Your child is in the final years of their elementary school career. Since kindergarten, they have been preparing for the moment when they would finally make the leap into middle school. This is a nerve-wracking time for parents who wonder whether their children are academically ready for the next stage.

If you’re wondering what your children should be learning by the fifth grade, these benchmarks can help answer your questions. The specific curriculum may vary according to state and location. However, the basic principles should remain the same regardless of where your child attends school.

English

Don’t be surprised to see that your child is reading significantly more difficult texts this year. Children should be able to start using details from a story to identify key points about the theme, character development, and other crucial literary elements. They may be able to interpret more figurative language and use context clues for better understanding.

Writing is an area that many teachers will heavily emphasize in the fifth grade. Students start to write more short papers, including opinion pieces, non-fiction, and narratives. They are responsible for conducting their own research, taking notes, and organizing the data they collect. When a paper is finished, many children are able to read and edit their own works rather efficiently.

Math

Many of the skills in fifth-grade math relate directly to real-world problem-solving. Children are encouraged to apply their newfound knowledge to solve problems relating to topics like time and money. What should you expect your children to study in math during their fifth-grade year? Take a look at some of these typical topics:

• Addition and subtraction of fractions or decimals
• Classify two-dimensional figures
• Find the area of shapes
• Divide large numbers by multi-digit numbers
• Plot and map coordinate numbers

Social Studies

In most schools, students will learn the basic tenets of American history such as important people and events. They may learn about the thirteen colonies, Native American culture, and the overall development of the country in its earliest years.

Science

Because math and reading skills are continuously expanding, your fifth-grade student is capable of doing more complex science experiments. Observations become keener and your child is likely to ask better questions that help them to explore their curiosity. The subject matter in a given class will vary, but they may study simple chemical reactions, dive deeper into natural sciences, or take a closer look at astronomy.

Fifth-graders are right on the cusp of middle school independence. This is a time for students to learn to gain some independence and responsibility for their studies. A good teacher will help your child to foster their sense of curiosity and transform it into the ability to work smarter and harder.

As a parent, you can help your child to grow and develop in some of these areas as well. Be sure to talk with your child about what they’re learning and encourage them in their studies. Reinforcing that knowledge is important can set a great example to help kids further their studies.