Question 1

What math skills should my 1st grader be learning?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

How does Varsity Tutors match my child with a 1st grade math tutor in Buffalo?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

My 1st grader struggles with word problems. How can tutoring help?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

How can I help my child learn to show their math work?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

My child gets frustrated with math. How do tutors help build confidence?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What should I expect during my child's first tutoring session?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

What does 'number sense' mean, and why is it important in 1st grade?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Do tutors in Buffalo know the local school curriculum?

Accepted Answer

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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