Fractions are introduced in 3rd grade with basic concepts like halves and thirds, then progressively build through 4th and 5th grade as students learn to compare, add, and subtract fractions. By 6th grade, students work with multiplying and dividing fractions, which is often where many students hit a wall. If your student is struggling at any of these levels, getting support early prevents gaps from compounding into algebra and beyond.

Students often add or subtract numerators and denominators separately (like 1/2 + 1/3 = 2/5), forget to find common denominators, or struggle to understand why you flip and multiply when dividing fractions. Another frequent error is misunderstanding what the numerator and denominator represent, which creates confusion when solving word problems. Personalized tutoring helps identify exactly where a student's understanding breaks down so tutors can rebuild that foundation.

Expert tutors work with your student to build conceptual understanding using visual models, manipulatives, and real-world examples—not just memorized procedures. They diagnose exactly which concepts are shaky, then create a personalized learning path that moves at your student's pace. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who specialize in elementary and middle school math and can explain fractions in ways that finally click.

The first session focuses on assessment and rapport-building. Your tutor will work through a few fractions problems with your student to understand their current level, identify specific misconceptions, and learn their learning style. This helps the tutor design a customized plan that targets your student's exact needs, whether that's building foundational concepts or tackling more advanced operations.

Many students show noticeable improvement in confidence and accuracy within 3-4 weeks of consistent weekly tutoring, especially once they grasp the conceptual foundation. Deeper mastery—where fractions feel intuitive and students can apply them to word problems—usually develops over 2-3 months of regular sessions. The timeline depends on how far behind your student is and how frequently they meet with their tutor.

Your tutor will assign targeted practice that reinforces what you covered in your session—typically 15-30 minutes of focused work. Effective practice includes a mix of procedural problems (to build fluency) and conceptual tasks (like drawing fraction models or solving word problems). Consistent practice between sessions is key to moving from understanding to automaticity, so tutors often check in on homework and adjust assignments based on what's working.

Varsity Tutors makes it easy to find a tutor who fits your needs and schedule. You'll tell us about your student's grade level, specific fractions challenges, and preferred meeting times, and we'll match you with an expert tutor. From there, you can start sessions right away and adjust your plan as your student progresses.