Many students struggle with regrouping (borrowing), which requires understanding place value and managing the mental steps involved. Others find it difficult to visualize what subtraction represents or confuse the order of numbers in a problem. Some students also rush through problems without checking their work. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction can target these specific stumbling blocks and build confidence through practice at the right pace.

Subtraction is essential for everyday situations like making change, comparing quantities, measuring distances, and managing time. When students see how subtraction applies to real problems—like figuring out how much money they have left after a purchase—it becomes more meaningful and easier to remember. Tutors often use practical examples to help students understand why subtraction matters beyond worksheet problems.

A tutor will start by assessing your child's current understanding of subtraction—what they can do well and where they're struggling. They'll ask questions, work through a few problems together, and listen to how your child explains their thinking. This helps the tutor create a personalized plan focused on your child's specific needs, whether that's building foundational skills or overcoming a particular challenge like regrouping.

Consistent, focused practice is more important than frequency—even 20-30 minutes of purposeful practice several times a week can lead to real progress. The key is practicing with immediate feedback and working on problems at the right difficulty level: not too easy to be boring, but not so hard that frustration sets in. A tutor can guide practice sessions and adjust difficulty as skills improve.

Effective strategies include counting up (finding the difference by counting from the smaller number), using number lines, breaking numbers into tens and ones, and recognizing subtraction patterns. Different strategies work for different students and different problems. A tutor can teach multiple approaches and help your child discover which strategies feel most natural and efficient for them.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have experience teaching subtraction and understand how to break down concepts for different learning styles. When you get matched with a tutor, they'll have a track record of helping students master foundational math skills and building their confidence. You can discuss your child's specific needs, and the tutor will tailor their approach accordingly.

Progress shows up in several ways: solving problems faster and with fewer errors, explaining their thinking more clearly, and tackling harder problems with less frustration. A good tutor will track progress through practice problems, point out improvements, and adjust the lesson plan as skills develop. Regular check-ins help you see exactly where your child has grown and what to focus on next.