The ten-year-old now is able to assume personal responsibility for dress and grooming, to concentrate for longer periods of time, and to show better command of time.  Along with a developing sense of humor, there is also likely to be an emerging interest in the opposite sex.  Most of it is talk, and almost all play is in single-sex groups.

Fifth graders have increased strength and better resist fatigue than at earlier ages, but they need about ten-and-a-half hours of sleep to be well rested and healthy.

Many fifth graders express an interest in organized games and team play which is a natural outgrowth of their need for strenuous physical activity.  They also have a strong need for a sense of belonging to a group, team, and especially to the family.

Though ten-year-olds grow steadily more mature and should even begin to make some of their own decisions, they often require large doses of sympathy and security both at home and school.  They also profit from frequent recognition and approval of their efforts.  The curriculum in fifth grade is designed to broaden and deepen the knowledge and processes begun in fourth grade.