What your child learns in 5th grade in Washington
In 5th grade, students add, subtract and multiply fractions, work with decimals and volume, and write longer pieces with evidence. Social studies covers early US history, from Native nations and the colonies to the Constitution, and students take the WCAS science test.
5th grade subjects in the Washington State Learning Standards
Math
Focus areas
- Quantity and Relationships: operations with fractions and decimals, and volume
- Spatial Reasoning: shapes, measurement and the space around us
- Data Analysis: asking questions, collecting data and reading what it shows
14 units, including Numbers to a Million, Decimals, Multiply, Mental Math Tricks.
English Language Arts
Focus areas
- Reading: comparing texts and points of view
- Writing: research and well-supported writing
- Speaking, Listening and Digital Forums: sharing ideas and building on what others say
11 units, including Plot and Conflict, Purpose and Structure, Context Clues, Greek and Latin Roots.
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, from before colonies to the Constitution
- Founding documents and government
- Geography of the United States
8 units, including Native Nations & Encounters, The Thirteen Colonies, Colonial Trade & Work, Road to 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, DecimalsOpen the sheet →
- 5th grade English Language ArtsPlot and Conflict, Purpose and StructureOpen the sheet →
- 5th grade ScienceSolutions & Mixtures, Solid, Liquid, GasOpen the sheet →
- 5th grade Social StudiesNative Nations & Encounters, The Thirteen ColoniesOpen the sheet →
What to look for on the report card
Look for comments on problem solving, supporting ideas with evidence and independent research. Smarter Balanced and WCAS scores are separate from the report card.
Washington report cards describe learning with Beginning, Approaching, Meeting, Exceeding. See what each level means.
5th grade students also take the Washington state tests (Smarter Balanced and WCAS). Read the state tests guide.
Washington's Social Emotional Learning standards apply in every grade. Read about Social 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, Prime & Composite, Patterns & Tables
- English Language Arts: Reading Detectives, Text Features, Point of View, Word Builders, Figurative Language
- Science: Sense & Respond, Light, Sound, Energy on the Move, Adaptations & Habitats
- Social Studies: Washington's Land, Maps & Movement, Washington's Government, Rights, Virtues & Taking Part, Tribal Sovereignty & Treaties
Common questions
5th grade covers math, English language arts, science, social studies in the Washington State Learning Standards. In 5th grade, students add, subtract and multiply fractions, work with decimals and volume, and write longer pieces with evidence. Social studies covers early US history, from Native nations and the colonies to the Constitution, and students take the WCAS science test.
Washington report cards describe learning with Beginning, Approaching, Meeting, Exceeding. Students in 5th grade also write the Washington state tests (Smarter Balanced and WCAS), 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
Kind hints, no ads, and reports in the language of the Washington report card. Subscribe now, or try it free for 30 days with no card.