💡How to Support Your 5th Grader

Fifth grade is a big year, full of growth, responsibility, and preparation. Here are some simple and effective ways you can support your child’s success, both in the classroom and at home:

Support Reading & Discussion

  • Encourage your child to read daily for at least 20 minutes. This builds fluency and stamina.

  • Ask questions about our read-alouds and independent reading, like:
    What do you think this character is feeling? or What lesson does this story teach?

  • Help your child practice using text evidence to support their answers by using the RACES constructed response strategy (Restate, Answer, Cite, Explain, Summarize).

  • Click here to learn more about RACES and how it helps students write strong, clear responses.

  • Please sign and review your child's reading logs regularly to track their progress and build good reading habits.

Encourage Strong Writing Habits

  • Talk with your child about their writing assignments: opinion pieces, informational reports, and stories.

  • Ask them to explain their writing plan, how they organize ideas and include details.

  • Encourage them to use precise vocabulary and figurative language like similes or idioms.

  • Remind them that writing is a process: planning, drafting, revising, and editing.

 

Support Digital Learning Platforms

  • Make sure your child can log into ClassLink and access Lexia, NoRedInk, Newsela, and CommonLit.

  • Check in regularly to see if assignments are completed and encourage consistent effort, via Google Classroom or Genesis Parent Portal.

  • Celebrate milestones like meeting Lexia minutes or completing writing tasks in NoRedInk.

 

Build Critical Thinking & Communication Skills

  • Encourage your child to compare stories, notice how authors use evidence, and think about different points of view.

  • Ask them to summarize what they read or learned in their own words.

  • Support their participation in respectful discussions at home—listening and sharing ideas clearly.

 

Establish Healthy Routines

  • Provide a quiet, distraction-free space for reading, writing, and digital learning.

  • Encourage a consistent bedtime to ensure your child is rested and ready to learn.

  • Limit screen time outside of school platforms during homework time.

 

Stay Organized Together

  • Your child will bring home a take-home folder every day with homework, notices, and important papers.

  • On Fridays, they will bring home a Friday Folder that includes weekly work and communications.

  • Please sign or initial the Friday Folder to acknowledge you have seen the work and notes, then send it back on Monday.

  • Encourage your child to remember their Chromebook daily for class activities.

  • Note: Chromebooks cannot be taken home unless a Genesis waiver is signed and on file.

Stay Connected & Engaged

  • Watch for weekly newsletters and updates via email and Class Dojo.

  • Reach out anytime if you have questions or need help supporting your child’s learning.

  • Show enthusiasm for learning - it inspires your child to do their best!


Together, we can help your child thrive academically and personally this year! Thank you for partnering with me on this journey.