Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who understand the specific curriculum frameworks used across Buffalo's 24 school districts. Whether your student is working with a particular textbook series or following their school's pacing guide, tutors can tailor instruction to match what's being taught in the classroom. This alignment helps students see connections between tutoring sessions and their daily schoolwork, reinforcing learning more effectively.

Math anxiety is common, especially when learning in a second language, but personalized instruction in a low-pressure environment can transform a student's confidence. Tutors work at each student's pace, breaking down complex problems into manageable steps and celebrating small wins along the way. By helping students understand the reasoning behind each step rather than just memorizing procedures, tutors build genuine confidence and reduce the fear that often accompanies math.

Word problems require students to translate language into mathematical operations—a particularly complex task when that language is French. Expert tutors teach strategic approaches like identifying key information, drawing diagrams, and working backward from the answer. With guided practice and clear explanations of problem-solving strategies, students learn to see word problems as puzzles they can solve rather than obstacles to avoid.

Procedural learning means knowing the steps to solve a problem; conceptual understanding means knowing *why* those steps work. A student might memorize how to solve equations but struggle when the problem looks slightly different. Tutors focus on building conceptual understanding by helping students see patterns, make connections between topics, and develop flexible problem-solving strategies—skills that transfer across different types of problems and real-world situations.

The first session is about getting to know your student's strengths, challenges, and learning style. Tutors assess where your student stands mathematically, identify specific areas of struggle (like graphing, multi-step equations, or proofs), and understand their comfort level with French mathematical terminology. This foundation allows tutors to create a personalized plan that addresses your student's unique needs and builds momentum from day one.

Ideally, a tutor should have strong mathematical expertise and demonstrated fluency in French—whether through formal education, teaching experience, or bilingual background. When you connect with tutors through Varsity Tutors, you can discuss their specific experience with math instruction in French, their familiarity with Buffalo-area curricula, and their approach to building both mathematical and language skills. This ensures you're matched with someone who can effectively teach both the subject and the language.

Showing work is crucial—it reveals your student's thinking process and helps tutors identify exactly where misunderstandings occur. In French, this is even more valuable because tutors can see whether errors stem from mathematical confusion, language misunderstanding, or both. Tutors use this insight to provide targeted feedback, helping students develop clear, organized problem-solving habits that improve both their math skills and their ability to communicate mathematical thinking in French.