DrSelmaB Math Tatakae: Multiplication Confidence

Math is a Language. Once learners understand the foundations of multiplication, they are ready to build confidence, accuracy, and fluency. Multiplication Confidence helps students deepen their understanding by drawing, reasoning, making connections, and solving increasingly complex problems with independence.

Many students learn to memorize multiplication facts but never learn the story behind the numbers. When learners connect 2 × 4 to a real-world situation—such as Mary has 2 dogs and each dog has 4 fleas—and draw a picture to represent the relationship, multiplication becomes meaningful, memorable, and easier to understand. When coupled with process charts and algorithms students gain fluency and accuracy. 

The DrSelmaB Math Tatakae: Multiplication Confidence (Drawing to Understand) book is designed for learners who have completed Multiplication Foundations or who have already been introduced to multiplication concepts. This book moves beyond the basics and helps students strengthen their multiplication skills through visual models, drawing strategies, academic vocabulary, problem-solving routines, and opportunities to explain their mathematical thinking. Learners develop confidence as they move from understanding multiplication to using multiplication efficiently and accurately.

What Makes This Book Different?

The book incorporates the DrSelmaB Math Tatakae System, a proven framework that teaches learners how to think like mathematicians. The Tatakae Promise Tatakae means to fight, persevere, and never give up.

Rather than simply memorizing multiplication facts, students learn how to:

• Use drawing as a tool for understanding multiplication 

• Visualize groups, arrays, and mathematical relationships

• Recognize patterns and make mathematical connections

• Use academic vocabulary with confidence

• Explain and justify their thinking

• Strengthen multiplication fluency and accuracy

• Reflect on mistakes and learn from them

• Develop perseverance and problem-solving skills

Learn Through the Tatakae Process Charts

Included throughout the book are the signature Tatakae Process Charts, which guide students through a structured approach to mathematical thinking. Learners use drawing, visual models, and step-by-step problem-solving routines to make sense of multiplication concepts and develop confidence in solving challenging problems. These charts help students organize their thinking and build habits that support long-term success in mathematics and STEM.

Topics Include

• The Tatakae System

• Drawing to Understand Multiplication

• Multiplication Models and Arrays

• Multiplication Fact Fluency

• Pattern Recognition and Number Relationships

• The Box Method

• The Traditional Algorithm

• Multi-Step Problem Solving

• Habits of Mind

• Problem-Solving Strategies

• Academic Vocabulary Development

• Family Circle Support

• Assessments to Provide Practice

• Progress Trackers to Demonstrate Growth

• Tatakae Badges to Motivate Learners

Every learner can succeed in mathematics when given the right tools, strategies, and encouragement. This book was created to help students strengthen their multiplication skills, build confidence in their mathematical thinking, and develop the habits needed for future success in mathematics and STEM. Perfect for home learning, classrooms, tutoring, intervention programs, and summer enrichment.

Build Fluency. Build Confidence. Think. Solve. Tatakae!