Showing work reveals a student's thinking process, helping teachers (and tutors) identify exactly where confusion happens—whether it's in understanding the concept, executing the steps, or both. This visibility is crucial because it allows for targeted help rather than just correcting the final answer. When students explain their reasoning, they also deepen their own understanding and catch their own mistakes more easily.

Tutors who work with Varsity Tutors take time to understand your child's specific textbook, teaching approach, and learning goals at the start. Rochester's 25 school districts may use different programs, so expert tutors ask about your child's current unit, classroom expectations, and any specific strategies their teacher emphasizes. This ensures personalized instruction reinforces what's happening in class rather than creating confusion with conflicting methods.

Absolutely. Math anxiety often stems from past struggles or feeling rushed, and personalized 1-on-1 instruction creates a judgment-free space where students can ask questions and work at their own pace. When students experience success on manageable problems and see patterns emerge, confidence builds naturally. Many students who felt stuck discover they actually understand math—they just needed it explained differently.

The first session focuses on understanding your child's current level, learning style, and specific challenges rather than jumping into new material. Tutors assess what concepts are solid and where gaps exist, ask about your goals, and begin building rapport. This foundation helps tutors create a personalized plan for the following sessions that targets exactly what your child needs.

Rather than just showing the answer, tutors help students develop a toolkit of strategies—like drawing pictures, breaking problems into smaller parts, or working backwards. They ask guiding questions that encourage students to think through problems themselves, which builds independence and helps students recognize when to use different approaches. This develops flexible thinking and helps students see math as a set of connected ideas rather than isolated rules to memorize.

Look for tutors with experience teaching or tutoring elementary students and a genuine understanding of how children learn math concepts. They should be able to explain their thinking clearly, ask good questions, and adapt their teaching style to your child's learning needs. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have proven experience helping elementary students build both skills and confidence in math.

Progress shows up in multiple ways: improved grades and test scores, increased willingness to attempt challenging problems, and greater confidence when discussing math at home. Tutors provide regular feedback on what your child is mastering and where continued focus helps. You'll also notice your child explaining their thinking more clearly and catching their own mistakes—signs of deeper understanding rather than just surface-level memorization.