What Do You Learn in 5th Grade? 7 Crucial Subjects & Skills

As kids enter the final stages of elementary school, it is essential to know what they will learn before starting middle school. By reviewing the 5th-grade syllabus and understanding what is taught to kids in 5th grade, you can plan effectively and talk to teachers about what expectations need to be set.

You can provide the right platform for your little ones and give them the best approach to fully optimize their experiences. 5th graders have tons of experience in the classroom setting and can efficiently solve problems across math, science, ELA, and geography. To review what your child learned last year, check out this blog: What Do 4th Graders Learn? 

You can also get a better sense of what subjects will be preliminary to improving academic performance and what areas will be challenging for your kids. You can start preparing with the right online learning platforms, tutoring, and courses to help them excel in their next grade.

What Is Taught to Kids in 5th Grade? An Overview

So, what do you learn in 5th grade? Fifth graders delve into advanced math (fractions, decimals, geometry), science (human body, Earth’s systems, physical science), language arts (reading, writing, vocabulary), and social studies (state history, geography).

To support your child’s academic journey, talk to their teachers about their specific needs and consider using online learning platforms and 5th-grade learning activities to reinforce key concepts. Here are the primary areas teachers focus on when teaching 5th graders:

1. Mathematics in 5th Grade

Grade 5 math focuses on more advanced concepts within the field of study. They will further explore decimals, place values, exponents, algebra, equations, and operations. Geometry is also a higher priority, with volume, area, and other calculations taught to kids in the 5th grade. These 5th-grade topics set the foundation for your child’s middle school math journey. 

Here are key math skills taught to 5th graders and fun activities you can use to reinforce these skills at home:

I. Decimals

• Understand a base ten number system as it applies to both whole numbers and decimals.

i) Base Ten Blocks with Decimals: Use base-ten blocks or draw diagrams to show whole numbers and decimals (like tenths and hundredths). For example, let a large square represent 1, a long strip represent 0.1, and a small square represent 0.01, helping them visualize decimals in the base-ten system. These worksheets on decimal models help kids identify and represent decimals using models: 

ii) Place Value Decomposition: Write a decimal number like 4.256 and ask your child to decompose it by place value, explaining that 4 is in the ones place, 2 in the tenths, 5 in the hundredths, and 6 in the thousandths. Here are engaging games to reinforce this skill:

• Read, write, and compare the place value of decimals to thousandths.

i) Decimal Number Line: Draw a number line from 0 to 1, marking increments like 0.1, 0.01, and 0.001. Give your child a decimal (e.g., 0.256) and ask them to place it on the number line, explaining why it’s closer to certain increments. 

Reinforce this skill using these printable worksheets where kids will learn to plot tenths, hundredths, and thousandths on a number line:

ii) Decimal Comparison Cards: Write different decimals (e.g., 0.452 and 0.46) on index cards and ask your child to arrange them in order from smallest to largest, using >, <, or = to compare pairs. Here are fun games for practicing decimal comparison using place values and number lines:

• Read and write decimals to thousandths using base-ten numerals and expanded form.

i) Expanded Form Challenge: Write a decimal (like 5.347) and ask your child to break it down in expanded form (5 + 0.3 + 0.04 + 0.007). Try this with these fun games for extra practice. In these games, kids will solve a set of problems on the expanded form of decimals and get immediate feedback for wrong answers:

ii) Decimals in Words and Numerals: Give your child a decimal in numeral form (like 6.054) and ask them to write it out in words (“six and fifty-four thousandths”) and then expand it. Get started with these fun worksheets:

• Use place value to round decimals to any place.

i) Rounding Bingo: Create a bingo card with rounded decimals (like 5.0, 6.5, 7.6). Call out decimals (e.g., 5.46 or 6.51), and have your child round to the nearest whole or tenth to mark on their bingo card.

ii) Rounding Challenge: Write several decimals (like 3.457) and have your child round them to the nearest tenth, hundredth, or whole, explaining why they rounded each number the way they did. Practice rounding decimals to the nearest whole, tenth, and hundredth with these engaging worksheets:

• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals to hundredths.

i) Money Math: Use dollar and cent amounts (e.g., $4.56 + $3.25) to practice addition and subtraction of decimals, relating them to real-life money management.

ii) Decimal Multiplication Grid: Set up a grid to help your child visualize multiplying decimals. For example, multiplying 0.4 by 0.3 can be shown by shading 40% across one axis and 30% on the other to reinforce how decimal places multiply.

iii) Decimal Operations Games: In these games, kids will practice performing arithmetic operations on decimals up to hundredths using different strategies, such as using models, regrouping, the horizontal method, and direct calculations.

