A Teacher and her Pride

Cindy Coleman, M.Ed. conceived the idea for iKnow Animals, Letters & Sounds at her sister's kitchen table while playing the animal-alphabet game she made up for her nephews. Cindy and her nephews played this game for hours.

As they played Cindy Coleman noticed how excited the boys were about learning. They wanted to know about the animals, and they were able to understand and learn beginning reading concepts easily. She saw their confidence growing by the minute. The boys were proud to play. The animals provided the perfect theme and purpose to teach children how to read.

Cindy turned to her family and said, "I have an idea!" And that was the beginning of Take Pride Learning and Cindy’s “Beginning Reading” dream.

Cindy Coleman assembled a team – no, a pride – that includes educators, curriculum and technology specialists, artists, musicians, animators, digital media and motion graphics developers.

“It was our dream to create an inspiring educational program,” says Coleman. “One that would balance ‘reading readiness’ with joy-filled childhood exploration; encouraging children to dream, imagine, be curious about the world around them, and learn that their contribution matters.”

Take Pride Learning and its products are making a valuable contribution to global preservation and conservation efforts. We believe developing effective communication skills, a solid start for reading and the ability to use science to make a better world gives children an advantage in school. We believe building character and self-confidence and developing self-esteem and a sense of pride gives children an advantage in life.