The Let's Play Learn...
Winsor Learning Launches a New Educational Product for Pre-Schoolers with help from GLS

Its mission is as simple as ABC. Educational publisher Winsor Learning, Inc. wants everyone to be able to read, write and spell. Its multisensory programs help teachers create success by tapping into their students’ unique learning styles.

As a result, the Minnesota-based company has gained nationwide attention for “The Sonday System” and “The Sonday System II” language instruction programs. Now, Winsor Learning is reaching out to pre-schoolers with a new product called “Let’s Play Learn” (LPL).

Cindy Breckman, vice president of product development, knew it would be no small task to launch a product with as many components as LPL. Having built a relationship with GLS since 1997, Breckman knew the printing, packaging and fulfillment aspects of the project would be in good hands.

“One of our favorite things about GLS is their commitment,” Breckman explained. “When we need something, they figure out how to make it happen.”

Admittedly, the printing and assembly process for these kits was somewhat complex. “It’s a very detailed product with lots of pieces,” Breckman noted. The Let’s Play Learn kit contains a 168-page Learning Plan Book, with eight levels of instruction designed to match developmental levels of preschool and kindergarten students. In addition, there are two colorful, creatively illustrated books‹an Alphabet Book and a Shapes and Numbers Book. The kit also includes shape cards, sound/letter cards, color cards, CDs and many other components.

GLS account executive Brian Kingery recalled, “With the launch of 'Let’s Play Learn,’ we utilized just about every piece of equipment we own!” From creative assistance to printing, packaging, and fulfillment through the 24/7 online inventory management system, GLS leveraged its full capabilities to ensure a smooth product launch.

“One of our favorite things about GLS is their commitment,” Breckman explained. “When we need something, they figure out how to make it happen.” — Cindy Breckman, Vice President of — Product Development, Winsor Learning

Indeed, the production and assembly of the LPL kits was a true test of coordination. Winsor Learning furnished the binders, pens, music CD, pronunciation CD, and tote bags. GLS supplied the remaining items, using a wide range of the company’s printing and finishing equipment to produce them. In addition, GLS’ fulfillment department handled the kitting and packaging of all pieces in this project, while the hand bindery department took care of miscellaneous padding, hand collating, shrink-wrapping and hand folding.

Breckman described Kingery as an “I can” person who is up to any task. This quality came in handy, especially when Breckman ran into design challenges. “When I was looking for a high quality way of placing my illustrations that met my budget, Brian introduced me to his creative department,” she explained.

The premedia staff at GLS scanned the original illustrations provided by freelance illustrator Jackie Urbanovic. After they made some adjustments and color corrections, GLS’ creative team, led by Jackie Marthaler, placed the illustrations and completed the layout of the books.

Breckman continued, “The learning plan books, which are at the heart of our system, require lots of editing and detail work.” However, she was motivated by the sheer joy these books would bring to kids. “The subject matter was a lot of fun‹about as fun as it gets!”

Overall, Breckman said it was especially rewarding to develop an educational product that was so “stunningly beautiful.” She said GLS seemed to have a handle on all aspects of this project, which contributed to a successful product launch. Winsor Learning sold the first printing of Let’s Play Learn in two months and is reordering now.

How do you spell success? Winsor Learning admits it sounds a lot like GLS! Breckman said, “If there’s a challenge, they rise up and help us meet it. They are incredible.”