Grade 5 Math: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 5 math in the Saskatchewan Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Number (N5.1–N5.7): Represent, compare, and describe whole numbers to 1 000 000 within the contexts of place value and the base ten… Analyze models of, develop strategies for, and carry out multiplication of whole numbers. Demonstrate, with and without concrete materials, an understanding of division (3-digit by 1-digit) and interpret… (and 4 more outcomes)
- Patterns and Relations (P5.1–P5.2): Represent, analyse, and apply patterns using mathematical language and notation. Write, solve, and verify solutions of single-variable, one-step equations with whole number coefficients and whole…
- Shape and Space (SS5.1–SS5.7): Design and construct different rectangles given either perimeter or area, or both (whole numbers), and draw… Demonstrate understanding of measuring length (mm). Demonstrate an understanding of volume. (and 4 more outcomes)
- Statistics and Probability (SP5.1–SP5.3): Differentiate between first-hand and second-hand data. Construct and interpret double bar graphs to draw conclusions. Describe, compare, predict, and test the likelihood of outcomes in probability situations.
Easy ways to practise math at home
- Look for fractions, decimals and percentages in sale signs, sports statistics and recipes.
- Ask your child to explain a problem to you as if you were the student.
- Estimate first (the bill, the trip time), then check with a calculator.
- Keep a tricky-problems list and revisit it every few days instead of re-doing everything.
What each unit covers
Numbers to a Million
Place value to 1 000 000: digit values, standard and expanded form, number words, rounding, ordering, and using benchmarks like 500 000 on a number line.
Add & Subtract
Adding and subtracting numbers up to 1 000 000 with regrouping (including across zeros), estimating by rounding, and mental math such as compensation (adding 4999 as 5000 − 1).
Multiply
Multiplying 2- and 3-digit numbers using area models and partial products, patterns with 10, 100 and 1000, doubling and halving, and estimating products by rounding.
Divide
Dividing 2- and 3-digit numbers, finding remainders and deciding what they mean in a story (round up for buses, drop the extra for full bags), and estimating with friendly numbers.
Equivalent Fractions
Making and recognizing equivalent fractions (2/3 = 8/12), simplifying, comparing and ordering fractions, and judging whether a fraction is close to 0, 1/2 or 1.
Decimals
Reading, writing, comparing and rounding decimals to thousandths, linking decimals to fractions out of 10, 100 and 1000, and adding and subtracting decimals in real situations.
Patterns & Equations
Describing growing and shrinking patterns with rules and expressions like 3n + 1, using input–output tables, and solving one-step equations such as n + 37 = 92 or 6 × n = 54.
Area & Perimeter
Finding the area and perimeter of squares and rectangles, working backwards to a missing side, and discovering that shapes with the same area can have different perimeters (and vice versa).
Prisms, Pyramids & Moves
Naming and classifying prisms and pyramids by their bases, counting faces, edges and vertices, and describing single transformations: translations (slides), reflections (flips) and rotations (turns).
Graphs & Chance
Reading double bar graphs where each square stands for several items (many-to-one), comparing two sets of data, and describing the probability of single outcomes with spinners, marbles, dice and coins.
What the report card levels look like at home
- Beginning
- Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Approaching
- Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
- Meeting
- Has it! Meeting is the goal for every outcome. Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Exemplary
- Applies it confidently, even in new or harder situations. Try challenge mode and real-life problems.
Your child’s teacher decides the level on the report card. Read the Saskatchewan report card guide.
Common questions
How can I help my Grade 5 child with math?
Look for fractions, decimals and percentages in sale signs, sports statistics and recipes. Ask your child to explain a problem to you as if you were the student. Keep sessions short, about 10 to 15 minutes, and stop on a success.
What does my child learn in Grade 5 math in Saskatchewan?
The Saskatchewan Curriculum Grade 5 math units include numbers to a million, add & subtract, multiply, divide, equivalent fractions, decimals.
Free printable Grade 5 math practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.