Many students struggle with regrouping (borrowing), which requires understanding place value and the relationship between tens and ones. Others find word problems confusing because they must first identify when subtraction is needed rather than addition. Some students also rush through problems or lack fluency with basic facts, which slows them down on timed assessments. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction helps identify exactly where a student gets stuck and builds confidence through targeted practice.

A tutor will assess your student's current level by reviewing their understanding of basic facts, place value, and regrouping strategies. They'll ask questions to identify specific gaps—whether the challenge is conceptual understanding or just needing more practice. From there, the tutor creates a personalized plan focused on your student's learning style and goals, whether that's building confidence, improving speed, or preparing for a specific assessment.

Fluency timelines vary depending on a student's starting point and how frequently they practice. Most students see noticeable improvement within 4-6 weeks of consistent, targeted tutoring combined with regular practice at home. The key is consistent reinforcement—students who practice 10-15 minutes daily alongside weekly tutoring sessions typically progress faster than those with sporadic practice. A tutor can recommend specific strategies and games to make daily practice engaging.

Word problems require students to read carefully, identify what operation is needed, and then compute correctly. Tutors teach strategies like underlining key numbers, drawing pictures or using manipulatives, and rephrasing the problem in their own words. Breaking word problems into these steps removes confusion and builds the reasoning skills students need. With guided practice, students become more confident recognizing when subtraction is the right choice.

Parents can reinforce tutoring by practicing basic facts for 5-10 minutes daily using flashcards, apps, or games. Real-world practice helps too—counting change, comparing prices at the store, or figuring out how many items are left builds practical understanding. It's important to stay patient and positive; if your student gets frustrated, take a break rather than pushing through. Your tutor can suggest specific activities tailored to your student's level and learning style.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have experience teaching subtraction and understand the learning challenges students face. We consider your student's grade level, learning style, schedule, and specific goals when making a match. You can discuss your student's needs directly with potential tutors and choose the one who feels like the best fit for your family.

Good signs include faster computation on basic facts, fewer errors on regrouping problems, and growing confidence tackling word problems independently. Your tutor will track progress through regular assessments and provide feedback on specific skills improving. You should also see progress reflected in classroom work and quizzes. Discussing progress regularly with your tutor helps ensure the tutoring plan stays focused on your student's goals.