Fifth graders generally tend to be good communicators, are more trustworthy and dependable, and will be able to form good relationships with teachers. Many ten year olds begin the onset of puberty, which can be awkward at this age.
The following is a small sampling of some of the things your fifth grader should learn by the end of the school year. For a more in depth look check out What Your Fifth Grader Needs To Know from your local library, or purchase it through the Core Knowledge Foundation.
Through previous years learning in Language Arts, your student should be a solid reader, understand the basic grammar and spelling rules, and be able to communicate proficiently through both written and oral communication. Writing small research or more in depth papers will be introduced this year. Fifth graders tend to enjoy reading about fantasy stories, adventures, and stories that include children overcoming fearful situations or difficult circumstances.
History and Geography this year will focus heavily on Europe and it’s influence on the United States, as well as the contributions of other people of various racial, ethnic and religious groups. Students will understand how to use maps, and understand regions. Study of Russia and Feudal Japan may also take place. Children will begin to ask who, what, where, why, and when of significant historical events such as the Holocaust, Native American relocation programs, and exploration. American constitutional concepts such as freedom of religion and speech, liberty, justice, and democracy are also investigated.
In Music, students will continue their vocal training and may begin to learn to play a musical instrument depending on the resources available to your school district.
Math will continue to be exciting this year. Students will continue with the basic functions of adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. Learning fractions and decimals along with the Least common multiple will continue. Fifth graders who enjoy math will surely be giddy about the beginning of pre-algebra when they start with very simple formulas such as: N+1=2, and try to figure out what “N” stands for. Students may begin to use a calculator to help in solving problems that are more complex.
Through Science, students will begin to learn about classifying living things. Technology, space exploration and flight are common topics of study during this year. Be ready to start answering some tough questions (if you have not already) when your fifth grader begins to study reproduction of plant and animal life.