How to Teach a Fifth Grade Math Lesson

Teaching fifth grade math requires both planning and patience.

Teaching a fifth grade math lesson requires planning and maintaining the attention of the students. Fifth graders are a mature enough and possess an attention span that allows independent work. Although students can work on their own, they still need new concepts explained to them by the teacher, and periodic help as they tackle the math problems listed in the assignment. Hands-on activities which demonstrate the basis of a math lesson generate a greater interest and understanding for the subject of arithmetic. Relate classroom learning activities to their daily lives and future educational endeavors.

Instructions

1. Develop a lesson plan which can be accomplished in the allotted class time. Make sure to incorporate the curriculum learning objectives as dictated by the school district and state education department. Turn the lesson plan into the school principal in a timely manner. Do not wait until the last minute to present the lesson plan, or you will be rushed or frustrated when making corrections and adjustments.

2. Begin class with a math meeting or math-centered activity, being mindful of the inability of students to sit still and remain alert for long periods of time. If math class is not their first class of the day, conducting some type of energizing activity will regain their focus. An educational math game, hands-on activity or speed drill with a reward for the winner will suffice. Chalkboard or whiteboard educational games where the children work in teams to answers problems are typically both enjoyable for the students and serve as a refresher for their basic math skills.

3. Instruct the students to return to their seats after the activity and gather their math supplies and textbook. Stand in front of the class and explain the upcoming lesson. Write any new math terms or vocabulary on the board for quick reference. Although the terms are likely listed in the textbook, providing easily visible reference saves a lot of searching time during class. You could also assign a vocabulary assignment for the new terms prior to class for a standard grade or extra credit. This type of assignment allows the students to be more familiar with the terms and more confident when learning new concepts.

4. Write several sample problems on the board and work the problems as a class, in small groups or individually. Once satisfied that the students have grasped the math problem, steps, or formula, begin the textbook assignment. Instruct the students to open their textbook and begin working on the assigned pages. When assigning homework to fifth grade students, keep in mind that not all parents are able or willing to offer help on upper-elementary level math problems. A student who is struggling will likely sink further behind when faced with a lengthy math homework assignment. Homework should be only long enough to give the students extra practice and solidify the concept in their minds. The majority of the learning should occur in the classroom where a qualified and patient adult can provide assistance when questions or confusion arise.

References

• Time 4 Learning: Fith Grade Objectives
• Ed Helper: Fifth Grade Math Worksheets and Practice