What your child learns in 5th grade in Maine
In 5th grade, students add, subtract and multiply fractions, work with decimals and volume, and write longer pieces with evidence. Social studies is early United States history, from the colonies to the Revolution and the Constitution, and students take the Maine Science Assessment.
5th grade subjects in the Maine Learning Results
Math
Focus areas
- Quantitative and algebraic reasoning: operations with fractions and decimals, and volume
- Geometric reasoning: shapes, angles and the space around us
- Statistical reasoning: measuring, collecting data and reading what it shows
14 units, including Numbers to a Million, Multiply, Divide, Equivalent Fractions.
English Language Arts
Focus areas
- Reading: 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
9 units, including Solutions & Mixtures, Solid, Liquid, Gas, Changes of State, Physical or Chemical?.
Social Studies
Focus areas
- The thirteen colonies and the Revolution
- The Constitution and the Bill of Rights
- Money, producers and consumers
7 units, including The Thirteen Colonies, Colonial Trade & Work, Road to Revolution, The American Revolution.
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 StudiesThe Thirteen Colonies, Colonial Trade & WorkOpen 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.
Maine has no statewide report-card scale in 5th grade, so Gradelings describes practice in four steps: Beginning, Approaching, Meeting, Exceeding. See what each level means.
5th grade students also take the Maine state tests (MeCAS). Read the state tests guide.
Maine's Guiding Principles apply in every grade and every subject. Read about Guiding Principles.
The four practice steps in 5th grade
- Beginning
- Practice shows a first understanding of the learning standards. Most answers still need a hint or a second try.
- At home: Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Approaching
- Practice shows a partial understanding of the learning standards. Some answers are right on the first try.
- At home: Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practicing the tricky parts.
- Meeting
- Practice shows a solid understanding of the learning standards. Most answers are right on the first try.
- At home: Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Exceeding
- Practice shows a deep understanding of the learning standards, including harder, unfamiliar questions.
- At home: Applies it confidently, even in new or harder situations. Try challenge mode and real-life problems.
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: World Maps & Globes, History Detective, Maine on the Map, Maine's Story, Maine Timeline
Common questions
5th grade covers math, English language arts, science, social studies in the Maine Learning Results. In 5th grade, students add, subtract and multiply fractions, work with decimals and volume, and write longer pieces with evidence. Social studies is early United States history, from the colonies to the Revolution and the Constitution, and students take the Maine Science Assessment.
Maine has no statewide report-card scale in 5th grade, so Gradelings describes practice in four steps: Beginning, Approaching, Meeting, Exceeding. Students in 5th grade also write the Maine state tests (MeCAS), which is separate from the report card.
Practice shows a solid understanding of the learning standards. Most answers are right on the first try. At home: Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
5th grade builds on 4th grade. In math, that means Numbers to 10,000, Add & Subtract, Multiply & Divide. In English language arts, that means Reading Detectives, Text Features, Figurative Language.
About 15 minutes a day of short practice works better than long sessions, on the skills your child's teacher flags. Look for fractions, decimals and percentages in sale signs, sports statistics and recipes. Read what they are interested in: graphic novels, sports pages, series. Then talk about it. Praise effort, and stop on a success.
Practice 5th grade skills with Gradelings
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