What your child learns in 5th grade in California
In 5th grade, students add, subtract and multiply fractions, work with decimals and volume, and write longer pieces with evidence. Social studies is US history and geography, from the first nations and the explorers to the colonies, the Revolution, the Constitution and westward movement, and students take the CAST science test.
5th grade subjects in the California Content Standards
Math
Focus areas
- Number and operations: operations with fractions and decimals, prime factors, and volume
- Measurement, data and geometry: shapes, measuring and reading data
- Mathematical practices: making sense of problems and explaining reasoning
15 units, including Numbers to a Million, Multiply, Divide, Equivalent Fractions.
English Language Arts
Focus areas
- Reading literature and informational text: comparing texts and points of view
- Writing: research and well-supported writing
- Speaking and listening: sharing ideas and building on what others say
11 units, including Plot and Conflict, Figurative Language, Purpose and Structure, Context Clues.
Science
Focus areas
- Matter and its changes
- Food webs and ecosystems
- Earth's systems, the sun and the stars
11 units, including Solutions & Mixtures, Solid, Liquid, Gas, Changes of State, Physical or Chemical?.
Social Studies
Focus areas
- United States history and geography: making a new nation
- The colonies, the Revolution and the Constitution
- Settling the West, and the 50 states and capitals
11 units, including Colonies to Constitution, States & Capitals, Nations Before 1500, Explorers & Encounters.
Printable 5th grade sheets
One free practice sheet for each subject, with an answer key. Print them, or work through them on screen.
- 5th grade MathNumbers to a Million, MultiplyOpen the sheet →
- 5th grade English Language ArtsPlot and Conflict, Figurative LanguageOpen the sheet →
- 5th grade ScienceSolutions & Mixtures, Solid, Liquid, GasOpen the sheet →
- 5th grade Social StudiesColonies to Constitution, States & CapitalsOpen the sheet →
What to look for on the report card
Look for comments on problem solving, supporting ideas with evidence and independent research. State test scores are separate from the report card.
California report cards describe learning with Beginning, Approaching, Meeting, Exceeding. See what each level means.
5th grade students also take the California state tests (CAASPP). Read the state tests guide.
California's social and emotional learning competencies apply in every grade. Read about Social and emotional learning.
Ready for 5th grade?
5th grade builds on what your child practiced in 4th grade. If a skill feels shaky, a few short practice sessions before or early in the year can help:
- Math: Numbers to 10,000, Add & Subtract, Multiply & Divide, Fractions, Decimals
- English Language Arts: Reading Detectives, Text Features, Figurative Language, Point of View, Parts of Speech
- Science: Sense & Respond, Light, Sound, Adaptations & Habitats, Energy on the Move
- Social Studies: Latitude & Longitude, California's Land & Regions, California Indian Nations, Missions, Presidios & Ranchos, Gold Rush & Statehood
Common questions
5th grade covers math, English language arts, science, social studies in the California Content Standards. In 5th grade, students add, subtract and multiply fractions, work with decimals and volume, and write longer pieces with evidence. Social studies is US history and geography, from the first nations and the explorers to the colonies, the Revolution, the Constitution and westward movement, and students take the CAST science test.
California report cards describe learning with Beginning, Approaching, Meeting, Exceeding. Students in 5th grade also write the California state tests (CAASPP), which is separate from the report card.
Short, regular practice works better than long sessions: 10 to 15 minutes a few times a week, on the skills your child's teacher flags. Read together, use math in real life, and praise effort.
Practice 5th grade skills with Gradelings
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