II. Multi-Digit Arithmetic

• Fluently multiply multi-digit whole numbers.

i) Multiplication Grid Practice: Give your child a multi-digit multiplication problem (like 34 56) and have them solve it using the area model or grid method. They can break the problem down into smaller parts, multiply each, and then add the results. Here are practice worksheets for multi-digit multiplication using the area model strategy:

ii) Real-World Multiplication Scenarios: Create a scenario, such as, “A school needs 125 pencils for each of its 24 classrooms. How many pencils are needed in total?” Encourage your child to multiply fluently and check their work by estimating the result first. Try these printables for reinforcement and extra practice:

• Divide four-digit numbers by two-digit divisors.

i) Long Division Practice: Write a four-digit division problem (like 3,456 ÷ 24) and guide your child through each step of long division. Emphasize placing numbers correctly in each column to make it easier to keep track. Here are fun games for reinforcement:

ii) Real-Life Division Story: Present a practical division problem: “A shipment of 3,600 books needs to be divided evenly into 45 boxes. How many books will each box have?” Have your child use long division to find the answer and explain each step.

III. Fractions

• Add and subtract fractions.

1. Use equivalent fractions as a strategy to add and subtract fractions.

i) Write different fractions on cards (like 1/2, 2/4, 3/6) and ask your child to match equivalent fractions. Then, give them an addition problem, such as 1/2 + 1/4, and guide them to convert 1/2 to 2/4 so the fractions can be added easily. Reinforce this skill with these fun activities:

ii) Use fraction circles or bars to show how equivalent fractions work in addition and subtraction. For example, if they need to add 1/3 and 1/6, help them convert 1/3 to 2/6 using fraction pieces, then add 2/6 + 1/6 to get 3/6 or 1/2.

Here are some excellent games that help kids use bar models to practice this skill:

2. Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions.

i) Recipes with Fractions: Give your child a recipe problem, like “You used 3/4 cup of sugar, and you need another 1/2 cup. How much sugar do you need in total?” Encourage them to find a common denominator, convert the fractions, and then add them to solve the problem.

ii) Practice with Worksheets: In these worksheets, kids can solve tons of story problems on addition and subtraction of fractions and mixed numbers.

• Multiply and divide fractions. 

1. Solve real-world problems involving multiplication and division of fractions and mixed numbers.

i) Recipe Scaling: Give your child a recipe that calls for fractions (like 1/2 cup of flour) and ask them to double or halve it by multiplying or dividing. For instance, “If you double 1/2 cup of flour, how much will you have?” This reinforces fraction multiplication with real-world relevance.

ii) Word Problems Worksheets: In these exercises, kids will solve a variety of real-world problems related to fraction multiplication. Perfect for creating task cards and planning fun quizzes!

2. Understand the principle and resulting effect when multiplying and dividing fractions by numbers greater than or less than one.

i) Fraction Size Comparisons: Have your child multiply a fraction by a number greater than one (e.g., 1/2 × 2) and by a number less than one (e.g., 1/2 × 1/4) to observe the effects. Discuss how multiplying by a number greater than one makes the fraction larger while multiplying by a number less than one makes it smaller.

ii) Scaling Down and Up: Use visuals like grids or bars to show what happens when you multiply or divide fractions by numbers greater or less than one. For example, multiplying 3/4 by 1/2 shows the fraction getting smaller, while multiplying by 2 shows it getting larger.

iii) Scaling Fractions Worksheets: Kids will understand the effects of multiplying by fractions less than and greater than 1 using visuals.

3. Understand the relationship between multiplication and division when dividing fractions by whole numbers or whole numbers by fractions.

i) Flip the Operation: Show that dividing a whole number by a fraction is the same as multiplying by the reciprocal. For example, dividing 4 by 1/2 is the same as 4 × 2. Use visuals to illustrate that dividing by a fraction is like asking, “How many halves fit into four wholes?” Help kids visualize and practice this division using interactive games that use bar models and a variety of practice problems:

ii) Fraction Division Worksheets: Kids will understand the concept of division fractions, dividing a fraction by a whole number, and dividing a whole number by a fraction. They will learn to use models as well as direct strategies.

