Different schools in the Harrisburg area may use different math programs or pacing guides, so it's important that tutoring matches your child's specific classroom experience. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can review your child's textbook, assignments, and learning goals to ensure they're reinforcing what's being taught in class while also filling any gaps. This alignment makes tutoring more effective because students see the same approaches and vocabulary both at school and during sessions.

Word problems require students to read carefully, identify what's being asked, choose the right operation, and show their work—a lot of steps for a 4th grader. Tutors teach strategies like underlining important information, drawing pictures or diagrams, and working through problems step-by-step so students understand the process, not just the answer. With practice and encouragement, students build the confidence to tackle word problems independently and even enjoy the challenge.

Showing work is about understanding, not just getting the right answer. When students write down their steps, they're demonstrating their thinking and making it easier for teachers (and tutors) to spot where confusion might be happening. Personalized tutoring reinforces this habit by having students explain their reasoning out loud and on paper, which deepens their understanding and helps them catch their own mistakes before moving forward.

Fractions are often the first abstract math concept 4th graders encounter, and they're tricky because students have to think about parts of a whole in new ways. Tutors use visual tools like fraction bars, pie charts, and real-world examples (like sharing a pizza) to make fractions concrete and relatable. Once students see how fractions work visually and in context, the symbolic notation (like 1/4) makes much more sense, and they're ready to add, subtract, and compare fractions with confidence.

The first session is about getting to know your child and understanding where they stand. A tutor will review recent assignments, talk through what's going well and what feels challenging, and assess your child's confidence and learning style. This information helps the tutor create a personalized plan that targets your child's specific needs—whether that's building foundational skills, tackling a tough topic, or preparing for an upcoming unit or assessment.

Math anxiety often comes from feeling lost or making mistakes without understanding why. Personalized tutoring creates a low-pressure space where students can ask questions, make mistakes, and learn from them without judgment. As students experience success with small, manageable steps and see themselves improving, their confidence grows—and that confidence carries over into the classroom and beyond.

Look for tutors who understand 4th grade math standards and can explain concepts in multiple ways, since every student learns differently. Experience working with students at this grade level, familiarity with common textbooks and curricula, and patience with math anxiety are all valuable. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have proven experience helping 4th graders build both skills and confidence in math.