Many students struggle with regrouping (borrowing), understanding that subtraction represents "taking away" or finding the difference between numbers, and building fluency with basic facts. Others find it difficult to transition from concrete manipulatives to abstract number work. Personalized tutoring helps identify exactly where a student gets stuck and addresses those specific gaps rather than moving forward with incomplete understanding.

The first session focuses on assessment and building rapport. A tutor will work through a range of subtraction problems to understand your student's current level, identify specific misconceptions, and determine whether gaps stem from number sense, regrouping, or fact fluency. From there, the tutor creates a personalized plan that targets those exact areas and establishes realistic goals for improvement.

Many students show noticeable improvement in confidence and accuracy within 4-6 weeks of consistent, personalized instruction—especially when combined with regular practice at home. The timeline depends on the student's starting point and the specific challenges they're facing, but focused 1-on-1 tutoring accelerates progress because instruction is tailored to their exact needs rather than a one-size-fits-all classroom pace.

Effective practice includes using manipulatives like base-ten blocks or number lines to build conceptual understanding, practicing fact families (understanding that 5 + 3 = 8 and 8 - 3 = 5 are related), and using real-world contexts like making change or sharing items. Tutors often recommend short, frequent practice sessions (10-15 minutes daily) rather than longer, sporadic ones, and will provide specific exercises aligned with what your student is learning in each session.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have experience teaching subtraction and understand how to break down the concept for different learning styles. The matching process considers your student's grade level, specific challenges, and learning preferences to ensure a strong fit. You can meet with a tutor to see if it's the right match before committing to ongoing sessions.

Subtraction is typically introduced in kindergarten and first grade, with mastery of single-digit facts expected by end of first grade and multi-digit subtraction by second and third grade. However, tutoring is available for students at any grade level who need to strengthen foundational skills or overcome regrouping challenges. Even older students sometimes benefit from revisiting subtraction fundamentals if gaps are affecting their performance in higher math.

Yes. Tutors work with students across Honolulu's schools and are familiar with common math curricula and standards. They can review your student's current classwork, understand what their teacher is emphasizing, and provide targeted support that complements classroom instruction. This alignment ensures tutoring reinforces what students are learning at school while filling in any gaps holding them back.