Many students struggle with regrouping (borrowing) when the ones digit in the bottom number is larger than the top number, or when working with larger numbers. Others have difficulty understanding subtraction conceptually—knowing when to subtract versus add in word problems—or lose track of place value when solving multi-digit problems. Anxiety around timed math drills can also slow progress, even when students understand the concept.

Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to identify exactly where your child is getting stuck—whether it's conceptual understanding, procedural steps, or confidence with specific problem types. Tutors can use targeted strategies, visual models, and practice tailored to your child's learning style, moving at a pace that builds mastery without frustration. With consistent, focused practice and immediate feedback, most students see significant improvement in both accuracy and speed.

The first session is an assessment and relationship-building opportunity. The tutor will work through some subtraction problems with your child to understand their current skill level, identify specific gaps, and learn how they best learn. This helps the tutor create a personalized plan for the following sessions. You'll also discuss your goals—whether it's building fluency, understanding regrouping, or boosting confidence before a benchmark test.

Many students show noticeable improvement within 4-6 weeks of consistent tutoring, especially when sessions are paired with practice at home. The timeline depends on your child's starting point and the specific challenges they're facing. Regular practice and reinforcement between sessions accelerate progress—even 10-15 minutes of daily practice can make a meaningful difference alongside tutoring.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have strong backgrounds in elementary math instruction and proven experience helping students master foundational skills like subtraction. Many tutors are certified teachers, have specialized training in math instruction, or have years of experience working with students at various skill levels. All tutors are carefully selected to ensure they can explain concepts clearly and adapt their teaching to each student's needs.

Practice with real-world contexts helps—using money, snacks, or toys to model subtraction makes it tangible. Encourage your child to use fingers, number lines, or drawings if needed; these are helpful tools, not crutches. Short, frequent practice sessions (10-15 minutes) are more effective than long cramming sessions, and celebrating effort and progress builds confidence. Your tutor can suggest specific practice activities and strategies tailored to your child's needs.

Varsity Tutors makes it easy to connect with expert subtraction tutors for students in Jacksonville. Share your child's current level, specific challenges, and your goals, and we'll match you with a tutor who's a great fit. You can start with a single session to see how it goes, or set up a regular schedule depending on what works best for your family.