5th Grade Milestones

Math

Fifth-grade students are developing a deeper understanding of computation as they further develop skills in long division and multiplication, division of fractions, basic algebraic problems, and basic geometry. Using a variety of hands-on materials and techniques, children this age begin finding solutions to real-life mathematical problems. Emphasis is on the process of solving problems and the ability to effectively communicate solutions. Here are some other things fifth-graders are learning to do and some great instructional products that can help them learn:

Computation  

• Solve multiplication problems of two-digit numbers multiplied by two- to three-digit numbers
• Solve division problems of four-digit numbers divided by two-digit numbers

Decimals and Fractions  

• Understand basic decimal concepts and read, write, add, subtract, and multiply to the thousandth
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions
• Convert decimals to fractions and fractions to decimals

Algebra  

• Solve algebraic equations with one variable (2x+6 = 16)

Geometry  

• Calculate area, perimeter, and volume of geometric shapes (e.g. circles, squares, rectangles, triangles)

Place Value, Estimation, Statistics, and Probability  

• Understand place value up to 12 digits
• Read, write, and estimate whole numbers to the billions
• Demonstrate an understanding of statistics and probability (e.g. mean, median, mode, ratio, and outcome)

Measurement  

• Convert one unit of measure to another using both U.S. standard and metric (e.g. inches to feet; centimeters to meters) systems

Problem Solving  

• Explain solutions to problems using appropriate pictures (e.g. charts, graphs, diagrams), mathematical terms, and vocabulary in oral and written forms

Reading & Writing

The process of writing is strongly emphasized in most schools as children continue to learn to pre-write, compose, revise, and re-write. Not all schools teach every step of the process. Children continue to develop grammar and vocabulary skills and are expected to have mastered spelling. Reading skills, including phonics and reading for meaning, are further developed and include a focus on evaluations of, or opinions about literature. Here are some other things fifth-graders learn to do and some great instructional products that can help them:

Reading  

• Read fiction and non-fiction extensively, including newspapers, textbooks, magazines, and literature books

Writing  

• Use correct capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and grammar
• Identify nouns, pronouns, verbs, adverbs, adjectives, prepositions, and articles
• Develop well-organized essays around a specific theme

Vocabulary and Study Skills  

• Continue to develop vocabulary using synonyms, antonyms, and context clues (i.e. figure out what a word means by reading the words around it)
• Use a glossary, dictionary, or other reference works to determine the meaning of unknown words

Social Studies

Fifth-graders begin to study the wider world, which includes a deeper study of geography, history, culture, and current events. Although the topics sometimes vary, most fifth grade classrooms focus on the founding of the United States. As they study history, students are encouraged to make connections involving the past, present, and future. Fifth-graders are learning about the following things, which you can encourage with these great instructional products:

History and Political Science  

• Early United States history
• Civic values and democracy

Geography  

• United States geography and map skills

Science

Specific science topics studied in fifth-grade classrooms vary. Most classrooms will spend some time during the year focusing on biological, physical, and Earth sciences. However, the main focus is on the scientific process and, most importantly, the practices of close observation, asking questions, and forming conclusions based on results of experiments and activities. In addition, kids are learning to respect nature and the Earth. Here are other things fifth-graders are learning to do and some great instructional products that can help them:

Science

• Observe and report characteristics of things and events
• Classify according to similar or different traits
• Create records by drawing or writing results of observations
• Draw conclusions based on observations
• Develop an understanding of the needs of living things
• Exhibit a curiosity and interest in science
• Predict outcomes or results based on observations