For the Parents of Fifth Graders

You will find below, the things that a fifth grader is expected to learn. In addition you will find ways to help your child learn. The links below will jump you to the appropriate section, or just scroll down the page.

• Fifth Grade Mathematics
• Fifth Grade Reading and Language Arts Skill Expectations
• Fifth Grade Science
• Fifth Grade Social Studies
• Things I can do to Help my Fifth Grader

Fifth Grade Mathematics

Working toward the goals of the Essential Learnings in mathematics, each fifth grader will understand concepts and apply procedures in the following areas:

Number Sense:

• Computes whole numbers, positive decimals, and simple fractions using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, exponents and percentages.
• Selects and uses tools appropriately.
• Compares, sequences and orders numbers.
• Explores number theory (divisibility, factors).
• Recognizes ratio and proportion.
• Estimates to determine reasonableness.
• Analyzes and explains computations procedures.

Measurement:

• Measures objects and events.
• Recognizes metric and standard units to measure length, volume, weight, area, capacity, perimeter, temperature....).
• Recognizes appropriate units of measure.
• Explores a variety of measurement instruments (ruler, compass, protractor...).
• Uses estimation as a skill to approximate measurement and to check answers.

Spatial Sense:

• Identifies 2-dimensional figures (circles, polygons...).
• Discusses relationships between solids and shapes.
• Recognizes properties of plane geometry.
• Explores symmetry and congruency.
• Understands and constructs simple transformations (slides, turns, flips).
• Explores use of compass and protractor.
• Identifies basic geometric vocabulary (point, line, plane, parallel, perpendicular, angle).

Probability and Statistics:

• Calculates numerical measures of uncertainty for simple events.
• Counts outcomes to determine probabilities.
• Explores how statistics can be use to support different points of view.
• Begins to identify and describe a random sample of a population.
• Organizes and displays simple data in tables, charts and graphs.
• Begins to explore validity of data.
• Recognizes mean, median, mode, and range.
• Recognizes outcomes of repeated random events.
• Understands how to conduct experiments.
• Understands and makes simple inferences based results of experiments.
• Predicts outcomes of simple activities and compares the predictions to results of experiments.

Functions & Relationships:

• Rcognizes patterns and sequences using functions, tables, graphs and charts.
• Describes equalities and inequalities (<, >) using symbols
• Recognizes variables in simple equations, inequalities and formulas.

Fifth Grade Reading and Language Arts Skill Expectations

Working toward the goals of reading with comprehension, writing with skill, and communicating effectively and responsibly, each fifth grader will learn to:

Reading:

• See reading as a source of information and a leisure-time activity.
• Read to learn vs. learn to read.
• Build vocabulary through listening to a variety of readings.
• Read and use non-fiction sources (encyclopedias, biographies computer software etc.).
• Identify the critical elements of a story (plot, characters, setting, theme).
• Read with fluency and expression which demonstrates understanding of the story.
• Identify and read different types of fiction (folk tales, poems, etc.).
• Build reading/writing vocabulary by using context clues, dictionaries, glossaries, and thesaurus.

Reading Quick Check: Does your child:

• Show confidence in transferring information and strategies learned in one material to another, and from one type of resource to another?
• Use a range of resources to gather, evaluate and synthesize information?
• Demonstrate flexibility in use and application of strategies?
• Read and use reading beyond the classroom setting for a variety of purposes?

Writing:

• Use legible writing in daily assignments.
• Maintain legible cursive and printing skills on written assignments.
• Use the writing process (plan, draft, revise, edit and publish) to produce high quality written work.
• Write clearly and effectively: (Use ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions).
• Write in a variety of forms for different audiences & purposes (lists, stories, journals, letters, informational).
• Continue use of editing marks.
• Learn to assess writing for strengths and weaknesses.
• Consistently spell frequently used words correctly.
• Write coherent paragraphs using topic sentence supported by details.
• Improve effectiveness of writing by using appropriate word choices while varying sentence type and length.
• Use a variety of writing forms (poetry, letters, etc.).
• Continue to correctly identify and use subject, predicate and parts of speech.
• Use technology as appropriate.

Communication:

• Give informal presentations (current events).
• Continue developing effective listening and communications skills.
• Integrate reading, writing and communication skills to produce projects and/or oral presentations on topic covered in math, science and social studies.

