Many students struggle with regrouping (borrowing) when subtracting larger numbers, and some find it difficult to visualize what subtraction means conceptually. Others rush through problems without checking their work or understanding why they're borrowing from the tens place. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction helps identify exactly where a student gets stuck and builds confidence through targeted practice.

Effective approaches include using manipulatives (like blocks or number lines) to make subtraction concrete and visual, breaking problems into smaller steps, and practicing with real-world scenarios (like "you have 10 apples and eat 3, how many are left?"). Tutors often combine multiple strategies to match how each student learns best, reinforcing concepts through repeated practice and positive feedback.

Subtraction fluency—being able to solve basic facts quickly and accurately—usually develops over several months with consistent, focused practice. Research on learning shows that spaced repetition and varied practice formats (flashcards, word problems, games) are more effective than massed drills. A tutor can create a customized practice schedule and track progress to keep students motivated and on track.

Regrouping requires students to understand place value deeply and to think about numbers in flexible ways—breaking apart tens into ones, for example. Many students memorize the steps without truly grasping why regrouping works, which leads to careless mistakes. A tutor can use visual models and step-by-step explanations to build genuine understanding, not just procedural memory.

The first session is typically an assessment where a tutor will ask your child to solve a variety of subtraction problems to identify strengths, gaps, and learning style preferences. The tutor will explain their findings, discuss your goals, and outline a personalized plan moving forward. This foundation helps ensure every subsequent lesson builds exactly where your student needs it most.

With Staten Island's 9 school districts serving over 61,000 students, instructional pacing and individual attention can vary widely. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who provide personalized instruction tailored to your child's pace and learning style, filling gaps quickly and building confidence. Whether your student is slightly behind or needs more intensive support, a tutor can create a focused plan to get them caught up and moving forward.

Word problems require students to translate language into mathematical operations, which adds a layer of complexity. Effective strategies include reading the problem aloud, identifying key numbers and the question being asked, and drawing pictures or using objects to represent the situation. Tutors often model this process step-by-step and give students plenty of guided practice so they develop confidence tackling unfamiliar problems independently.