IV. Measurement

• Convert like measurement units within a given measurement system.

i) Measurement Match-Up: Write different measurements on cards (like 1 foot, 12 inches, 1 yard, 3 feet, etc.) and ask your child to match equivalent values within the same system. For example, they would match 1 foot with 12 inches.

ii) Conversion Charts: In the kitchen, display conversion charts and use real recipes to practice conversions. For instance, if a recipe needs 4 cups of water, ask your child how many pints that equals (2 pints) or how many ounces (32 ounces).

iii) Unit Conversion Games: In these games, kids will practice unit conversion with both metric and customary units of length, weight, and capacity.

• Solve multi-step problems using unit conversions.

i) Shopping Trip Scenarios: Give your child a multi-step problem, like, “If you buy 4 pounds of apples, but the recipe calls for ounces, how many ounces do you need in total?” (1 pound = 16 ounces, so 4 × 16 = 64 ounces). This helps them apply conversion and multiplication.

ii) Distance Conversions: Create a story problem like, “If you walk 5 miles to a friend’s house, but you want to know the distance in feet, how many feet did you walk?” (5 miles × 5,280 feet per mile). This reinforces conversions in real-life scenarios.

• Understand concepts of volume measurement by counting unit cubes.

i) Building Blocks: Give your child a small box and ask them to fill it with 1-inch cubes. Have them count how many cubes fit and discuss that the volume of the box is the total number of unit cubes, helping them understand volume in cubic units. Here are interactive games focusing on finding the volume by counting unit cubes:

ii) Volume by Layers: Create a 3-layer cube structure, such as a 3x3x3 cube, and count each layer to understand that volume is the product of length, width, and height. Each layer adds volume, reinforcing that volume = length x width x height.

• Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and division.

i) Volume with Multiplication: Give a rectangular prism (e.g., a tissue box) and have your child measure the length, width, and height. Show them how to find volume by multiplying these dimensions together (Volume = length × width × height). Here are practice worksheets to get you started:

ii) Present a scenario like, “If you have a 60-cubic-inch box and you want to split it into layers 10 inches high, how many layers will it have?” This reinforces dividing volume by one dimension to find the number of layers or sections.

V. Geometry 

• Graph Points on a coordinate plane.

i) Create a simple treasure map on a coordinate grid, marking points with coordinates (e.g., (3, 4)) where “treasures” are hidden. Ask your child to find each point on the grid to “collect” the treasure.

ii) Play a game of “Coordinate Battleship,” where you call out coordinates, and your child places a marker on their grid, practicing plotting points accurately on the plane.

iii) Coordinate Plane Games: In these interactive games, kids practice plotting points in the first quadrant. 

•  Identify points in the first quadrant of the coordinate plane.

i) Draw a coordinate plane with only the first quadrant labeled and provide points for your child to plot, like (5, 2) or (3, 7). Then, ask them to describe the coordinates of specific points you’ve marked, reinforcing their understanding of x and y positions.

ii) Create a small obstacle course on a printed first-quadrant grid. Give clues like “Start at (0, 0) and move to (4, 5), then go to (2, 3),” having your child trace the path and identify each point as they “travel” through the course.

iii) Practice reading coordinates using printable worksheets. In these activities, kids will practice identifying missing coordinates, writing ordered pairs for given points, and matching ordered pairs with points.

• Sort two-dimensional figures and identify the attributes (angles, number of sides, corners) they have in common.

i) Draw or cut out shapes like triangles, squares, rectangles, rhombuses, and trapezoids. Ask your child to group them by properties such as the number of sides, angle types, or parallel lines.

ii) Classifying Shapes Games: In these games, kids practice identifying attributes of shapes, classifying triangles based on angles and sides, and more.

iii) Create a “Shape Sorting Chart” with categories like “Shapes with Right Angles,” “Shapes with Equal Sides,” and “Shapes with Parallel Sides.” Have your child place each shape in its appropriate category based on these properties. Here are practice worksheets to reinforce this skill:

• Classify two-dimensional figures in a hierarchy based on properties.