Fifth Grade Science

Your child will learn :

Change Over Time: Patterns of Change

(Environmental Science)

• Living things are diverse, independent , and evolving.
• How Landforms Change: Earth, within the universe, is always changing

(Earth Science)

• As structures of the Earth's crust break down, new structures form.
• The outermost of the Earth's four layers is the crust, where all landforms are found.
• Movements within the Earth's crust builds and changes landforms.
• Physical and chemical weathering changes landforms.
• Light: The world is governed by the properties and interactions of matter and energy

(Physical Science)

• Light interacts with matter in a variety of ways and can be changed to other forms of energy.
• Light can be reflected, refracted, scattered, or absorbed by matter.
• Light can change to other forms of energy
• Transport Systems: The human body is made up of complex systems that interact to keep an individual alive

(Health and Wellness)

• The human body has systems that change materials and move them throughout the body.

Fifth Grade Social Studies

Your child will learn:

Knowledge and Skill:

• Students will read and interpret maps, globes, models, diagrams, graphs, charts, and tables using basic vocabulary terms.
• Students will locate, select, and organize information (states, capitals, regions).

Heritage:

• Students will understand contributions of individuals such as presidents, explorers, immigrants, colonists, and other historical figures.
• Students will understand the formation and functions of the United States Government.
• Students will compare the cause and effect of the American Revolution, Western Movement and Civil War.

Citizenship:

• Students will understand the application of government.
• Students will understand the importance of community involvement.

Diversity:

• Develop a multicultural perspective that respects the dignity and worth of all people (ethnic diversity, multicultural influence, Native American, immigrant and minority influences on culture in the United States).

Interdependence:

• Discuss and study current events.
• Analyze/predict effects of events throughout the world.

Change:

• Discuss amendments to constitution and laws as reflective of social change.
• Evaluate how political and social change has affected the development of the United States.
• Demonstrate techniques and strategies used to deal with change and conflict.

Things I Can Do to Help My Fifth Grade Child

• Show your child that learning is important. Provide a quiet place in your home for reading, writing and studying. Make sure that place is always available to your child. Your child should read and/or do some homework five nights per week.
• Help your child continue to develop as a reader and a writer. Provide a variety of books, magazines and writing materials, for your child to use.
• Continue to read to your child and have him/her read to you. This remains important as our children get older. Ask questions about what was read. Discuss the material. In the intermediate grades, critical thinking is a focus throughout the curriculum. You can help your child strengthen these skills by asking questions which include who, what, why, where, how, why not, etc. 
• Read and discuss non-fiction materials as well as fiction. Reading non-fiction teaches children that books are a source of information and will help them become skilled technical readers.
• Develop vocabulary by playing word games with your child. "Scrabble", and "Boggle", and "Wheel of Fortune" are three good choices.
• Have your child read to locate information. Have him follow the directions in the TV or VCR operating manual, read you the recipe while you cook, etc. This is technical reading.
• Let your child catch YOU reading regularly! Research tells us that children read more and read a variety of materials when they see their parents and older siblings reading. Make sure you read for information and pleasure!
• Continue to use family outings as learning opportunities. Trips to the grocery store, mall, parks vacations, excursions on buses, planes, trains, all provide material for discussion. Fifth graders are old enough to enjoy and recall significant details from trips to museums, The Pacific Science Center, aquariums, etc. Continue to ask your child questions about their experiences. Listen to their responses and let them know their opinions are important. Knowing you value their thoughts keeps them thinking and wondering about the world around them. Discussing their thoughts with you lets your child practice oral communication skills.
• Encourage hobbies such as crafts and model-building. These require following directions - another technical reading skill.
• Help with math skills by: playing games which involve adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing, fractions, etc. Uno and Yahtzee are always popular. Cooking is a great way to teach measurement, proportions, fractions, more/less, and many other math concepts we all use in our daily lives.
• Continue to give your child choices of activities, chores, foods, etc. "Would you rather make the salad or empty the dishwasher?" "Would you like to read or practice piano right now?" Would you rather mow the lawn or weed the garden? "Remember, you have homework. You can choose to play with Carrie now and study after dinner, or reverse it. Just let me know your plans." Fifth graders need to make decisions which give them a feeling of having some control over their lives. Alternatives such as those above teach independence and responsibility while you ultimately remain in charge.
• As you child becomes more social and independent, remind him/her of respect, rights, and responsibility. Always stress the importance of treating others with kindness, respect and acceptance of diversity. 
• Volunteer at school!
• Limit and monitor TV watching!
• Remember that YOU are your child’s first teacher. The impact of your words and actions are the most important!