Wild Math Curriculum: Fifth Grade

Wild Math uses a child-directed, experiential approach that makes math feel like play. The curriculum avoids rigid lectures or rote memorization, instead encouraging discovery through games, scavenger hunts, and open-ended projects. For example, children might learn multiplication by arranging pinecones into arrays or study angles by building stick forts. Seasonal themes (like measuring snowfall or tallying fall leaves) keep lessons fresh and relevant. Printable aids and minimal prep make it accessible for parents, while the focus on outdoor time supports mental health and creativity alongside math skills.

Wild Math is an ideal fit for hands-on, nature-loving learners who thrive outside a traditional classroom. It works well for homeschoolers, unschoolers, or families seeking to reduce screen time while meeting core math standards. The curriculum suits active children who learn best through movement and tactile experiences, as well as those who resist pencil-and-paper drills. It’s also a strong match for educators inspired by Charlotte Mason or Waldorf philosophies, or for neurodivergent students who benefit from multi-sensory learning. Urban families can adapt many activities to parks or backyards.

Wild Math may not be the best fit for families who prefer a structured, workbook-heavy approach or who need rigorous alignment with traditional school benchmarks. It might challenge those with limited access to outdoor spaces (though urban adaptations are possible). Students who thrive on digital interactivity or fast-paced drills may find the pace too open-ended. Additionally, families seeking faith-based content or high school–level math (like algebra) will need to supplement with other resources, as Wild Math focuses on early elementary foundations.

Wild Reading is a good fit for children with ADHD because it offers a flexible, engaging, and multisensory approach that helps maintain focus and interest. Each week is anchored by an imaginative story that captures attention and creates a meaningful context for learning. The hands-on activities—like building words, drawing letters, moving outdoors, and exploring nature—give kids the chance to move their bodies and learn through doing, which can be especially helpful for those who struggle with sitting still. The consistent weekly rhythm provides structure without being rigid, allowing families to adjust the pace based on the child’s energy and attention levels.

Wild Reading can be a good fit for children with dyslexia because it combines structured, science-based phonics instruction with a gentle, multisensory approach that supports diverse learning needs. The program introduces letter sounds and phonics skills sequentially, helping children build a strong foundation in decoding. Its hands-on activities, such as using a moveable alphabet and engaging with stories, tap into visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles—an approach often recommended for dyslexic learners. The rhythm and repetition built into each week, along with decodable books and explicit instruction, offer the kind of consistency and practice that many children with dyslexia benefit from.

Wild Reading contains weekly plans that follow a weekly rhythm. Other than prepping materials and gathering some books, it is considered open and go! I do suggest that you read or quickly look over the chapter before each week.

Due to the nature of digital products, there is no way to return the product after it is received. Therefore, all sales are final. We know this is disappointing! Unfortunately, people abuse returning digital products to gain free copies.

Both levels of Wild Reading™ have a list of material on their info pages.

The main required materials needed for Level 1 are:

Bob Books Beginning Readers ($10)
Fun Tales Readers ($20)
Moveable alphabet (DIY versions up to around $30)
Sidewalk chalk (varies $1-10 depending on where you purchase and how much)
Materials for level 2:

Field guides for your geographic area
Moveable alphabet (DIY versions up to around $30)
Sidewalk chalk (varies $1-10 depending on where you purchase and how much)
The Alphabet Series Volume 2 by Frances Bloom and Mary Geiger (Books 19-29) (available at Rainbow Resources, School Specialty, and Christian Book all have international shipping) (See below about a digital alternative if these are unavailable or out of your budget)
If you are unable to source the Alphabet Book Series or they are out of your budget, I suggest these digital readers instead. Please be aware that these are not a perfect substitution, the sight words and skills may not align perfectly and are much shorter than the Alphabet Book Series.

I suggest the following digital readers from Grade School Snapshots on the Teachers Pay Teachers Website. The four sets of readers are approximately $24 plus printing costs.

Set 7, 8, 11, 12, and 14 of the Decodable Readers to Support the Science of Reading by Grade School Snapshots found at: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Grade-School-Snapshots/Category/Decodable-Books-487112

See the alternative reader sequence here