The biggest hurdle is regrouping, especially when subtracting from numbers with zeros (like 300 - 45). Students often struggle with the "borrowing" process and lose track of place value. Another common issue is fluency with basic subtraction facts, which slows down problem-solving. Some students also mix up subtraction with addition or don't understand when subtraction is the right operation to use in word problems.

One-on-one instruction lets tutors identify exactly where a student gets stuck—whether it's understanding the concept, mastering facts, or applying subtraction in different contexts. Tutors can break down regrouping step-by-step, use manipulatives or visual models, and practice strategies tailored to how each student learns best. With personalized pacing, students build confidence and fluency faster than in a classroom setting where teachers manage many different learning needs.

Formal subtraction instruction typically begins in kindergarten and first grade with basic "take away" concepts using small numbers. Second grade focuses on two-digit subtraction with regrouping, and by third grade, students work with larger numbers and apply subtraction to multi-step word problems. In Fort Worth's diverse school districts, pacing may vary, but these grade-level benchmarks help tutors understand where to focus based on your child's current level.

A tutor will typically start by assessing your student's current understanding—asking them to solve a few problems and listening to their thinking process. This helps identify whether gaps are in basic facts, regrouping strategy, or conceptual understanding. From there, the tutor creates a personalized plan, often starting with a specific challenge and using concrete strategies or visual models to build clarity and confidence.

Regular, focused practice with immediate feedback is key—working on 5-10 problems daily is often more effective than longer, infrequent sessions. Using manipulatives (blocks, counters) or drawing pictures helps solidify understanding before moving to abstract symbols. Mixing up problem types and difficulty levels keeps practice engaging and prevents students from relying on patterns rather than true understanding. Tutors often recommend practicing facts separately from multi-digit problems so students can build fluency without cognitive overload.

If your student is falling behind grade-level expectations, struggling with regrouping, or avoiding subtraction problems, tutoring can help prevent gaps from widening. Early intervention—even in first or second grade—is often more effective than waiting until upper grades when subtraction is assumed knowledge. If your child is in one of Fort Worth's 299 schools and you're noticing frustration with math, a tutor can quickly assess whether targeted subtraction support would help.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in subtraction and elementary math. You can share your student's grade level, specific challenges, and learning style, and we'll match them with a tutor who fits their needs. The first step is simple—reach out to discuss what support would help your student build confidence and mastery in subtraction.