Many students struggle with regrouping (borrowing) when the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit, or they rush through problems and make careless mistakes. Others have difficulty understanding what subtraction actually means—that it's not just a mechanical process but represents real situations like taking away or finding the difference. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction helps identify exactly where a student gets stuck and builds confidence through targeted practice.

During the first session, a tutor will assess your child's current understanding of subtraction—what they can do well and where they need support. They'll ask questions, work through a few problems together, and listen for misconceptions. This helps create a personalized plan focused on your child's specific needs, whether that's mastering regrouping, building mental math skills, or gaining confidence with word problems.

Students are introduced to basic subtraction concepts in kindergarten and first grade, with a focus on subtraction within 10. By second and third grade, they work on two-digit subtraction with regrouping, and by fourth grade, they're applying subtraction to larger numbers and multi-step word problems. If your child is struggling at any of these levels, tutoring can help them catch up and build a solid foundation for future math success.

Mastery typically requires consistent, focused practice over several weeks or months—not just drill-and-kill repetition, but varied problems that help students understand when and why to use subtraction. Research on learning shows that spaced practice (spreading out sessions over time) and mixing different problem types helps skills stick. A tutor can design a practice schedule that keeps your child engaged while building true fluency.

Look for tutors who understand elementary math pedagogy and can explain subtraction in multiple ways—not just the standard algorithm, but also using manipulatives, number lines, and real-world contexts. Ideally, they have experience working with students at your child's grade level and can diagnose why mistakes are happening, not just correct them. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who are skilled at making math concepts clear and accessible.

Use real-world situations like cooking ("We have 10 cookies and ate 3, how many are left?"), shopping (calculating change), or games with dice and cards. Keep practice sessions short and positive—even 10-15 minutes a few times a week is more effective than long, frustrating sessions. Your tutor can suggest specific strategies and problems that reinforce what your child is learning, so you're supporting the same approach.

Many students show noticeable progress within 4-6 weeks of consistent tutoring, especially if they're working with a tutor 1-2 times per week. However, the timeline depends on where your child is starting from and how much they practice outside of sessions. Regular communication with your tutor helps you track progress and adjust the plan if needed to keep your child moving forward.