Learning Through Entertainment

What is Learning through Entertainment?

Tell Me Who I Am is intentionally and specifically designed to entertain children so that they learn indirectly without feeling someone is teaching or preaching to them.

The learning concepts and educational methodology incorporated into the script-writing and production of Tell Me Who I Am is informed directly by world-renowned educational scholars and is carefully integrated to create an entertaining way to learn. We believe it is important that we provide all children with positive, educational media images and messages to enhance their cultural understanding, historical knowledge, positive values and academic motivation. Based on the feedback that we have received across the country from children, parents, teachers and child development experts, we are confident that the messages and images in Tell Me Who I Am do just that in a fun, adventurous and entertaining way. We call it learning through entertainment. This is our mission and we try to get better at it everyday.

Why Learning through Entertainment Works

• Contains educational content designed by nationally-recognized educators and classroom teachers
• Uniquely combines learningand entertainment to create fun learning experiences
• Utilizes popular Hip-Hop music with positive lyrics to capture the attention of students
• Combines imagination, adventure and entertainment with images and messages about historical role models in science
• Used by teachers and home school parents as a supplemental learning tool to help fulfill national education standards in science, history, language arts, life skills and geography

Learning - The Journey Begins

To give you an idea of Learning through Entertainment in practice, here are the science role models featured or mentioned in the first episode of Tell Me Who I Am, The Journey Begins:

Patricia Cowings
NASA physician specializing in space exercises

Mae C. Jemison
First female African American in space

Benjamin Banneker
Astronomer, made first wooden clock in U.S. and wrote first Almanac

Imhotep

The ancient Egyptian architect, astronomer and physician

Christine Darden
NASA Aeronautics scientist working to solve sonic boom factor

George Carruthers
Astrophysicist and inventor of the ultraviolet camera/spectrograph

Lewis Latimer
Scientist who invented longer-lasting carbon filaments for lamps

The three primary learning objectives for the Tell Me Who I Am series are evident in the first episode:

Science

Most of the above science leaders are connected to astronomy, which is the primary science focus in this episode. Because of the way astronomy is woven into the story, character personalities, dialogue, songs, visual backgrounds and props, children learn about astronomy through an entertaining story and may be encouraged toward a greater interest in science.

History

As the children journey through time, they explore world history through the eyes of each of its diverse characters and learn to appreciate different cultures and historical experiences. So in The Journey Begins they explore ancient Egypt (or Kemet/KMT) and learn about Imhotep. They are introduced to Timbuktu and the culture of the Dogon people in western Mali. In upcoming episodes they visit and learn about ancient Mexico, Ireland and England.

Positive Values

The story, images, dialogue, songs and character portrayals in The Journey Begins reinforce such positive values as family, commitment, hard work, knowledge, cooperation, sharing, diversity, creativity and courage.

Supplemental Learning

Learning goes beyond watching The Journey Begins or future episodes. Learning is also reinforced by the activity book, digital learning kits for teachers and parents, games, music and other interactive features on the website that are extensions of the show episodes.

Viewer Comments

Here's what people are saying about Tell Me Who I Am

Nicole Adewale, St. Louis, MO

"My daughter received "The Journey Begins" for Christmas and we love it! She is five and I have another daughter who is two. I am a busy career mom and so it is important to have videos that are entertaining and educational for us to share as a family. I hope one day to see Tell Me Who I Am as a regular cartoon series or at least a yearly video release. The colors, language, music, and information was coordinated to produce a very exciting video. I eagerly await the next installments of Tell Me Who I Am. Thank you KidPositive for all your hard work!"

Lavonae Overton, Century Christian Center, Lynwood, CA

"All the children wanted their own video after seeing it…We play the Tell Me Who I Am game in class now."

Tanya Homer, Teacher, Rochester, NY

I would love to see more episodes of the videos Tell me who I am. I would love to help my inner city students into a world where they can find who they are. I teach first grade in Rochester City in NY. Are there more episodes? I would like to write a grant to purchase them if they are available. I want to tell more people about the video

By Myeshia Abdul-Hakeemon September 4, 2014

Format: DVD Verified Purchase

Thank You!!! My kids look forward to their daily lessons from, "Tell Me Who I Am" and would love to give them more. Where do I find the rest of the series?

Very Happy Dad: David Lynn Jones, Sr., Jesup, GA

"Yesterday my son received your Tell Me Who I Am video...he was so happy. Throughout the show, he laughed…and got excited about the music and stories. I am a single father that is definitely determined to give my son our story (Africa). Thanks!

Sunya Musawwir (via email)

"I just received the video on Monday past and my husband and daughter watched it together. We truly loved it. We haven’t seen this caliber of animation since Fat Albert. We loved the message to always seek knowledge. Please let me know when the next video will be released so we can order the next video in the series. I will definitely pass this along to all friends and family who have children. I only wish more people had internet access so they could order your videos. Please email me with new video info that comes available. Thank you for Tell Me Who I Am."

Cedric D. Fisher, Princeton, NJ

"I recently purchased one of your "Tell Me Who I Am" videos. At first glance it looked like a good video and seemingly has a solid organization behind it. Still, I was somewhat skeptical realizing I’ve purchased similar videos in the past that after my 3.5 year old daughter viewed it once she never requested to see it again. "Tell Me Who I Am" is different. In her brief life, she’s never taken to a concept like she has with this video. She not only requests to watch it no less than five times a day, she no longer has any interest in Barney, Teletubbies or Elmo. At least not for now. You have a winner here."

