Students frequently add or subtract fractions by combining numerators and denominators separately (like 1/2 + 1/3 = 2/5), struggle to find common denominators, or forget to simplify answers to lowest terms. Another common error is misunderstanding what the numerator and denominator represent, which creates confusion in word problems. Personalized tutoring helps identify exactly where a student's understanding breaks down and rebuilds those specific skills with targeted practice.

During an initial session, a tutor will assess your student's current understanding through informal questioning and simple problems to identify specific gaps—whether they're struggling with basic concepts, operations, or applying fractions to word problems. From there, the tutor creates a personalized plan focused on rebuilding confidence and mastering the foundational skills your student needs. Most students feel more confident after the first session simply because they've had focused, one-on-one attention on their specific challenges.

The timeline depends on where your student is starting and which fractions concepts need work. Students with basic conceptual gaps often see noticeable improvement within 4-6 weeks of consistent tutoring, while those working toward mastery of all operations (adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing) may benefit from longer-term support. Consistent practice between sessions is key—even 15-20 minutes of focused work several times a week accelerates progress significantly.

Word problems require students to translate language into mathematical operations, which adds a layer of complexity beyond just computing with fractions. Tutors help students develop a systematic approach: identifying what the problem is asking, determining which operation to use, and then executing the calculation. Through guided practice with real examples, students build confidence in breaking down unfamiliar problems rather than feeling overwhelmed.

Varsity Tutors connects students with expert tutors who have strong mathematics backgrounds and proven experience teaching fractions at various grade levels. Tutors understand both the procedural skills (how to compute with fractions) and the conceptual understanding (why the procedures work), which is essential for helping students truly grasp the material rather than just memorize steps. Each tutor is matched based on your student's specific needs and learning style.

Tutors typically assign focused practice that targets the specific skills covered in that session—whether that's simplifying fractions, finding common denominators, or solving word problems. The key is quality over quantity: 20 minutes of focused practice on one concept is more valuable than an hour of scattered problems. Tutors can recommend specific resources and check in on practice progress at the next session to adjust the approach if needed.

Connect with Varsity Tutors to describe your student's specific fractions challenges and goals. You'll be matched with a tutor who has expertise in the areas your student needs help with and who understands how to teach fractions conceptually. Most students can start their first session within days, and you'll have the flexibility to adjust the tutoring schedule based on what works best for your family.