Children learn how to add and subtract multi-digit whole numbers in fourth grade. By the time they start fifth grade, they should have a decent understanding of multi-digit whole number addition and subtraction based on the use of the standard algorithm for these operations. As a math teacher or a homeschooling parent, your job is […]
Teach Dividing Multi-Digit Whole Numbers
Fifth grade is an exciting and rich math year. This is when kids need to become fluent in multi-digit whole number addition and subtraction, learn how to add and subtract decimals, and gain a decent understanding of multi-digit whole number multiplication and division. Since dividing multi-digit numbers is an essential skill that many exercises require, […]
Understanding Fractions as Division
When learning about fractions, fifth graders learn how to interpret fractions as division of the numerator and denominator, model fractions as division by using a tape diagram, as well as solve word problems involving fractions as division. If you’re a math teacher and you’re teaching fractions as division, you’re probably familiar with the fact that […]
Measuring Volume
In units on measuring volume, fifth graders learn how to find the volume of one layer of a figure by counting the cubes, how to apply addition when finding the total volume of a figure, and how to use multiplication when finding the volume of a figure given the volume of one layer. Whether you’re […]
Volume of Composite Solid Figures
When learning about the volume of composite solid figures, fifth graders are expected to compose and decompose figures into smaller rectangular prisms and understand how the volume of the figure is the sum of the smaller rectangular prisms. They should also achieve fluency in using the additive property of volume to find the volume of […]
2-Dimensional Shapes and Their Properties
In grade 5, students learn about the different 2-dimensional shapes, such as circles, squares, triangles, etc. They gain an in-depth understanding of what these shapes represent, and learn how to identify their properties. Lessons on 2-dimensional shapes can be lots of fun if math teachers are equipped with the right resources! To this end, we […]
What Are Quadrilaterals?
In the fifth grade, students learn what quadrilaterals are, get familiarized with the different types of quadrilaterals, and become fluent in determining the properties of each quadrilateral. They also learn how to draw quadrilaterals. There are many ways in which math teachers can make lessons on quadrilaterals more engaging. To help out, we’ve included awesome […]
Interpreting Multiplication
In units on multiplying and dividing fractions, fifth-graders begin interpreting multiplication as scaling, by comparing the size of a product to the size of one factor, given the size of the other factor, without calculation. Lessons on fractions can be challenging for students, and interpreting multiplication as scaling with fractions is no exception to this. […]
Common Denominators
In units on fractions, fifth graders learn how to list down multiples to find common denominators, how to determine common denominators shared by fractions using prime factorization, as well as express fractions with their equivalent fractions sharing a common denominator. A good understanding of common denominators is essential for students to be able to add […]
Teaching Equivalent Fractions
When learning about equivalent fractions, students learn how to represent equivalent fractions using area models, as well as visualize equivalent fractions using number lines. They also become fluent in determining equivalent fractions. Whether you’re a math teacher or a homeschooling parent, you can turn your lesson on equivalent fractions into a success by blending theory […]
Decimal Place Value: Teaching About Place Value and Decimals
When students learn about decimal place value, they learn how to compare decimals, and are able to arrange them in ascending or descending order. They also gain fluency in rounding off decimals. Students may initially find decimal place value concepts confusing and mix up the tenths with tens or hundredths with hundreds, but don’t despair! […]
Teaching Order of Operations With Parentheses
When learning about the order of operations with parentheses in grade 5, students become fluent in evaluating numerical expressions with parentheses, as well in using the order of operations in solving problems that involve numerical expressions. To make this topic more engaging for kids, math teachers can incorporate special teaching tips and fun games in […]
Teaching Order of Math Operations Without Parentheses
When learning about the order of math operations without parentheses, students become fluent in evaluating numerical expressions (without parentheses) following the order of operations, as well as in using the order of operations in solving problems involving numerical expressions. To make these lessons more inviting for 5th graders, math teachers and homeschooling parents can enrich […]
How to Help My Child With Math at Home?
Even if your child is nimble with numbers, at one point or another, they might struggle with math in school. These math struggles will not only affect children, teachers, and educators but also, another critical group – parents, who may find themselves wondering with a voice laden with exasperation: “How to help my child with math at […]
Patterns and the Coordinate Plane: Ordered Pairs Initials
Patterns and the Coordinate Plane Played Out This activity (Ordered Pairs Initials) will provide students with practice in graphing ordered pairs and seeing how patterns in the ordered pairs play out on the graph. Students are usually pretty good at graphing ordered pairs. It takes a class period or two to get the X and […]
Classifying Two Dimensional Figures: Shapes in the Real World Project
Classifying Two Dimensional Figure: Shapes in the World This lesson is a chance for students to see that the world is made up of shapes. When they ask, “Why do I need to know geometry?” this is why. Our lessons in geometry and shapes often rely on 2D shapes in a textbook or drawn on […]
How to Teach Volume of a Right Rectangular Prism
Manipulatives and Volume: Volume of a Right Rectangular Prism I have noticed that students often leave out the unit label when doing word problems or measuring. For the longest time, I didn’t understand why this was the case. However, one day I had an epiphany. My students didn’t understand what the label actually meant! When […]
Teach Multiplying Fractions by a Whole Number with Hershey Chocolate Smoothies
Fractions and Feeding a Group of People Feeding a group of people can be difficult, especially when it comes to Multiplying Fractions by a Whole Number in the recipe. So often we hear kids ask, ”When am I ever going to use this?” Well, if they are ever going to follow a recipe, the answer […]
Adding and Subtracting Fractions in the Real World
Engaging Your Students with Food: Fractions in the Real World When it comes to Fractions in the Real World, one guaranteed way to get kids to participate in class is to use food. Yes, food. I believe that food is the universal means to get participation by any group of people – especially kids! No […]
Standard Algorithm for Multiplication: Math in the Natural World
Math in the Natural World: Standard Algorithm Multiplication 5th Grade The natural world is a fantastic vehicle for getting kids to think deeply about the Standard Algorithm for Multiplication. When I show a nature video at the beginning of class, I get immediate buy in because they are all fascinated, especially when it has to […]
Multiplicative Patterns on the Place Value Chart: Gamify Your Math Class
Teaching Every Student – How to Gamify Your Math Class Multiplicative Patterns on the Place Value Chart Not all kids are the same. They don’t look the same or act the same. And they certainly don’t learn the same. As teachers, we know that reaching every kid can be a challenge. Getting every kid to […]
Numerical Expressions: Teaching the Language of Math
Teaching the Language of Math So much of being successful in math is being able to understand math vocabulary and numerical expressions for problem solving and to express one’s ideas and questions about the math concepts. Sometimes kids get hung up on the idea that math is only about numbers, but that’s just not true. […]