Math Critical Areas

Students in Grade 5 will focus on these critical areas: (1) developing fluency with addition and subtraction of fractions, and developing understanding of the multiplication of fractions and of division of fractions in limited cases (unit fractions divided by whole numbers and whole numbers divided by unit fractions); (2) extending division to 2-digit divisors, integrating decimal fractions into the place value system and developing understanding of operations with decimals to hundredths, and developing fluency with whole number and decimal operations; and (3) developing understanding of volume.

Grammar Critical Areas

Students in Grade 5 will focus heavily on mastering mechanics, expanding vocabulary, and applying knowledge of language to reading, writing, and speaking. 

The critical focus areas include:

• Conventions & Grammar: Avoiding run-on sentences, fragments, and comma splices. Students must use correct verb tenses, ensure subject-verb and pronoun-antecedent agreement, and properly use punctuation (like commas in a series and introductory clauses). 

• Vocabulary & Word Relationships: Determining the meaning of academic and domain-specific words using context clues. Students are expected to interpret figurative language (similes, metaphors) and recognize common idioms, adages, and proverbs. 

• Expressive Writing & Communication: Using specific language techniques to strengthen writing, such as transitional phrases that signal logical relationships (e.g., however, although, similarly). Students are expected to communicate flexibly across collaborative discussions and formal presentations.