5 math activities for 5th graders
If you’re looking for ways to help your 5th grader enjoy math, these games are easy to prepare and fun for groups of any size and skill level!
Author
Katie Wickliff
Published:
April 2025
Key takeaways
- • 5th grade math deepens and broadens the knowledge gained in earlier grades.
- • Even though math is more complex, 5th graders still want to have fun!
- •5th grade math enrichment activities can be inexpensive, simple, and incredibly engaging!
In 5th grade math, students deepen their knowledge of fractions, decimals, and multi-step operations. In geometry, they focus on measuring volume, classifying shapes, and exploring coordinate planes. 5th grade students also strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
In short, 5th grade math combines everything students have learned in earlier grades. Since many middle schools begin in 6th grade, 5th grade students spend much time preparing for this important transition.
Even though this all sounds serious–and it is–5th graders are still little kids who love to have fun! Just like younger students, 5th graders who associate math with fun and positivity tend to do better. Games provide a low pressure environment to practice skills, helping reduce math anxiety and boost confidence. If you want to bring more fun into your homeschool or classroom, check out this list of our favorite 5th grade math activities. Let’s get started!
Fraction baseball
In this game, teams solve fraction problems to move around bases and score runs.
You’ll need:
- Task cards that ask students to solve fraction problems, like simplifying, comparing, turning an irregular fraction into a mixed number, identifying the name of a fraction by a picture—really, whatever concept your students are learning.
- Whiteboard/dry erase marker
- A baseball diamond drawn with chalk, tape, or pencil. The diamond can be as large or small as you’d like.
Before playing, sort the task cards into single, double, triple, and home run based on difficulty level. To play, divide students into two teams. Designate a “pitcher” who presents the problems to the batting group. The batting team chooses a difficulty level, and the pitcher reads out a fraction problem from that category. If the batter solves it correctly, they move to the appropriate base. If not, they’re “out.” The next player bats, and the inning ends when the group gets three outs. Teams score runs when they complete a full lap around the bases. The team with the most runs after a set number of innings (you decide what’s appropriate) wins.
Math jeopardy
This Jeopardy-style trivia game is an extremely fun way to review math concepts–my students loved this one! Math Jeopardy can be used over and over again with different topics.
You’ll need:
- Questions and answers about the topic you want to review, sorted by category and difficulty level
- Jeopardy template (see below for ideas)
- Whiteboard or digital display (like a computer screen) for displaying the game board
Many free and editable Jeopardy templates are available online and through Google Docs or Microsoft Powerpoint. I used this one while teaching elementary math, and it was simple and quick to create. Complete the Jeopardy template and make sure everything works before introducing it to your students.
If you don’t have access to a Jeopardy template, you can still play! Divide the board into categories (addition, subtraction, measurement, etc). Under each category, list the following point values on individual post-it notes: 100, 200, 300, 400, 500. Higher points correspond to more challenging questions. Write one question under each Post-it note.
For either the online or physical template, students can play individually or in teams. Students select a point value, and the teacher, parent, or homeschool leader reads the problem aloud. If the team answers it correctly, they score that number of points. The team with the most points at the end wins the game.
Table of contents
Make 24!
In this game, students use playing cards and their knowledge of the four operations (+, –, x, ÷) to make 24.
You’ll need:
- Playing cards or UNO cards (numbers only)
- Pencil/paper or whiteboards/dry erase markers
- Place the cards face down in front of each team of students. Players draw four cards from the top and line them face up so all team members can see. Players must use all four numbers once with any operations to make 24.
Example: A group draws cards 6, 6, 2, 2
Solution: 6×2=6×2=12+12=24
Encourage students to write down the possibilities or use manipulatives to help solve the problem. If the set of cards has no solution, draw again. If competing with other players, the first team to find a solution wins the round. To adapt for different abilities, try having the students use just two operations at first, like the example above. For individual play, challenge your student to make 24 in a certain amount of time.
Online math activities
While tons of games and activities don’t require the internet, sometimes kids have the most fun with online math challenges, games, and activities. Online programs are also a great way to keep practicing skills while traveling. If that sounds like your student, check out DreamBox, an award-winning online math program. Whether you’re looking for homeschool math practice or just an engaging way to develop skills outside the classroom, Dreambox can personalize a program tailored to your child’s current level, learning style, and individual interests.
Math relay
Math Relay is a great game to get kids moving! Teams compete to solve math problems at different stations. If you’re working with one student or a small group, this game is easily adaptable.
You’ll need:
- Task cards (depending on the concept)
- Pencils/recording paper
- Tape/chalk for relay lines.
First, create task cards based on the math concepts you’d like to review. Set up stations, each with a different task card. Next, divide students into teams. I preferred to group students of different ability levels to (quite literally) even out the playing field. To begin playing, teams line up at the start. When you say Go! the first players run to station 1 and solves the problem. If they get it correct, they run back and tag the next player, who runs to station 2, etc. The first team to finish all the stations correctly wins!
If you’re working with a small group or an individual student, use a stopwatch for a speed challenge instead of a competition.
FAQs
Teachers, homeschoolers, and parents can make math fun for 5th graders by incorporating a variety of games and activities into their learning. When kids reach 5th grade, math becomes more complex and requires students to apply prior knowledge to understand new and deeper concepts. Games provide a low stress way to reinforce these skills and build confidence.
