Homeschool by grade
Homeschool 5th Grade
Fifth grade finishes elementary math with fractions and decimals and builds the writing and study habits middle school needs. American history is a common focus.
Ages 10 to 11About 3 to 4 hours a day
What to teach in 5th grade
What children typically learn by the end of the year. Use it as a guide, not a rule: homeschoolers can go faster or slower in each subject.
Math
- Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators
- Multiply and divide fractions
- Decimals to thousandths
- Volume of rectangular prisms
- Order of operations
Reading
- Analyze characters and point of view
- Compare texts and quote evidence
- Read a wider range of nonfiction
Writing
- Write five-paragraph essays
- Opinion writing with reasons
- Take notes and outline
Science
- Matter and its properties
- Ecosystems and food webs
- Earth, sun and stars
Social studies
- US history: colonies to the Constitution
- US geography and states
- Branches of government
By the end of the year
- Fluent with fraction operations
- Works with decimals
- Writes a five-paragraph essay
- Takes notes from reading
A sample day
| 8:30 | Math lesson and practice |
| 9:20 | Grammar, spelling and writing |
| 10:10 | Break |
| 10:30 | Literature: reading and discussion |
| 11:15 | Science or history (alternate days) |
| 12:00 | Lunch |
| 1:00 | Independent reading, projects, music, sports |
Tips for this year
- Teach note-taking and outlining now: middle school depends on them.
- Have your child keep their own planner.
- A year-end summary of work makes a strong record.
Rules for notice, attendance and testing depend on where you live: see your state’s homeschool law.
Choosing curriculum
Free tools for this grade
Questions parents ask
Is my 5th grader ready for middle school math?
If they are comfortable with fraction and decimal operations, yes. A publisher placement test will confirm it.
Should I start grades in 5th grade?
Many families start recording grades around now. It is good practice for high school transcripts.