i) Use a hierarchy chart to classify shapes. Start with broad categories like “Quadrilaterals” and branch into subcategories, such as rectangles and squares, discussing how each shape fits into the hierarchy based on its properties.

ii) Provide a variety of polygons and ask your child to classify them in order of specificity. For example, they could start with “Polygons,” then move to “Quadrilaterals,” and finally to “Rectangles” or “Squares,” reinforcing the idea of hierarchical classification. Here are fun games targeting this skill in an engaging way:

VI. Algebra

• Write and interpret numerical expressions involving four operations and parentheses using the order of operations.

i) Give your child expressions with all four operations and parentheses, such as “3 + (5 × 2) – 4.” Ask them to solve each expression using the order of operations (PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction). They can check their work by breaking down each step to ensure they followed the correct order. Here are engaging games focused on simplifying and evaluating expressions involving two or more operations using the order of operations:

ii) Create a “Math Expression Challenge” where you write simple word problems (e.g., “Add 3 to the product of 5 and 4, then subtract 2”) and ask your child to write the corresponding expression. For example, they would write “(5 × 4) + 3 – 2.” This reinforces interpreting operations and using parentheses correctly. Here are targeted worksheets for conducting this activity:

• Generate two numerical patterns using two given rules.

i) Provide two different rules for a pattern, such as “add 2” and “multiply by 3.” Have your child start with a given number and apply each rule to generate two separate sequences. For example, starting with 1: the first rule would generate 1, 3, 5, 7…, and the second rule would generate 1, 3, 9, 27….

ii) Create a “Pattern Table” where each column represents a different rule. Give them a starting number and have them apply each rule across the table. For instance, Rule 1: “Add 5” and Rule 2: “Multiply by 2.” Ask your child to describe how each rule affects the pattern’s growth, helping them see relationships between operations and patterns.

iii) Number Pattern Games: In these games, kids will learn to identify the rule behind different patterns and generate patterns based on a specific rule (such as addition and multiplication).

2. Writing Skills in 5th Grade

What do you learn in 5th-grade English language arts? Language arts focus on essential writing skills, with sentence structures, idioms, phrases, and using other literary tools. Your children will be taught the strategies to explore fiction, poetry, narratives, and historical texts. They will become better communicators and can read more advanced subjects within science, geography, history, etc.

Fifth graders are learning to write engaging stories with clear plots, characters, and points of view. They use strong language and writing techniques to keep readers interested and organize their writing in a clear and logical way. Use fun writing prompts that encourage 5th graders to explore  storytelling, descriptive writing, and different genres.

Here are essential writing skills 5th graders learn and engaging activities parents can use to supercharge their kids’ learning:

• Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.

i) Give your child a series of three random words (like “pirate,” “forest,” and “mystery”) and challenge them to create a story that includes all three elements. This sparks creativity and guides them in organizing their thoughts around a beginning, middle, and end.

ii) Ask them to write a story from an object’s perspective (like “A Day in the Life of a Water Bottle”). This perspective change encourages descriptive detail and helps them build a unique voice in their narrative.

iii) Boost your child’s imagination and creativity using these fun creative writing worksheets. Kids will practice writing stories based on fun story prompts.

• Write a descriptive essay in paragraph form.

i) Give your child an image (like a landscape or busy city scene) and ask them to describe it in a paragraph, using sensory details (what they might see, hear, smell, touch, or taste). This reinforces descriptive language and helps them “paint a picture” with words.

ii) Challenge them to write a descriptive paragraph about their “dream room.” Encourage them to describe every detail, from the color of the walls to what’s on the shelves, helping them practice vivid language to convey a setting.

iii) Descriptive Writing Worksheets: These worksheets encourage kids to write stories, pen down adventures, write about their personal experiences, and describe pictures in paragraph form.

• Learn to identify components of a sentence—sentence fragments, clauses, phrases, predicaments, and clauses. Understand the overall sentence structure. 

i) Sorting: Write various sentence parts (fragments, complete sentences, independent and dependent clauses, etc.) on paper strips. Have your child sort them into categories. 

ii) Give your child a short paragraph and ask them to underline phrases in one color and clauses in another. They can label independent and dependent clauses and discuss how phrases add extra information to sentences without forming complete thoughts on their own.

iii) Here are targeted worksheets where kids can practice identifying sentence components, fragments, clauses, phrases, subjects, and predicates through activities like sorting, ticking the right box, fill-in-the-blank, and more.

