Many students struggle with regrouping when the ones digit in the top number is smaller than the ones digit being subtracted. Others mix up the order of numbers or lose track of place value when working with larger numbers. Some students also find it difficult to connect subtraction to real-world contexts or to recognize when subtraction is the correct operation in word problems. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction helps identify exactly where a student is getting stuck and builds confidence through targeted practice.

Tutors work at your child's pace, breaking down complex concepts into manageable steps and celebrating small wins along the way. This personalized approach reduces math anxiety and helps students see subtraction as logical rather than intimidating. With consistent practice and immediate feedback, students develop fluency and realize they can tackle problems independently, which builds lasting confidence in math.

Expert tutors use a variety of methods including visual models (number lines, base-ten blocks), counting strategies, and the standard algorithm—adapting based on what works best for each student. They also incorporate real-world scenarios like money and measurement to make subtraction meaningful. Regular practice with feedback helps students internalize strategies and move toward automaticity with basic facts.

The first session focuses on understanding your child's current level, identifying specific areas of difficulty, and building rapport. A tutor will work through a few subtraction problems to see which strategies your child uses, where misconceptions exist, and what learning style works best. This assessment guides the tutoring plan so sessions are targeted and efficient from day one.

Many students show noticeable progress within 4-6 weeks of consistent tutoring, especially when they receive personalized instruction tailored to their specific challenges. However, the timeline depends on factors like the student's starting point, frequency of sessions, and how much they practice between sessions. Regular tutoring combined with homework reinforcement accelerates progress and helps students move from struggling with concepts to solving problems with confidence.

Practice is essential for building automaticity with basic facts and reinforcing regrouping strategies. However, practice works best when it's purposeful and targeted—focusing on specific skills rather than random worksheets. Tutors design practice sessions that use spaced repetition and gradually increase difficulty, helping students retain what they've learned and apply it to new problems.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in subtraction and understand how to teach it effectively to students at different levels. You can share your child's specific needs and learning style, and we'll match you with a tutor who's a great fit. The process is straightforward—once matched, you can schedule sessions that work with your family's schedule and start building math confidence right away.