How to Survive Fifth Grade (Girls)

Learn how to deal with friendships. When you're in fifth grade, a lot of people change friends. They can have a different attitude, or a different maturity level, but there's no need to get stuck on that. Try to move on and make new friends.

• Try to socialize with more people and make more friends. In 5th grade, you'll be expected to work/do projects with people you aren't friends with. You have to be open to this if you want to make it through group projects. Make sure you don't have just one best friend. You might go to different high schools or you might not be their friend forever. Most of your friends in 5th grade won't be your friends when you're 20 years old.
• Your old friends might start to get more distant from you. Be prepared for this. If they start to ignore you, don't let it get to you and forget about it. Move on to more important things.

Understand drama. In the fifth grade, the drama starts, people are kissing, they supposedly have boyfriends, there are a lot of bullies, etc. Don't stoop down to that level. Try your best to avoid it, stick with drama free people, and don't get caught up in it. Rely on the friends you have that also don't like the drama. Don't ask for the latest gossip, don't encourage a fight, don't start a fight, and don't start rumors. Stay drama free.^[1]

• In fact, try to squash any gossiping and rumors if you can.^[2]
• If your friends try to get you included in the drama, say no. Your real friends care about your opinions.

Realize your expectations.

• You will not be treated like a little kid. Your teachers and other faculty will most likely be harder on you, and also take you more seriously. You are held responsible frequently, and there are no excuses allowed.
• You are more likely to get in trouble. If you get in trouble many times, or even excessively, people will assume you are a troublemaker. That's all there is to it: just do your best to act well, avoid goofing off, and try to become responsible enough to handle what is coming your way.

Try to stay organized. If you aren't, you will most likely fail or do poorly in school. Have a folder for each subject.^[3]

• On the front of each folder, write the time of each class, and days you go to it.
• If you'd like, you could have a binder, but it's not necessary unless it's required on the school supply list.
• You should have another folder for homework, have a notebook for each subject, notes, and an accordion folder. An accordion folder helps a lot, and often keeps you organized better than a binder.
• You should buy a planner too, unless your school hands out planners to the students.

Socialize! Speak up, make eye contact, and be friendly. You will be the likeable person that people want to be friends with.

• Always remember to smile. Smiling can make you seem more approachable to other people. Chances are, they're just as nervous to be in fifth grade as you.

Do your homework. Be sure to do your best on your homework, because some assignments can help you on future tests and quizzes.

• Write your homework down in your planner, have a homework folder to put it in, and have necessary notes and books to study or help you with homework.^[4]

Fill your locker with necessary things, if you have one. Have extra notebooks, folders, pens and pencils or whatever you think you'll need.

• Decorate your locker. Have a magnetic mirror, a pencil holder, and/or pictures. If you want, place your pictures in magnetic frames.