Separate the children into teams to complete assignments. The teams remain constant for a particular period of time, perhaps a quarter or a semester. These students will then need to get to know each other. One example of group building is an Uncommon Commonality game. Each team member should introduce himself to his team and tell a little about himself. The team should think of something that is uncommon that all team members have in common. For instance, maybe every member was born out of state, or maybe every member likes spinach. When each team has had time to think of its uncommon commonality, the class can decide which group has the most outrageous commonality, and that group wins.
Students can use basic flashcards to help them master new skills. Each student creates five flashcards of any questions that she has had problems with during the unit. Students pair up and exchange their cards with their partners. The partner asks a question; and if the student knows it, she's able to "win" back her cards. If the student has any cards she cannot answer, the partner can give her clues. Players switch cards to see if the original questioner can win back all of her cards. Because fifth grade students are able to understand topics more in-depth, encourage them to create flashcards that ask more subjective questions, instead of ones that require a simple yes or no answer.
Showdown is a fast-paced game that allows students to quickly answer upcoming quiz or test questions. With the students in groups, give each of them a piece of paper. Ask a review question and give students time to answer it secretly so that no one else in their group can see the answer. When students have had time to answer, have them flip their papers over and say, "123 Showdown!" Students then flip their papers over to the original side and show their teammates their answers to see if they all agree. If they do not, give them time to discuss which answer is correct and why.
Children enjoy a quick classroom break. Ask students a basic question, such as "How many siblings do you have?" and have them line up in order from the most siblings to least. Tell them that during the game, they have to be completely silent. They can use their hands to show how many they have to correctly line up. Time students to see how quickly they can line up. After that round, ask another basic question and time them again to see if they can beat their first time.