A girl smiling while studying in front of a laptop

G5–6 Math Lab

Students learn Pre-Algebra concepts by solving ratio, proportion, and basic equation problems written in English.

They also study factors and multiples, fraction and decimal operations, and solid figures, and write out solutions to written-answer problems in PEEL order.

What your child learns in grades 5–6

The Math Lab levels before and after
  1. G3–4Fractions, decimals, and basic shapesEasy Word Problems in English
  2. G5–6Ratios, proportions, and basic equationsPre-AlgebraThis level
  3. G7–8Integers, rational numbers, linear equations, and functionsPre-Algebra / Algebra 1 · KS3 Math
Your child learns the same concepts in Korean school math and in English problems

Korean school math: G5–6

  • Ratios and proportions
  • Basic equations
  • Solid figures

Solving them again in English

  • Solve them in US-style English Word Problems
  • Pre-Algebra: use a letter for an unknown value and write the relationship between quantities as an equation

School units in Grade 5 and Grade 6

Korean school math units from Grade 5 (mixed operations, factors and multiples, fraction calculations, rectangular prisms) to Grade 6 (dividing fractions and decimals, ratios and proportions, solid figures)
  1. Grade: Grade 5

    Korean school math units: Mixed operations, factors and multiples, simplifying fractions and finding common denominators
    Adding, subtracting, and multiplying fractions; multiplying decimals
    Number ranges and rounding, averages and probability, patterns
    Congruence and symmetry, perimeter and area, rectangular prisms

  2. Grade: Grade 6

    Korean school math units: Dividing fractions and decimals
    Ratios and proportions, graphs
    Prisms and pyramids
    Volume and surface area, solid figures from different views
    Circles, cylinders, cones, and spheres

Solve independently, then redo mistakes

Each class starts with the last assignment and the problems your child got wrong. After learning the new concept from examples, your child solves key problems and applied problems.

How students solve an English word problem

  • Find the conditions

    Students read the English word problem and mark the given information and the value to find separately.

  • Set up the equation

    Students turn the conditions into a proportion or an equation with an unknown x.

  • Redo problems they got wrong

    Students find whether the error was in the conditions, the equation, or the calculation, then solve again without help.

Explain the reasoning, out loud and in writing

After finding the answer, students explain out loud why they set up the equation. On written-answer problems, they write the solution in PEEL order.

Writing a solution in PEEL order

  1. Write the answer firstPoint
  2. Write the equation and calculations that support itEvidence
  3. Explain why they set up that equationExplanation
  4. Finish by checking that the conclusion answers the questionLink

Explaining the reasoning with English math terms

As in an English textbook example, students use the commutative property and the associative property to explain why they group and multiply 2·5 and 25·4 first.

English textbook example that computes 2·3·25·5·4·10 using the commutative and associative properties of multiplication, with the groupings and in-between values marked in red pen
An English textbook example with the grouping order marked in red pen

Review and challenge problems

How much time goes to review and to challenge problems depends on how well each student understands Pre-Algebra concepts. Challenge problems start once your child can solve problems from school units on their own and explain the solution.

Grades 5–6 extension work: practice reasoning and patterns, then adjust the balance of introductory algebra and advanced work to the student's readiness
  1. Problems: School unit review

    How students solve them: Students redo problems from their current school unit and go back over concepts they didn't fully learn in earlier grades.

  2. Problems: Challenge problems

    How students solve them: Students solve multi-step reasoning and pattern problems, deciding the order of steps before they start.

A quiz every class checks what your child learned

Each quiz checks the answer and whether your child can explain why they set up the equation. Quiz results and instructor comments go to parents too. See how parents get progress updates

What to settle before your child starts

If you want a clear picture of the unit your child is on and how well they read English word problems, they can take a diagnostic assessment.

What to settle · What we'll go over in consultation

Starting unit
Concepts to learn first, and what it takes to move to the G7–8 level
Textbooks
The textbooks that fit your child's level and goals

Explore other grades and courses

*Hover over or tap a card to see the details and its link.

  • CourseG3–4 Math Lab

    What you'll find
    The level before this one, for relearning fraction and decimal calculations
    Link
    See G3–4 Math Lab

  • CourseG7–8 Math Lab

    What you'll find
    The middle school level that follows the Grade 6 units
    Link
    See G7–8 Math Lab

  • CourseG1–6 special programs

    What you'll find
    Prep programs for tests and competitions, such as the SCAT and the National Math Achievement Competition
    Link
    See G1–6 special programs

Plan your child's G5–6 Math Lab classes

Let us know which unit your child is studying and what trips them up in English word problems, and we'll choose together what they start with.

See how enrollment works
Back to top