Homework is meant to help students learn. But for many children, the mere mention of the word "homework" conjures feelings of fear, anxiety, or boredom. Instead of being a tool for growth and a stepping stone toward academic excellence, homework becomes a thing of dread.

Fifth grade is an exciting time for young learners. It’s a year where many students explore clubs and sports, form new friendships, and take on new responsibilities. They also may take field trips, join class projects, and do other activities that allow them to explore and learn outside the classroom.

If you’ve noticed your child frowning at their math homework, you’re not alone. Many kids struggle when lessons shift from flat shapes to 3D objects. They often confuse area with volume, treat formulas like rules to memorize, and struggle to see how math connects to their daily life. That can be frustrating for parents and teachers who want learning to feel meaningful. On the bright side, there’s a way to make it click. Imagine filling a box with toys or pouring water into a bottle. That’s volume in action! Once kids understand this, math can feel less abstract and more practical.

Circles, squares, triangles-geometry is everywhere. A slice of pizza forms a triangle, a soccer ball shows a pattern of hexagons, and a stop sign is an octagon. These shapes aren’t just fun to spot;they’re the first step in showing kids the answer to “What is geometry?” and explaining how it’s used in everyday life. When children notice how shapes fit together, they begin building spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills early on.

Give your child's brain some exercise with these riddles for kids. See how many you can solve together, from easy to hard (and some funny ones, too!). Updated for October 2025

Fun ideas to reinforce math skills at home can help younger children build number sense and strengthen early math skills in ways that feel natural and engaging. Everyday math activities, such as cooking, board games, or interactive learning tools, can help kids connect new concepts to real life while making practice fun. Explore more strategies and activities in this guide.