Students typically begin learning subtraction in first or second grade after they've mastered counting, number recognition, and basic addition. If your child can count forward and backward, understand "more" and "less," and solve simple addition problems, they're likely ready for subtraction. If your child is struggling or seems frustrated, a tutor can assess their foundational skills and determine if they need to review prerequisite concepts before moving forward.

Effective strategies include using visual aids like number lines, manipulatives (blocks or counters), and drawing pictures to represent the problem. The "counting up" strategy—finding how many numbers you need to add to the smaller number to reach the larger one—is also helpful for building intuition. Breaking larger subtraction problems into smaller, simpler steps makes them less overwhelming. Expert tutors use a mix of these approaches to find what clicks best for each student.

Regrouping (borrowing) is one of the trickiest parts of subtraction because it requires understanding place value. Start with concrete manipulatives like base-10 blocks or bundled straws to show how 10 ones equal 1 ten, making the concept tangible. Practice with problems that don't require regrouping first, then gradually introduce regrouping problems. A tutor can model the process step-by-step and provide plenty of guided practice to build confidence.

In the first session, a tutor will assess your child's current understanding of subtraction, identify specific areas of difficulty, and learn their learning style and pace. They'll ask questions about what your child already knows and what's causing frustration. Based on this, the tutor will create a personalized plan and often work through a few problems together to establish a baseline and build rapport. This foundation helps ensure all future sessions are targeted and effective.

Like any skill, subtraction requires consistent, spaced practice over time. Most students benefit from regular practice sessions of 10-15 minutes several times a week rather than cramming. The key is mixing practice with feedback—working through problems, checking answers, and understanding mistakes. A tutor helps ensure practice is productive by catching misconceptions early and adjusting difficulty as your child builds confidence and accuracy.

With an average student-teacher ratio of 17.6:1 across Minneapolis schools, individual attention for struggling learners can be limited. If your child is falling behind in subtraction or needs extra reinforcement beyond classroom instruction, personalized tutoring provides the one-on-one focus needed to close gaps. Tutors can work at your child's pace and use strategies tailored to their learning style, which is especially valuable when classroom time is stretched thin.

Look for tutors with experience teaching elementary math and a strong understanding of how children learn foundational concepts. They should be able to explain why regrouping works, not just how to do it, and adapt their teaching based on what your child needs. Patience, clear communication, and the ability to break complex ideas into simple steps are essential. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have been vetted for both subject knowledge and teaching ability.