Key Takeaways
Grade 5 introduces abstract and complex concepts that form the basis for middle school math, which many students find overwhelming. To assist students with their struggles, getting the right support at the right time matters. MTS helps prepare your child for success in middle school. Our
one-on-one tutoring goes beyond homework help; it builds understanding, confidence, independence, and strong study habits in 5th graders.
5th Grade Math
If you’ve noticed a shift in your child’s math homework this year, from simple calculations to complex problems with fractions, decimals, and multi-step word problems, you’re not just imagining it. Grade 5 is widely recognized as one of the most challenging transitions from elementary to middle school math.
Many bright students who previously excelled in their studies begin to hesitate when solving math problems and dislike taking math classes at school. Don’t mistake this struggle for their inability. Your child is capable; they just need the right guidance and a little extra support to turn this challenge into a foundation for confidence and long-term success in math.
My Tutor Source can provide your child with that support, whether through flexible online sessions or dedicated private tutoring. Our tutors identify which concepts your child needs and work with them to improve their academic performance. Before we discuss how MTS tutors can help your child, let’s dive into what concepts students commonly struggle with and other challenges they may be facing in 5th grade. 8 Common Challenges in Grade 5 Maths
This grade is where the “easy” math of earlier years starts to become more challenging. Concepts require critical thinking, logical reasoning, and patience. Now, your child doesn’t just need correct answers; they need to explain the ‘how’ and ‘why’, in multiple steps. If one step is incorrect, the entire solution becomes incorrect. Your child may be discouraged by mistakes, especially if they are used to getting “right or wrong” answers quickly.
Here’s a breakdown of the concepts students study in the 5th grade and where they face difficulties.
| Concepts | What Students Struggle With? |
| Fractions | - No more simple fractions, e.g., just identifying ½ of a pizza.
- Difficulty in addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division of fractions with different denominators (e.g., ½ + ⅓) |
| Decimals | - Problem in questions with multiple operations using two or three decimal places, e.g, (3.45 + 2.55 - 3.77).
- Students often forget the order of operations. |
| Multi-Step Word Problems | - No more one operation (e.g, only addition) in word problems
- Missing a step or doing a wrong step, e.g., adding before dividing (division comes first), calculating area instead of perimeter, if perimeter is asked. |
| Long Division and Multi-Digit Multiplication | - Multi-step division or multiplication is tough to understand and solve. |
| Measurement, Area, and Volume | - Struggles with calculating the area and volume of irregular shapes (such as a prism) and polygons due to spatial reasoning not being fully developed. |
| Data Interpretation | - Comprehension problems in analyzing graphs, charts, and tables to solve problems. |
| Algebra | - Weak foundation in earlier grades, making it difficult to solve equations. |
| Coordinate Geometry | - Students learn to plot points on a coordinate plane (the classic x- and y-axis) for the first time in 5th grade, so it becomes a common point of struggle. |
Need help with Grade 4 Math concepts? Read: From Confusion to Solution: How Tutoring in Grade 4 Can Help
Why Extra Support Makes a Difference in 5th Grade
By Grade 5, math shifts from quick answers to reasoning. Students move beyond simple addition, subtraction, or multiplication of small numbers. They are expected to justify their reasoning, tackle multi-step problems, and apply math concepts to real-world scenarios, making 5th-grade math more challenging.
In busy classrooms, teachers do their best, but they can’t always slow down for each student. Some children hesitate to ask questions, while others fall behind without immediate notice. Over time, small learning gaps can widen and become more frustrating.
This is where extra support through tutoring can make a huge difference. MTS Tutoring gives your child the opportunity to revisit earlier concepts, ask questions freely, and learn at a comfortable pace, without pressure or comparison.
How MTS Can Help Your Child In Maths
If you’re looking to provide your child with extra help, whether it may be to improve their grades, overall class performance, or to help them relearn different concepts many times, we’re here to help. With our tutor’s guidance, what seems difficult today can become a strength tomorrow. My Tutor Source offers one-on-one tutoring where our tutors work with your child to:
- Break down complex concepts into small, understandable steps,
- Use real-life examples,
- Work at a pace that builds confidence rather than stress,
- Use visual aids, whiteboards, and class notes to make the sessions more interactive and engaging,
- Adapt lessons to your child’s learning style and the Canadian curriculum, making it easy to follow,
- Encourage questions and celebrate progress, big or small,
- Provide help with homework and exam preparation
- Focus on weak areas and learning gaps from earlier grades (if any), and take tests to ensure complete understanding of the concepts,
- Boost math confidence
Over the course of their personalized tutoring sessions with MTS, students stop self-doubting and relying on shortcuts and begin to understand the subject.
