Many students struggle with regrouping (borrowing), especially when subtracting from numbers with zeros, or they rush through problems without checking their work. Others have weak mental math skills or don't fully understand what subtraction means conceptually—they see it as just "taking away" rather than a relationship between numbers. A tutor can diagnose which specific challenge your child faces and build targeted strategies to address it.

During the first session, a tutor will assess your child's current understanding of subtraction—including their comfort with single-digit facts, multi-digit problems, and word problems. They'll ask questions to understand how your child thinks through problems, identify where confusion starts, and learn about your child's learning style. This foundation helps the tutor create a personalized plan that builds on strengths and addresses gaps systematically.

Many students show noticeable improvement within 4-6 weeks of consistent tutoring, especially when sessions focus on specific weak areas like regrouping or fact fluency. However, the timeline depends on where your child is starting from and how frequently you tutor. Building true mastery—where subtraction feels automatic and confident—usually takes 2-3 months of regular practice combined with tutoring support.

Effective practice includes daily fact drills (5-10 minutes), real-world applications like counting change or tracking game scores, and spaced repetition of previously learned concepts. A tutor will recommend specific practice methods tailored to your child's learning style—whether that's flashcards, apps, word problems, or manipulatives. The key is consistent, focused practice rather than long, overwhelming sessions.

Look for tutors with strong math backgrounds and experience teaching elementary math concepts. They should understand different teaching approaches (visual, concrete, abstract), know how to diagnose learning gaps, and be able to explain concepts in multiple ways. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have proven expertise in building math foundations and helping students develop both skills and confidence.

Word problems require students to translate language into math operations, which is a different skill than solving subtraction facts. A tutor teaches strategies like identifying key words, drawing pictures or diagrams, and checking whether answers make sense in context. Breaking down the problem-solving process step-by-step helps students build independence and confidence with word problems.

Kansas City's 24 school districts follow similar math standards, though specific curricula may vary. A tutor familiar with local schools can align instruction with what your child is learning in class, using similar methods and terminology. This coordination between tutoring and classroom instruction helps reinforce concepts and prevents confusion from different approaches.