What kids learn in 5th grade
Fifth grade math finishes the elementary toolkit: fluent multi-digit multiplication, long division with two-digit divisors, powers of ten, comparing, rounding and calculating with decimals, and adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions. Children also evaluate expressions with parentheses, plot points on the coordinate plane, find volume, convert units and classify shapes by their properties.
In reading, fifth graders quote accurately from a text, identify theme and point of view, use Greek and Latin roots and explain an author’s purpose. Writing covers conjunctions, perfect tenses, comma rules, editing and choosing precise words. Science and life skills include ecosystems, the solar system, budgeting and checking sources.
5th grade math
- Multi-digit multiplication — Fluently multiply multi-digit numbers.
- Long division — Divide by two-digit divisors.
- Powers of ten — Multiply and divide by 10, 100, 1000.
- Compare & round decimals — Compare and round decimals to thousandths.
- Decimal operations — Add, subtract and multiply decimals.
- Fractions, unlike denominators — Add and subtract fractions with different denominators.
- Multiply fractions — Multiply fractions and whole numbers.
- Divide with fractions — Divide unit fractions and whole numbers.
- Order of operations — Evaluate expressions with parentheses.
- Coordinate plane — Plot and read points (x, y).
- Volume — Find the volume of rectangular prisms.
- Convert units — Convert within metric and customary systems.
- Classify shapes — Sort 2-D figures by their properties.
5th grade reading
- Story reading — Quote accurately and draw inferences.
- Fact reading — Main ideas and supporting evidence.
- Theme — Determine the theme of a story or poem.
- Point of view — How a narrator shapes a story.
- Greek & Latin roots — Use roots like bio, graph, port to find meaning.
- Author's purpose — Why did the author write this?
5th grade spelling & grammar
- Spelling — Fifth-grade spelling words.
- Conjunctions — and, but, because, although and more.
- Perfect tenses — has walked, had walked, will have walked.
- Comma rules — Introductory phrases, direct address, series.
- Be the editor — Find the mistake in the sentence.
- Shades of meaning — Pick the most precise word.
5th grade science & life skills
- Fact check — Check sources, spot AI images and clickbait.
- Budget basics — Needs vs wants, saving and spending plans.
- Ecosystems — Food chains, producers and consumers.
- Solar system — Planets, orbits and gravity.
Looking for another grade? Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade.