After years away from teaching 5th grade, I’m excited—and admittedly a little nervous—to step back into the classroom this fall as a 5th grade teacher. It’s a fresh start at a new school, with new curriculum tools, a new teaching platform, and a renewed sense of purpose. While some aspects of teaching have changed, the heart of being a great 5th grade teacher—connecting with students and guiding them through a pivotal academic year—remains the same.

In this post, I’m sharing my journey: how I’m preparing, the tools I’m using (like Planbook.com), how I’m tackling new curriculums like Eureka Math and CKLA, and what I’m considering for classroom management. Whether you’re a veteran educator returning to the classroom or a new 5th grade teacher starting out, I hope my story helps you feel encouraged and a little more prepared for the year ahead.

Why I’m Returning to the Classroom

This upcoming year marks a return to full-time classroom teaching for me—and not just in any grade, but in 5th grade, a unique and transformative year for students. I’ve taught across all elementary levels, from kindergarten to upper grades, but there’s something distinct about the role of a 5th-grade teacher. These students are on the brink of middle school, learning to take on bigger responsibilities, and beginning to truly find their academic voices.

The decision to return wasn’t made lightly. After working outside the classroom for a while, I missed the daily joy of being with students. I missed morning greetings, “aha” moments, and even the organized chaos of project-based learning. Teaching is a calling, and the opportunity to step back in, especially as a 5th grade teacher, feels like both a challenge and a gift.

Many educators are making transitions this year—whether returning from other roles, switching grade levels, or starting anew at different schools. Every transition brings excitement and uncertainty. My goal is to document mine in real time, offering insights for anyone else walking a similar path.

Preparing to Teach 5th Grade Again

📚 Building a 5th Grade Classroom Library

I’ve been on a treasure hunt of sorts—scouring garage sales, Facebook Marketplace, and donation bins for quality 5th grade books. I’ve found everything from classics like Hatchet and Maniac Magee to engaging nonfiction titles and graphic novels that appeal to today’s readers. Building a diverse library isn’t just about filling shelves; it’s about offering students windows and mirrors—books that reflect their world and expand it.

Even with a structured curriculum like CKLA, a 5th grade teacher needs a rich classroom library. These books will serve as extensions, reading choices, and even conversation starters during morning meetings or writer’s workshop. I’m organizing them by genre and readability to make independent reading as accessible and inviting as possible.

🧠 Refreshing My Understanding of 5th Grade Standards

It’s amazing how much curriculum expectations evolve. I’ve been revisiting Common Core and state standards to reacquaint myself with what 5th-grade students are expected to master in math, language arts, science, and social studies. Today’s 5th grade teacher must balance rigor with accessibility, helping students grow as readers, writers, and thinkers.

In many ways, preparing to teach 5th grade again has reminded me why I love teaching: it keeps me learning, adjusting, and innovating. From prepping units to choosing read-alouds, every decision is made with student growth in mind.

Planning with Planbook.com

One of my favorite tools so far has been Planbook.com. I chose it because of its flexibility, simplicity, and how well it fits into a modern 5th-grade teacher’s life. Life happens—assemblies pop up, students get pulled out, or a lesson just takes longer than expected. Planbook lets me shift lessons forward or back with a simple drag-and-drop.

I also love the ability to link standards directly into my lessons. As a 5th grade teacher, tracking progress toward mastery across multiple subjects is essential. Planbook gives me a clear map of what I’ve covered and what still needs more attention.

Right now, I’m building out the first two months of plans, especially for the new curriculums I’ll be using. I’m also experimenting with adding custom tags like “needs prep” or “requires technology,” so that each morning, I know exactly what’s on deck.

Adjusting to Eureka Math and CKLA

✏️ Eureka Math

My new school uses Eureka Math, which is known for its depth, coherence, and rigor. As a 5th grade teacher, I’m glad to be working with a program that emphasizes conceptual understanding. That said, Eureka requires careful prep. It’s not something you can skim five minutes before class.

What helps is breaking the modules down and identifying where my students might need scaffolding. I also plan to incorporate whiteboards, manipulatives, and math games to keep the learning hands-on and engaging. I’m even exploring sites like IXL  and teacher Facebook groups to find tips on pacing and differentiation.

📖 CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts)

CKLA is new to me, and from what I’ve reviewed, it offers some strong nonfiction-based units with a focus on vocabulary and knowledge-building. As a 5th grade teacher, I love that it integrates content-rich texts that support both literacy and science/social studies concepts.

I plan to supplement CKLA with classroom read-alouds and writing activities that give students a creative outlet. For example, after a CKLA unit on early American civilizations, students could write a historical fiction short story set in that time period. CKLA is a great foundation—but I see it as a launchpad for richer, more student-centered projects.

Classroom Management and Behavior Tools

🎒 Exploring Classbank.com

For classroom management, I’m currently considering Classbank.com, a tool that gamifies classroom behavior and participation using a digital “banking” system. Students earn classroom currency and spend it on rewards. It’s simple, visual, and encourages responsibility.

As a 5th grade teacher, I know the importance of systems that reinforce student agency. I’m also exploring whether I want to use ClassDojo, a paper token economy, or something hybrid. But I appreciate that Classbank lets students track their progress and make decisions in a way that feels meaningful and age-appropriate.

🎯 Setting Classroom Culture

Beyond any tool, my real focus is on building a strong classroom culture. I want students to feel respected, safe, and motivated. We’ll be doing team-building early in the year, using shared agreements, and practicing routines that make the classroom run smoothly.

My classroom management philosophy centers on clarity, fairness, and connection. A 5th grade teacher sets the tone—and I intend to model empathy, curiosity, and perseverance from day one.

Designing My 5th Grade Classroom Environment

Designing a learning space is one of the most joyful parts of being a 5th grade teacher. I’m aiming for a layout that promotes movement, collaboration, and organization. There will be flexible seating, designated reading zones, and subject-specific stations.

I’ve also collected baskets, bulletin board supplies, whiteboard easels, and storage tubs. Having the right tools in place reduces chaos and helps students take pride in their learning environment.

Anchor charts, visual schedules, and student work displays will make the space both instructional and personal. I want every student to walk in and feel like they belong.

Still a Work in Progress

Even with all this planning, I know not everything will go perfectly. I’m still learning the ins and outs of CKLA. I’m still figuring out what management system will best suit my students. I haven’t met my class yet—and that will change everything.

But being a 5th grade teacher isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about staying open, adjusting often, and remembering that the students come first.

Advice for Other 5th Grade Teachers Returning to the Classroom

• 📌 Start small. You don’t have to master every system or resource in the first week.
• 📌 Lean from other teachers. Grade-level teams, Facebook groups, and fellow 5th grade teachers are gold mines of experience.
• 📌 Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t work for your students, adapt it. You know what good teaching looks like.
• 📌 Give yourself grace. You’re human. You’ll forget copies. You’ll change plans. That’s part of the process.

Looking Ahead

As I prepare for the year ahead, I’m filled with a mix of anticipation and gratitude. The opportunity to step back into the role of a 5th grade teacher is a privilege I don’t take lightly. I know there will be challenges, but I also know there will be laughter, learning, and growth—for both my students and myself.

If you’re a 5th grade teacher preparing for a new year, I hope this gave you a few ideas and a bit of encouragement. Feel free to share your own experiences, questions, or favorite planning tips in the comments below. Let’s make this year a great one—together.