Tips From Our Tutors to Enhance Your Child’s Learning
A few simple habits at home can make a big difference in getting the most benefit out of your child’s math tutoring sessions. Based on what our tutors have found works best with students, here are practical tips for parents to support their child’s learning and help them solve math without nervousness.
1. Say No to Skipping Homework
Homework shouldn’t feel like a punishment or a chore. It’s an opportunity for your child to practise new skills and identify areas where they may need help. Skipping homework often leads to confusion, especially when the teacher discusses homework in the next class.
A helpful mindset shift can go a long way. Try saying, “Let’s find two problems, one you believe you can solve on your own and one you’d like to show your tutor for help.” This turns homework into useful feedback and helps tutors focus sessions where your child needs it most.
2. Tell Your Child the Importance of Reviewing Past Lessons Regularly
Math builds on what was learned before, so a quick review of previous topics, like fractions, helps your child retain knowledge and makes new lessons easier to understand. Try 5-10 minutes of quick review of the tutoring session with your child a few times a week.
Use flashcards, quick mental-math games in the car, or ask your child to explain a concept they learned last week with their tutor. It helps to reinforce understanding without burnout. Encourage your child to ask the tutor to revisit earlier topics if they are stuck or confused. Our tutors work on your child’s past problems to form a good basis for future learning.
3. Encourage a Positive Tutor–Student Relationship
Always keep in mind that our math tutors genuinely want your child to succeed, and strong communication helps make that happen. Sharing observations about your child, both struggles and successes, can help our tutors tailor the next lessons more effectively. Even a quick note like, “She’s finding fraction-to-decimal conversions tricky this week,” can make a big difference.
Moreover, encourage your child to ask questions during their tutoring sessions freely and speak up when something feels confusing. Even though our tutors ensure a safe and comfortable learning environment, a word from parents can reassure them and encourage them to ask questions and clear any confusion.
4. Talk About Mistakes in a Healthy, Creative Way
Mistakes are a part of learning, not something to fear. Tell your child that never making mistakes isn’t the goal, but learning from them is. When reviewing incorrect problems, guide your child gently, asking them, “Let’s find the exact step where things went off track. Was it a calculation slip, or did we misunderstand the question?”
This approach builds self-awareness and problem-solving skills without making them feel embarrassed about errors. Our tutors also help students reflect on mistakes so they don’t repeat them and build self-trust.
5. Encourage an “Ask Early” Mindset
Help your child understand that asking for help early is a strength, not a weakness. Praise them when they bring questions to their tutor, even small ones, by saying, “I’m glad you asked your tutor about that!” This prevents minor confusion from turning into major frustration.
6. Connect Math to Real Life
Help your child see math in things around them. Point out fractions in recipes while cooking (such as ¾ Tb sugar in flour), decimals in sports scores, or percentages during shopping sales. These moments show that math isn’t just a school subject; it's a valuable life skill.
Final Thoughts: Setting Your Child Up for Middle School Success
Grade 5 is more than just another school year; it’s a bridge to middle school. Building strong math skills now helps your child enter the next grade feeling prepared, confident, and capable.
With the right guidance, math doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety and lack of confidence. It can become something your child easily understands and even enjoys. At MTS, we’re here to support your child every step of the way with our personalized tutoring sessions and turn their struggles into solutions. Let’s work together to ensure your child becomes an efficient learner, ready to face Grade 6 maths. To get started, check our tutors
here.
FAQs
Q. Is Grade 5 math really harder than earlier grades?
Yes. Grade 5 introduces more abstract concepts, multi-step problems, and critical thinking, which can be difficult without additional support, especially if concepts from earlier grades are not fully understood.
Q. How often should my child attend tutoring sessions?
That decision is entirely up to you! Most students benefit from 1–2 sessions per week, depending on their needs and goals. We offer tutoring services 24/7, so you can get our tutoring at any time that suits you.
Q. Are MTS tutors familiar with Canadian curricula?
Absolutely. Our tutors are experienced in all curricula followed across Canada, including Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, IB, and Quebec. Depending on the curriculum your child’s school follows, our tutors adapt lessons to make them easier.
Q. Can online tutoring really be effective for math?
Yes! With interactive tools, visual aids, tutor-controlled whiteboards, and one-on-one tutoring, online sessions can be just as effective as in-person sessions.
Q. How can I know about my daughter’s improvement in Math?
We send you progress reports through email, keeping you updated every step of the way on your child’s progress. You can also check our app, where our tutors share their feedback about your child’s performance.
Q: We only have time for one session a week. Is that enough?
Yes, consistency is more important than frequency. One focused session at MTS per week, combined with short, suggested practice in between, is very effective. It provides regular check-ins to clear confusion before it turns into frustration.
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