Identify the tutoring goals and establish a teaching style that balances with the learning style of the elementary math student. Using progress reports and report cards of the student, determine the weak areas to work on. Determine how you will assess the progress of your tutoring sessions. Use quizzes to help measure progress.
Design an organized learning environment and establish a good rapport with the student with several creative activities on hand to attract the attention of the elementary student. Ensure that the area you are tutoring in is free of noise and distraction. Math requires concentration and focus. Establish a good working area with enough space for books, writing materials, and other items that may be needed for studying. The less chaotic an area is, the more productive a tutor can be and the same applies to the student you are tutoring.
Some elementary age students still have a short attention span, and because math requires focus, you may have to work with your student to keep him focused on his learning. Make the teaching sessions short to maintain the student's focus and attention on the subject. Long sessions make the student bored and his attention would drip away from the lesson. Ensure you make the best use of the time allotted for sessions. If you begin to see your student becoming fidgety, consider if it is an isolated event or if you need to modify the length of sessions.
Design and implement a reward system for positive reinforcement. Elementary age students often thrive on praise. Implement an encouragement procedure where verbal praise of students showing remarkable performances are common fixtures while in session. Praise your student immediately for the student to know exactly where she was performing well.