• Create readable documents through legible handwriting (cursive).

i) Copywork Practice: Choose a meaningful short passage, quote, or poem and have your child copy it in cursive. Encourage them to focus on consistent letter formation, spacing, and readability. To make it engaging, they can select passages they find interesting or inspiring.

ii) Cursive Handwriting Worksheets: In these worksheets, kids can practice tracing words and sentences based on different fun themes and subjects, such as engineering wonders, advanced science, or festivals. This way kids learn interesting facts about different topics while improving their handwiring.

iii) Cursive Journal: Encourage your child to keep a daily or weekly cursive journal. They can write a few sentences about their day, an interesting fact, or something they learned. This regular practice helps improve cursive fluency and legibility while building confidence in writing longer passages in cursive.

• Capitalize appropriate words in titles. Learn to use correct punctuation marks (commas, quotation marks, etc.) in addresses, sentences, and dialogues.

i) Give your child a list of book or movie titles with incorrect capitalization, such as “the adventures of tom sawyer” or “harry potter and the goblet of fire.” Ask them to rewrite each title with correct capitalization rules, capitalizing important words (nouns, verbs, adjectives) while leaving articles and prepositions in lowercase.

ii) Provide an address that is missing punctuation, such as “123 maple street chicago il 60614.” Have your child rewrite it using commas and correct capitalization (e.g., “123 Maple Street, Chicago, IL 60614”). This helps reinforce where commas are needed in addresses.

iii) Capitalization and Punctuation Worksheets: In these exercises, kids will learn to capitalize tricky titles, understand the rule of commas, and rewrite sentences with correct punctuation.

iv) Create a dialogue-writing challenge where your child has to write a conversation between two characters, focusing on using quotation marks, commas, and capitalization correctly. For example, they might write, “Sarah said, ‘Let’s go to the park.’” This reinforces punctuation placement in sentences with dialogue.

• Identify and correctly use nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, prepositions, determiners, conjunctions, and interjections in sentences.

i) Provide a paragraph and assign each part of speech a different color (e.g., blue for nouns, red for verbs, green for adjectives). Ask your child to highlight each word according to its part of speech. This visual activity reinforces identification and helps them recognize how parts of speech work together in sentences.

ii) Create your own fill-in-the-blank sentences that ask for specific parts of speech (e.g., “Give me a noun, a verb, and an adjective”). Once filled in, read the silly story together, and discuss each word’s role in the sentence.

iii) Grammar Worksheets: Help kids practice identiying and using nouns, pronouns, verbs, and other parts fo speech effectively in a sentence. These worksheets are packed with fun activities like color-coding plurals and possessives, identifying different types of pronouns, sorting interjections, working with different types of prepositions, and more.

iv) ​​Create a “Story Starter” with blanks for each part of speech (like “The [adjective] [noun] quickly [verb] over the [adjective] [noun].”). Your child can fill in each blank with the appropriate part of speech to create fun, creative sentences while practicing accurate usage.

• Write an argument to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. Write a persuasive essay with a lead that attracts the reader’s interest.

i) ​​Have your child choose a debatable topic (like “Should students have more school recess?”) and list three reasons to support their position. They can then find examples or evidence to support each reason, practicing how to build a convincing argument.

ii) Encourage a “debate night” at home. Each person picks a topic, presents a claim, and shares clear reasons with evidence. This activity helps kids verbalize arguments and think on their feet while building skills for writing persuasive pieces.

iii) Ask your child to pick a topic they feel strongly about and come up with three different leads to start their essay: an interesting question, a surprising fact, and a short anecdote. They can then choose the one that sounds most engaging to continue their essay.

• Write informative/explanatory texts to explore a topic and convey ideas and information relevant to the subject.

i) Encourage your child to write an “All About…” piece on a topic they’re passionate about, such as “All About Space Exploration” or “All About Endangered Animals.” They can organize information into sections with headings, adding facts, details, and visuals if possible.

ii) ​​Have them create an “Expert Poster.” They choose a subject, gather details, and present the information in a colorful poster format. This activity helps them organize facts and present information clearly and creatively.