Still Beautiful and Powerful in....2010!.....

By May on July 13, 2010

Format: VHS Tape Verified Purchase

"I brought this years ago (for my kids) and loaned it out and never got it back....and I ran across it again on Amazon! ( Who has EVERYTHING!!!!).....smile...and I'm glad I did!...my....(Grand)kids! now got a chance to see what my children saw back then and they (my Grandchildren)...Looooove! it just as much as my kids did back then....it's VHS but they make the combo VHS/DVD systems and we have one...and thank God we do...because some of the best movies ect were on VHS and now you can hardly find them on DVD...that's why a VHS player is a must!...Still.....Excellent!!! for the children....they'll love it!

Just the Beginning

By Shambra D. Johnson on October 1, 2002

Format: VHS Tape

Tell Me Who I Am is a perfect title for this Video. I was overjoyed that I stumbled upon this wonderful educational tool to share with my immediate and extended family. Both the animation and the music were equally exiting to all who watched. Everytime my nieces come over they request this tape as a means of entertainment.
Now when I say, "Hotep" the children know exactly what I mean and they use it frequently. The interest in History has increased tremendously. Still waiting for tape 2.

Tell Me Who I Am; The Journey Begins

By A Customer on January 18, 2001

Format: VHS Tape

I would just like to thank the producers of TMWIA for this wonderful animated adventure. The characters are vibrant and positive, they show courage, and they teach and inspire my children to learn about African History, Great African American achievement, and science using children of Diverse backgrounds. The positive hip hop songs are easy for my kids to remember. The kids watch the video over and over. My daughter felt good about herself when she was able to share with her classmates what she learned about Mae Jemison, Banneker, Imhotep, and the Dogon people of Mali.

YouTube Comments

Rochelle Muhammad July 8 2014

I have had this movie in my possession for my children and me too and it is wonderful! It is a great tool for study and teaching children how to be enriched with their own history that is told by people that look like you and has a sincere interest in helping people of color to be comfortable in their own skin. 

Addi Casseus Shared on Google+ • Jun 19, 2014

Just what I've been looking for to reinforce positive edu of self and circumvent some of the everyday garbage...Had to share! Yay! Now you watch with children and share...:-)

Shatara Goodson Apr 10, 2014

This is absolutely wonderful! I am the Executive Director of a nonprofit organization, Operation Nubian Enterprise (ONE), and I would love for you to send us updates so that we may assist you with promoting this series! Please feel free to send us information and updates at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Thank you so much for this work! 

bcooltrice May 7, 2014

My babies love this! They are one and two and even though they don't understand it they will sit from beginning to end. My two year old will sing "tell me who I am" and dance to the songs and the one year old will watch it with so much intensity its amazing! Thank you for this! I am very interested in purchasing this series!

 ROCSTAGIS May 5, 2014

This is the BEST !!! I am soooooo grateful for this. My Daughters and I enjoyed it from start to finish ! I'd certainly be willing to purchase a full set , and I am interested in helping to promote this JEWEL. What's an email address for the creators of this work ??... Thanks soon much I wish you the best !!!!

mridgaf17 Apr 30, 2014

Asante Sana for this cartoon. My 6 year old daughter and I love it!!! It reinforces all that we are teaching my daughter at home. From greeting family and friends with Hotep to calling Egypt by its proper name of Kemet to Discussing who's Imhotep and everything in between. We look forward to more episodes. Again Asante Sana! Asante Sana! Asante Sana!!! (Thank You Very Much!)

 Meneetalents Apr 26, 2014

WOW!! This is simply great!! Love this!! I will be sure to share this with my children and they can pass it on. Positie African American Cartoons are needed more on TV!!! I love this!

 junior burchall Apr 22, 2014

i absolutely MUST secure this in DVD form and will be throwing my support behind the series. Our family WILL be one of the subscribers. EXCELLENT work, Family!

Sybil Hope Mar 23, 2014

Definitely will purchase the DVDs. All children must learn to be proud of themselves and this will be developed through knowing  "who they are." Thank you for your dedication in changing the thought patterns of children and the world image of our children.

Play Tell Me Who I Am Game

Upcoming Episodes

In future episodes, you'll witness how Harriet Tubman orchestrated the Underground Railroad, how Garrett Morgan invented the traffic light, travel back to England during World War II where Dr. Charles Drew developed blood banks to help injured soldiers. Other stories include:

• Travel back to England during World War II where Dr. Charles Drew develops blood banks to help injured soldiers.
• Manny explores history through the culture of his Aztec ancestors and learns about connections between Olmec, Mayan and Aztec empires
• Cathy explores how the Great Potato Famine in Ireland affected her family's emigration to America
• Travel to Paris where Bessie Coleman is learning to fly airplanes after being denied in the States

Next Episode - A Heartbeat from Timbuktu

The second episode takes the kids back in time to England during World War II where they meet Dr. Charles Drew who developed large-scale blood banks for victims of the war.   We learn about the blood stream, blood cells and the challenges Dr. Drew faced. We even see the Timeship transform into miniature mode and enter the blood stream.   Meanwhile, back in present-day U.S., Manny and Kwame are cooking up a heartbeat experiment at school that parallels the lessons about Dr. Charles Drew. All this happens as Nia and crew face off again with the evil Komo as they get closer to rescuing her parents.