Award-Winning 1st Grade math Tutors
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Award-Winning 1st Grade math Tutors serving Buffalo, NY

Certified Tutor
Molly
Three years teaching 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders gave Molly a clear picture of exactly which 1st grade skills — like understanding tens and ones, or knowing when to add versus subtract — need to be rock-solid before kids move on. She uses that backward knowledge to zero in on the specific gaps that tr...
Northwestern University
Master of Science in Education
Columbia University in the City of New York
Bachelor in Arts, History

Certified Tutor
Allan
At the 1st grade level, the goal isn't just getting the right answer — it's building number sense so that adding, subtracting, and comparing quantities start to feel intuitive. Allan breaks these early concepts into small, visual steps, using objects and stories to keep young learners engaged and co...
Northwestern University
Bachelors, Biological Sciences

Certified Tutor
Ruth
Young learners need someone who can make counting, number patterns, and basic addition feel like play — and Ruth's years teaching elementary-aged kids give her exactly that skill. Her M.S.Ed from Northwestern deepened her understanding of how first graders build number sense, from recognizing quanti...
University of Chicago
M.S.Ed
University of Chicago
B.A. in English and Theatre

Certified Tutor
Teaching a first grader to add and subtract is as much about confidence as it is about counting. Nick brings warmth and creativity to early number sense, using games and stories to make concepts like tens and ones feel natural rather than forced. His performance background gives him an instinct for ...
Northwestern University
Bachelors, Theatre

Certified Tutor
10+ years
Sarah
First grade math is deceptively important: it's where kids internalize what addition and subtraction actually mean, not just how to count on their fingers. Sarah breaks these concepts into hands-on, visual steps — number lines, ten frames, part-part-whole models — so the logic clicks before the memo...
Providence College
Masters, Secondary Education
University of Notre Dame
Bachelors, Psychology

Certified Tutor
10+ years
Madeline
Counting past 100, understanding tens and ones, and learning to add and subtract single-digit numbers are huge leaps for a 1st grader. Madeline uses games, drawings, and real objects to make these early concepts feel playful rather than intimidating. Her gentle, encouraging style — reflected in a pe...
Johns Hopkins University
Bachelors

Certified Tutor
Hasan
Learning to count past 100, understanding what "equals" really means, and solving simple addition and subtraction problems — 1st grade math is deceptively important. Hasan's experience as a lead teacher in an elementary after-school program means he knows how to keep young learners engaged while qui...
Brown University
B.A. in Literary Arts and Visual Arts

Certified Tutor
Dakota
At the first-grade level, math is really about confidence — a child who believes they can count, compare, and add will keep believing it for years. Dakota brings a warm, encouraging style to early number sense, skip counting, and basic addition and subtraction facts. Her approach keeps lessons playf...
Vanderbilt University
Master's degree
Vanderbilt University
Bachelor in Arts

Certified Tutor
Richard
At the first-grade level, math is really about building comfort — counting past 100, understanding what addition and subtraction mean, and recognizing basic shapes. Richard's PhD training at Northwestern taught him how to break complex ideas into their simplest parts, a skill that translates surpris...
Northwestern University
PHD, Biology and Public Health
Emory University
Bachelors, Biology and Spanish

Certified Tutor
10+ years
Julian
At the first grade level, math is really about number sense: understanding that seven is more than four, that adding means combining groups, and that subtraction means taking away. Julian keeps lessons hands-on and playful, using counting games and simple story problems to make early math feel natur...
Boston College
Bachelors, Political Science and Government
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Frequently Asked Questions
In 1st grade, students typically focus on building number sense and foundational arithmetic skills. This includes counting to 100, understanding addition and subtraction within 20, recognizing basic shapes, and learning to tell time. Students also begin to understand place value (tens and ones) and start solving simple word problems. The shift from counting on fingers to understanding "how many" conceptually is a major milestone in 1st grade math.
Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have experience teaching 1st grade math and understand the specific curriculum approaches used in Buffalo schools. We consider your child's learning style, pace, and any particular challenges—whether that's building confidence with number sense or tackling word problems. Once matched, tutors personalize each session to meet your child exactly where they are.
Word problems require students to translate language into math thinking—a skill that takes practice. Tutors help by breaking down problems into smaller steps, teaching students to identify what they know and what they're solving for, and building confidence through repeated practice with scaffolding. Many 1st graders just need someone to slow down and show them the strategy, which personalized tutoring provides in a low-pressure environment.
Showing work is about making thinking visible—drawing pictures, using tally marks, or writing numbers to explain how they solved a problem. Tutors model this by thinking aloud and asking your child to explain their strategy, which builds both communication skills and mathematical reasoning. Starting with visual strategies (drawing) before moving to numbers helps 1st graders understand that "showing work" is really about explaining their thinking.
Math anxiety in 1st grade often stems from feeling rushed or uncertain. Personalized tutoring removes that pressure by allowing your child to work at their own pace, celebrate small wins, and learn that mistakes are part of learning. Tutors create a safe space to ask questions, try different strategies, and experience success—which naturally builds confidence and a positive relationship with math.
The first session is typically a get-to-know-you meeting where the tutor assesses your child's current skills, learning style, and any specific challenges. Rather than jumping into heavy instruction, tutors spend time building rapport and understanding what's working and what isn't. This foundation helps them create a personalized plan for future sessions that addresses your child's unique needs.
Number sense is the ability to understand what numbers mean and how they relate to each other—not just memorizing facts. A child with strong number sense knows that 7 is close to 10, that 5 + 5 makes 10, and can estimate "about how many." Tutors help develop number sense through hands-on activities, games, and real-world examples, which gives students a solid foundation for all future math learning.
Yes, tutors who work with students in Buffalo are familiar with the math approaches and curricula used across the district's 24 school districts. Whether your child's school uses a specific textbook series or teaching method, tutors can align their instruction to reinforce what's happening in the classroom while also filling gaps and building deeper understanding. This continuity between tutoring and school helps students make faster progress.
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