Related Reading: Best Writing Activities for Kids: Creative Pens at Play

3. Reading Skills in 5th Grade

Sequencing, inferences, cause-effects, themes, and classifications will be critical areas of focus for 5th graders exploring reading skills. Your child can pick up critical structuring and comprehension skills to derive maximum meaning from any body of text. They will also improve their reading abilities by understanding more complex forms of archives and books.

Here are essential reading comprehension skills for 5th graders:

• Understand the cause-and-effect relationship.

i) Read a short passage and have your child highlight causes in one color and effects in another. Then, discuss how each cause leads to an effect and why understanding this relationship helps clarify the text. 

ii) Create a “Cause and Effect Chain” by writing causes on index cards and their effects on separate cards. Have your child match each cause with its effect to reinforce the connections.
iii) Cause-and-Effect Games: In these games, kids will read a sentence and identify or determine the cause and effect. 

iv) For extra practice, consider using these worksheets, where kids will read a text or a passage to decode cause and effect. They will also enjoy activities like writing the effect of the cause.

• Identify the main idea and key details.

i) Provide a paragraph and ask your child to identify the main idea and underline three key details. Then, they can explain how these details support the main idea.

ii) Try these games that engage kids in fun learning activities like choosing the best category for given pictures, identifying the main idea behind a text, and selecting an appropriate heading for a passage.

iii) Try these worksheets in which kids will read stories or informational passages and write a brief summary focusing on the main idea.

• Sort topic-related events or information in sequential order.

i) After reading a story or passage, ask your child to write key events on sticky notes and arrange them in the order they occurred. This hands-on activity reinforces sequencing. 

ii) Provide an out-of-order list of events from a story or historical event and ask your child to reorder them. Then, discuss how the sequence impacts their understanding of the text.

iii) Help kids master sequencing skills with these fun educational games. Kids will enjoy sorting sentences and pictures in a meaningful order. They will also try to guess the beginning and end of a short story.

iv) Create fun task cards or plan activities focused on sequencing skills using these printable worksheets. In these exercises, kids will practice sequencing steps of a procedure, sequencing events, and completing a graphic organizer after reading a story.

• Draw conclusions and make inferences from information.

i) Read a story or passage and ask your child to “read between the lines” by answering inference questions, like “Why do you think the character acted this way?” or “What clues suggest the setting is in the past?”

Consider using these games to extend this activity further. In these games, kids will observe an image or read a statement and try to answer questions about what’s happening in the picture, what a character is doing, or what they can infer from a given sentence.

ii) Choose a picture or a wordless comic strip and ask your child to infer what’s happening, how the characters feel, and why. Then, use these inferences to draw conclusions in the text.

• Use the compare and contrast strategy to collect information.

i) Read two short articles on a similar topic (like two animals or two famous people). Have your child create a Venn diagram to compare and contrast key details from each article.

ii) After reading a story and a nonfiction article on a related topic, ask your child to write down similarities and differences. Discuss how comparing different types of texts enhances their understanding.

iii) Compare and Contrast Worksheets: In these worksheets, kids will learn to compare and contrast two sentences or stories using clue words to identify similarities and differences.

• Read stories from various genres to identify story elements—plots, characters, and settings. 

i) Create a story elements chart with “Plot,” “Characters,” and “Setting” columns. After reading a story, have your child fill in details about each element and discuss how they shape the story.

ii) Explore genres by reading different types of stories (such as mysteries, fantasy, or historical fiction) and discussing how elements like characters and settings vary by genre.

iii) Story Elements Worksheets: These exercises help kids understand how many elements come together to make a good story. They will read fun stories with themes like winter, picnic, and camping and then try to identify the setting, plot, and characters.

• Read a story to identify and recognize literary devices, such as simile, metaphor, and personification, to create and gain meaning from the text.

i) Read a story and ask your child to find examples of similes, metaphors, and personification. They can write each example in a journal and explain how it adds to the story’s meaning.

ii) Provide sentences with literary devices (e.g., “The sun smiled down on us.”) and ask your child to identify and rewrite each one without the literary device, discussing the effect on the sentence’s meaning.

iii) Help kids learn figures of speech through fun activities like completing similes, using adjectives in alliteration to understand how descriptive words can add rhythm and flair to sentences, and differentiating between metaphors and similes.

