The first session is about understanding where your student is starting from. A tutor will work through a few math problems with your student to identify specific gaps—whether it's foundational concepts like fractions, problem-solving strategies, or test-taking anxiety. This assessment helps create a personalized plan focused on your student's exact needs rather than generic review. You'll leave with a clear picture of strengths to build on and areas to target.

Showing work isn't just about getting the right answer—it helps students think through problems step-by-step and lets teachers (and tutors) see where confusion happens. Tutors teach students to organize their thinking on paper, use clear notation, and explain their reasoning in words. This skill becomes especially important in upper elementary when math moves beyond simple calculations to multi-step problems and word problems that require strategy.

Word problems require students to read carefully, identify what information matters, choose the right operation, and solve—multiple skills at once. Many students focus on finding numbers and plugging them in without understanding what the problem is actually asking. Tutors help break this down by teaching students to annotate problems, draw pictures or diagrams, and ask themselves clarifying questions. Once students see word problems as stories with math inside, they become much less intimidating.

Yes. New Orleans schools use different textbooks and approaches, and tutors connected through Varsity Tutors are familiar with major elementary math programs and philosophies. Whether your student's school uses a traditional approach, a more conceptual curriculum, or something in between, tutors can adapt to match what's being taught in the classroom. This alignment helps reinforce what students learn at school rather than teaching math in a completely different way.

Absolutely. Math anxiety often stems from feeling lost or rushed, which tutoring directly addresses through patient, one-on-one instruction at your student's pace. When students experience small wins—understanding a concept that confused them, solving a problem independently, or improving on a test—their confidence builds naturally. Tutors also help reframe mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures, which is crucial for developing a healthy relationship with math early on.

Understanding patterns is what moves students from just following rules to actually understanding math. Tutors ask questions that help students notice patterns themselves—like how multiplication is repeated addition, or how fractions relate to division. This deeper understanding makes it easier to learn new concepts because students can connect them to what they already know. It also helps students remember concepts longer since they're based on understanding, not memorization.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who work with elementary students in New Orleans. You can share your student's grade level, specific challenges (like word problems or fractions), and preferred schedule, and we'll match them with a tutor who fits those needs. Most students benefit from starting with 1-2 sessions per week, though the right frequency depends on how much support your student needs and your goals.