subject-part-2/

Yes, you are right it varies by age and by what the kids are used to, as well as the individual child’s personality. I’m due with baby #10 this winter. My kids are currently 16, 13, 11, 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 1 – 2 girls and 7 boys. My 3rd is currently a 6th grader. Of the three 6th graders I have had so far each have been similar in how long they can attend to a lesson by 6th grade, but each started at very different places early on.

I would say the 20-30 minute guideline for 4th-6th is solid. Remember that a 6th grader will be bumping up to the 30-45 minute range by the end of the year/beginning of the next year as a 7th grader. The goal is not to stagnate and not to suddenly jump them up. Gradually increasing over time works, no matter where you are starting from.

The subjects also matter. Charlotte didn’t extend picture study out to 20-30 minutes just because a child was older – it could stay a short, quick subject. We don’t need 30 minutes to do picture study. However math does take more time as a child moves into more complex work. Also remember that if the subject was to be narrated that generally is accomplished within the time range. So, as an example, I would not give my 6th grader 30 minutes of reading for history AND then expect them to narrate beyond that. I would give enough reading for part of our 30 minutes and use the rest for their narration (written or oral, by this age you are still doing both but are increasing how many written you do).

@Sue – baby #10 is a GIRL! I made the ultrasound tech triple check. HA! My youngest girl turns 12 before this baby is born. It has been so long. Everyone is excited for a little sister.