• In literary texts, explain how a narrator’s or speaker’s point of view influences how events are described. 

i) Read a story from the perspective of one character, then discuss how events might look different from another character’s point of view. Ask your child to rewrite a short section from another character’s perspective.

ii) Provide two passages describing the same event from different points of view (e.g., first person vs. third person) and ask your child to compare how each narrator influences the story’s tone and details.

iii) Use these worksheets for at-home practice. Kids will read a sentence and answer questions like who is narrating. They will also understand the point of view and change it to the third person.

• Analyze how visual and multimedia elements contribute to the meaning of literary and informational texts.

i) Read a graphic novel or illustrated story and ask your child to discuss how the images add to the story’s understanding, setting, or mood. Try these worksheets, where kids learn to use visual clues to decode meaning, interpret the meaning of symbols, and decode texts using illustrations.

ii) Watch a video adaptation of a story after reading the text version. Discuss with your child how visual elements like colors, music, and camera angles contribute to the story’s overall message or emotional tone.

• Continue to use conventional spelling for high-frequency words, base words with suffixes, and grade-appropriate words.

i) Spelling Tic-Tac-Toe: Create a tic-tac-toe board with spelling tasks in each square, like “Write a sentence using a high-frequency word,” “Add ‘-ed’ or ‘-ing’ to a base word,” or “Spell a grade-level word three times.” Your child must complete three tasks in a row to win, giving them varied practice with different word types.

ii) Spelling Worksheets: In these activities, kids will work with common misspelled words and also enjoy word puzzles on unscrambling words.

iii) Suffix Expansion: Give your child a list of base words (e.g., “hope,” “jump,” “teach”) and ask them to add suffixes like “-ing,” “-ed,” or “-ful” to each. Then, have them use each word in a sentence to reinforce the correct spelling and show how adding suffixes changes meaning or tense.

• Demonstrate understanding of fact and opinion.

i) Prepare a list of statements that mix facts (e.g., “The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean on Earth”) and opinions (e.g., “The Pacific Ocean is the best place to go swimming”). Ask your child to sort the statements into “Fact” and “Opinion” categories, explaining why each one fits into that category.

Here are some targeted worksheets on the same:

ii) Give your child a topic, such as “Pizza” or “School,” and ask them to write three factual statements and three opinions about it. For example, “Pizza is made with cheese” (fact) versus “Pizza is the most delicious food” (opinion). This activity reinforces identifying and creating both types of statements.

Boost your 5th grader’s love of reading with this helpful blog—25 Best Books for 5th Graders: Making Reading Fun for Kids. It curates a fantastic selection of books to enhance reading skills and reinforce essential 5th-grade subjects. 

4. Life Sciences Topics in 5th Grade

Biological studies will be explored within life sciences, giving your children a better opportunity to explore natural elements. They will be able to study the scientific mechanisms of the various systems within biological bodies. From plant to animal life, along with the role of multiple cells and organs, a complete life sciences program is designed with games, puzzles, and quizzes.

Here’s an overview of key 5th Grade Life Science topics:

• Ecosystems and Adaptations: Students explore various ecosystems, food webs, and how organisms adapt to their environments.
• Life Cycles and Structures: They study life cycles of different organisms, plant structure and function, and basic animal systems.
• Heredity and Genetics: Students learn about basic genetic concepts and how traits are inherited.
• Human Impact on the Environment: They explore the impact of human activities on ecosystems and the importance of conservation.

5. Social Studies in 5th Grade

A broad range of topics within social studies is covered to help kids become more aware of laws, principles, and historical events that dictate current dynamics. US history and its implications and artifacts are also extensively studied, giving your children a clearer perspective. A highly structured and simple-to-understand syllabus shares key sociological, anthropological, economic, and geographical insights.

Here are key 5th grade social studies topics:

• Geography: Students learn about the geography of the United States, Canada, and Latin American countries, including maps, regions, and natural resources.
• History and Cultural Diversity: They explore the diverse cultures of these regions, including Native American Indian contributions, and how different ethnic, national, and religious groups have shaped these societies.
• Economic Systems: Students gain an understanding of economic concepts like scarcity, supply and demand, markets, and resources, as they relate to the economies of these countries.
• Government and Citizenship: They learn about the different forms of government in these countries and how they function, as well as the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

6. Technology Studies in 5th Grade

Some schools may also focus on MST (math, science, and technology) or offer technology courses as standalone features. This may be a new subject for many kids, as schools focus on the role of technology, sci-tech, future innovations, etc. Your kids will also be made more aware of the interdisciplinary integration of math and technology through data analysis.

