How Hands-On, Multisensory Math Keeps Learning Fresh All Summer Long 

Summer break is a well-earned and much-anticipated time for students to rest, explore, and recharge. But as educators and families know all too well, the long break from structured learning can lead to a phenomenon known as the summer slide — a regression of academic skills, particularly in core subjects like math. 

While many students experience some level of learning loss over the summer, the effect can be even more pronounced for students who receive special education services or who need additional support in math. These students often rely on routine, reinforcement, and multisensory learning to thrive — none of which are readily available during an unstructured summer break. 

But here’s the good news: summer doesn’t have to mean a setback. With the right tools and approach, families and educators can keep math learning engaging, light-hearted, and impactful—even during the off months. That’s where hands-on, multisensory supplemental materials come in. 

Why Multisensory Math Matters (Especially in the Summer)

Multisensory instruction engages more than one sense (sight, touch, movement, and/or sound) at a time. Research shows that when students involve multiple senses in the learning process, they build stronger connections and retain information more effectively. This is particularly beneficial in math, a subject that is often taught abstractly but is best learned concretely. 

For students with learning differences or processing challenges, multisensory learning isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. It allows them to access content in ways that make sense to their brains, making abstract math ideas more tangible, visual, and accessible.

Over the summer when traditional instruction pauses, providing access to tactile, visual, and playful math practice can make all the difference in maintaining progress. 

The Summer Slide is Real—But It’s Preventable 

Studies estimate that students lose up to two months of math skills during the summer. For students who were already struggling, this can compound learning gaps and make it even harder to re-engage in the fall. 

A multisensory math supplement over the summer does not need to look like more schoolwork. In fact, it shouldn’t. The most effective way to prevent learning loss is to make math: 

• Hands-on: Using manipulatives like counting objects, textured numbers, or themed materials keeps it interactive. 

• Play-based: Turning math into a game or activity lowers the stakes and boosts participation. 

• Consistent: Short, frequent practice sessions are more effective than long, occasional ones. 

Introducing “Solving with Slices”: A Delicious Way to Practice Math 

At TouchMath, we believe in meeting students where they are—and sometimes, that’s at the kitchen table! That’s why we created Solving with Slices, a printable, hands-on math game that uses a pizza theme to reinforce essential math concepts. 

Students build their own pizza using crusts and toppings as manipulatives to visually and physically represent numbers and operations. Whether they’re solving simple addition and subtraction problems or working with fractions and word probelms, they get to do it with pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, and more. 

Here’s how it works: 

• Cut, Color, and Create: Students decorate and cut out their own pizza crust and toppings, turning it into a creative and artistic activity before the math even begins. 

• Solve with Slices: Using a provided set of math problems aligned to grade-level skills, students use their pizza pieces to represent numbers, find solutions, and explain their thinking. 

• Practice in Disguise: Because the game is themed and hands-on, kids don’t feel like they’re doing schoolwork—they feel like they’re playing. 

The beauty of Solving with Slices is that it’s adaptable across multiple grade levels. For younger students, it might focus on counting toppings and simple addition. For older students, it can be used to visualize fractions, multiplication, or even early division.

What Makes Solving with Slices a Perfect Summer Tool? 

• It’s Multisensory by Design: Solving with Slices activates touch, sight, and movement. Kids physically manipulate pieces, enhancing their ability to conceptualize math problems rather than simply memorize facts. 

• It Reinforces Core Skills Through Play: This is not a drill-and-kill worksheet. It’s a play-based experience that reinforces key math operations through tactile problem solving. 

• It Encourages Independent Learning: Whether students are working with a caregiver or independently, the kit is intuitive and student-friendly. It promotes critical thinking and math talk at home. 

• It’s Easy to Use and Totally Portable: Just print, cut, and go. It’s perfect for road trips, rainy days, or quiet moments at home. All you need is a pair of scissors, some crayons or markers, and a curious learner. 

Keep the Learning Going — One Slice at a Time 

Summer doesn’t have to be a break from growth. With the right tools, it can be a time to build confidence, reinforce skills, and discover the joy in math. Hands-on, multisensory activities like Solving with Slices offer a low-pressure, high-engagement way to support students where they are and get them ready for the next school year. 

Whether you’re a parent looking to keep your child’s skills sharp, a teacher preparing take-home packets, or a summer program leader looking for meaningful math centers, Solving with Slices is your go-to resource. 

Click below to download your FREE Solving with Slices Pizza Math Game and see how fun (and tasty) math practice can be.