What your child learns in 5th grade in Texas
In 5th grade, students add, subtract, multiply and divide with decimals, add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators, and work with volume and the coordinate plane, and write longer pieces with evidence. Social studies is United States history, from the first European settlements to the present, and students take the STAAR science test.
5th grade subjects in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
Math
Focus areas
- Number and operations: decimals to thousandths, multi-digit multiplication and division, and fraction operations
- Algebraic reasoning: prime numbers, expressions and equations, number patterns and volume formulas
- Geometry, measurement and data: classifying shapes, volume, unit conversions and the coordinate plane
15 units, including Decimals, Multiply, Divide, Unlike Denominators.
English Language Arts
Focus areas
- Foundational language skills: sound changes in related words, roots such as geo and photo, adages and puns
- Comprehension, response and genres: plot and conflict, theme, poetry and argumentative text
- Author's purpose and craft, and composition: an author's purpose, hyperbole, stereotyping and anecdote, and complex sentences
13 units, including Plot and Conflict, Figurative Language, Purpose and Structure, Context Clues.
Science
Focus areas
- Properties of matter, mixtures and solutions
- Forces, energy changes, circuits and light
- Day and night, the water cycle, rocks and landforms
15 units, including Solutions & Mixtures, Measuring Matter, Solid, Liquid, Gas, Forces, Friction and Machines.
Social Studies
Focus areas
- United States history: the colonies, the Revolution and the Constitution
- The 19th century: expansion, the Civil War and Reconstruction; and the 20th and 21st centuries
- Geography and economics: regions, landforms, the 50 states, and the free enterprise system
13 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.
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.
Texas 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 Texas state tests (STAAR). Read the state tests guide.
The TEKS process skills apply in every grade. Read about Process skills.
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, Tenths & Decimals, Decimals, Add & Subtract, Multiply & Divide
- English Language Arts: Reading Detectives, Text Features, Figurative Language, Point of View, Parts of Speech
- Science: Particles & Mass, Mixtures & Solutions, Thermal Energy, Gravity & Magnets, Energy, Speed & Collisions
- Social Studies: First Peoples of Texas, Explorers & Missions, Mexican Texas, The Texas Revolution, Republic to Statehood
Common questions
5th grade covers math, English language arts, science, social studies in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). In 5th grade, students add, subtract, multiply and divide with decimals, add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators, and work with volume and the coordinate plane, and write longer pieces with evidence. Social studies is United States history, from the first European settlements to the present, and students take the STAAR science test.
Texas 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 Texas state tests (STAAR), 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, Tenths & Decimals, Decimals. 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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