Regrouping (borrowing) requires students to understand place value deeply and hold multiple steps in mind simultaneously—a cognitive leap that doesn't click for everyone at the same time. Many students memorize the steps without truly understanding why they work, which makes the process feel arbitrary and easy to forget. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction can break down the concept visually and build confidence through targeted practice.

If your child is consistently making careless errors, avoiding subtraction problems, or falling behind their grade-level benchmarks, it's a good time to connect with a tutor. Early intervention is especially valuable because subtraction skills are foundational—struggles here can compound into difficulty with multi-step math problems later. Many families in San Jose find that even a few sessions of personalized instruction can rebuild confidence and close gaps quickly.

A tutor will typically assess your child's current understanding—where they're strong, where they're stuck, and what strategies they're already using. They'll ask questions and observe problem-solving to identify whether the challenge is conceptual (not understanding place value) or procedural (forgetting steps). From there, they'll create a personalized plan tailored to your child's learning style and pace.

Visual tools like number lines, base-ten blocks, and area models help students see subtraction as "taking away" or "finding the difference" rather than just following rules. Many tutors also use real-world contexts—counting change, measuring ingredients, or tracking points in games—to make subtraction meaningful. The most effective approach depends on how your child learns best, which is why personalized instruction makes such a difference.

Look for tutors with experience teaching elementary math and a track record of explaining concepts clearly, not just drilling facts. Ideally, they understand common misconceptions in subtraction and can diagnose whether a student's struggle is about place value, regrouping, or something else entirely. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in elementary math and can adapt their teaching to match how your child learns.

Consistent, short practice sessions (15-20 minutes, 3-4 times per week) are more effective than cramming, especially when guided by a tutor who can correct misconceptions in real time. Spaced repetition—revisiting concepts over time rather than all at once—helps skills stick. A tutor can recommend a practice schedule tailored to your child's needs and progress.

Varsity Tutors makes it easy to connect with expert tutors who specialize in subtraction and elementary math. You can share your child's current level, specific challenges, and learning preferences, and we'll match you with a tutor who's a great fit. Most families see progress within a few sessions once they find the right tutor and approach.