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Best Writing Apps for 5th Grade (2026)

Free and paid apps to strengthen grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills for 5th graders.

STSpellingJoy Team
•Last Updated: March 30, 2026
Fifth grade student writing at a desk

Our top picks

Our pick
1

SpellingJoy

Best free

SpellingJoy is a 100% free spelling practice platform for K-6 students. Unlimited spelling games, unlimited tests, 134+ word lists, custom list creation, and progress tracking - all completely free with no subscriptions and no hidden costs.

Best for:Free spelling and vocabulary practice for writing foundationsPrice:100% FreeGrades:K-6Platforms:Web

Pros

  • 100% free - unlimited games, tests, and lists
  • No subscription or hidden costs ever
  • K-6 curriculum with 134+ word lists

Cons

  • Web-only (no native mobile apps yet)
  • Classroom features coming soon
2

IXL

Best comprehensive

IXL is a comprehensive adaptive learning platform covering all subjects from Pre-K through 12th grade.

Best for:Adaptive ELA practice across grammar, writing, and vocabularyPrice:$79-159/yrGrades:Pre-K-12Platforms:Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • Comprehensive K-12 coverage
  • Adaptive learning
  • Detailed analytics

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Spelling is small part of ELA
3

Newsela

Best for reading-writing connection

Newsela adapts real news articles to 5 different reading levels, making current events accessible to students grades 2-12.

Best for:Current events articles at adjustable reading levelsPrice:School pricingGrades:Grades 2-12Platforms:Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • Real news at 5 reading levels
  • Current events keep kids engaged
  • Built-in comprehension quizzes

Cons

  • Primarily for schools
  • Not for early readers
  • Subscription required
4

BrainPOP

Best for engagement

BrainPOP uses animated videos to teach concepts across all subjects for K-8 students.

Best for:Animated videos covering writing concepts and grammarPrice:$119-159/yrGrades:K-8Platforms:Web

Pros

  • Engaging animated videos
  • Covers all subjects
  • Quiz assessments

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Not spelling-specific
5

Prodigy

Best game-based

Prodigy uses game-based learning to teach math, with a newer English/ELA component.

Best for:Game-based ELA practice with writing skillsPrice:$59-180/yrGrades:Grades 1-8Platforms:Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • Engaging game format
  • Free basic version
  • Curriculum aligned

Cons

  • In-game purchase prompts
  • Premium expensive
  • Primarily math-focused
6

Quizlet

Best for vocabulary building

Quizlet's Q-Chat is an AI study buddy that helps explain concepts and quiz students. Combined with millions of flashcard sets, it's a powerful study tool for vocabulary, history, science, and more.

Best for:AI-powered flashcards for vocabulary and writing termsPrice:Free / $36-48/yr PlusGrades:6-CollegePlatforms:Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • Free basic version
  • AI explains concepts (Q-Chat)
  • Millions of pre-made flashcard sets

Cons

  • AI features require Plus subscription
  • Primarily for memorization
  • Less helpful for math problem-solving

Frequently asked questions

What writing skills should a 5th grader have?

By 5th grade, students should write organized multi-paragraph essays, use varied sentence structures, apply grade-level grammar and punctuation, and revise their own work. Strong spelling and vocabulary are essential foundations for fluent writing.

Are free writing apps effective for 5th graders?

Yes. SpellingJoy provides unlimited free practice for spelling and vocabulary, which are key building blocks for writing. Combined with free tools like Newsela for reading comprehension, students can build strong writing foundations without any subscription costs.

How can apps help my 5th grader improve their writing?

Writing apps reinforce grammar, vocabulary, and spelling through interactive practice. Apps like IXL offer adaptive exercises that target weak areas, while Newsela exposes students to well-written articles they can model their own writing after.

Should I use multiple writing apps together?

Using 2-3 complementary apps works well. Start with SpellingJoy for spelling and vocabulary foundations, add Newsela or BrainPOP for reading comprehension and subject knowledge, and use Quizlet for targeted vocabulary review before writing assignments.

Our Verdict

SpellingJoy is the best free option for building the spelling and vocabulary foundations that 5th graders need for strong writing.

For comprehensive ELA practice including grammar and writing mechanics, IXL offers adaptive exercises that target each student's weak areas. Pair either with Newsela to build reading comprehension that directly improves writing quality.

ST

About the Author

SpellingJoy Team

The SpellingJoy team is dedicated to creating free, high-quality spelling resources for K-6 students and their families. We test every app we review and provide honest assessments to help parents make informed decisions.

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