Computer technology is used to enhance learning, boost student achievement, and improve teacher efficiency. Students should be proficient in using technology, adapt to its changes, and apply it to problem-solving.

Want to learn more about how to cultivate a growth mindset in kids? Check out our insight post here!

7. Visual and Performing Arts in 5th Grade

Your children will experience new creative forms, with lessons on enhanced drawing, music, and artistic expression. Through art projects, museum tours, and music lessons, your children will be able to think creatively when solving problems and expressing their inner thinking. Your kids may also focus on a yearlong art project and present it to their class.

Here’s an overview of what fifth graders learn in creative arts:

• Music
  • Performance: Learn to play band and orchestra instruments and perform simple harmonies.
  • Analysis and Response: Analyze and respond to various musical works.
  • Musical Literacy: Develop the ability to read and interpret musical notation.
• Visual Arts
  • Creative Process: Engage in the design process and use various art techniques and tools to create balanced compositions.
  • Art Appreciation: Learn to analyze and interpret both historic and contemporary artworks, considering cultural and personal perspectives.

10 Things Your 5th Grader Should Know by the End of the Year

You can expect the following 10 areas within your child’s academic purview and strengths. Next year, your child will be better prepared for a challenging middle school environment. Let’s explore the most critical areas that will prepare your 5th grader and strengthen their foundational knowledge base.

1. Understand and communicate in intermediate ELA formats using idioms, metaphors, similes, and common phrases for reading and storytelling.

2. Analyze and learn about the different geometrical shapes present, including their volume, area, plotting on graphs, etc.

3. Be adept at geographies, especially US geography with states, cities, lakes, topography, etc. Your kids will be able to identify key geographical locations and their relevance.

4. Your child should be comfortable with history and learn about historical events, US history, ancient civilizations, etc. They should have a deeper understanding of civil wars, world wars, and conflicts for insights and lessons.

5. Your kid should know about the scientific method and various systems in the body.

6. 5th graders should be able to perform preliminary research on a topic, such as planets, trees, insects, and animals, and prepare write-ups based on crucial information found.

7. 5th graders should be comfortable using online dictionaries and other resources to find solutions independently across math, ELA, science, and other subjects.

8. Kids should be confident in identifying critical elements within circuits, instruments, solar systems, etc.

9. Silent letters, phonograms, compound words, and vowel-consonant-vowel patterns will also be areas where your child will get to explore further.

10. Language skills, such as writing, poetry, storytelling, information processing, and communicating, will become areas of strength for your 5th grader.

Conclusion 

As we’ve explored, 5th grade is a pivotal year in a child’s academic journey. It’s a time of significant growth and development across various subjects. From mastering complex math concepts to delving into historical events and scientific discoveries, 5th graders are building a strong foundation for their future.

To ensure your child is well-prepared, consider creating a 5th-grade skills checklist to track their progress and identify areas that may need extra attention. By providing consistent support and encouragement, you can help your child thrive in this exciting grade level.

Related Reading: How to Teach 5th Grade Kids: Best Tricks & Tips

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

What are the most essential 5th-grade subjects?

Writing, math, science, and logic are some of the most essential 5th-grade subjects as they form a foundational platform for kids to learn other subjects more efficiently. Your children can also focus on improving reading to enhance knowledge grasping across different subjects.

How do teachers teach grade 5?

Your kids will experience a blend of academic and extracurricular activities to keep them engaged holistically. Teachers may also use online learning platforms, games, and puzzles to teach core concepts. Teachers may also use a more hands-on approach for kids who want to learn kinesthetically.

What is taught in 5th-grade English?

5th grade English is all about comprehension and sentence information gathering from narratives, poetry, documents, and books. Inferences, predictions, themes, and categories will be crucial within the lesson plan.

What is a 5th-grade homeschool curriculum?

A 5th-grade homeschool curriculum will include all subjects generally taught in a classroom setting (science, math, English, social studies). You must also add online learning platforms, videos, presentations, documentaries, and regular museum visits to keep your child’s mind curious.