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The Spring 2024 PAL Awards – Best Toys, Games and Media that Spark Language Development Through Play

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Playonwords.com Presents Their Spring 2024 PAL Awards – Best Toys, Games and Media that Spark Language Development Through Play

PHILADELPHIA, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Play On Words, led by highly respected speech-language pathologist Erika Cardamone, announces Spring 2024 PAL Award Winners, the toy industry’s only recognition directed by a credentialed speech-language expert identifying the language learning edge in exceptional toys, games and media. Erika’s 18 years of child development experience working with kids empower her PAL Award selections, toy and game reviews, blog, media appearances (FOX6 News Milwaukee, abc9 Syracuse and PHL17 Philadelphia), and consulting practice.

Play is a fundamental aspect that fosters language, cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth.

Play is the language of childhood. It is a fundamental aspect that fosters language, cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth. From imaginative play that sparks creativity to physical play that promotes motor skills — play equips children with the tools they need to navigate our complex world.

“If you want your kids to learn about the physical world, let them play with cups and water; don’t lecture them about the conservation of volume. And if you want your kids to learn about the social world, let them play with other kids and resolve disputes; don’t lecture them about the Ten Commandments.” — Jonathan Haidt

Play helps children develop problem-solving abilities, enhances their capacity for cooperation and teamwork, and builds resilience. Through play, children learn to manage emotions, develop empathy, and cultivate a positive sense of self.

With every trip around the sun as a parent of 4 young kids, and with another year of “professional play” that I’ve completed as a speech-language pathologist, I continue to be amazed by the creativity, flexible thinking, and imaginations of children. Being witness to every child practice real life skills is truly incredible. It’s this practice that will create the next wave of inventions, inspiration, kindness and empathy in our world.

The PAL Award continues to seek out the best toys and games that foster learning through play and encourage language development, flexible thinking, problem solving, and creativity. Playonwords.com helps toy brands and consumers alike see the strategic value of language learning in play through its helping to build vocabulary, foster cooperation, express emotion, kindle creativity and expand descriptive and problem solving capacities. The PAL Award on the internet, packaging and in print media differentiates brands who know the marketplace now demands products that are not only fun, but also infused with learning potential. The gold seal with three smiley faces tells customers that more than great entertainment is to be found on the box, book cover or app license.

EARLY DEVELOPMENT: Erika’s experience in pediatric speech-language therapy has given her an eye for the best products to build attention, vocabulary and concepts through play, preparing children for their first sounds, words and sentences. Whether they’re taking food orders, exploring music, understanding turn-taking during gameplay, or using multi-sensory play through movement, sounds, and touch, kids learn essential early language skills.

4-in-1 Learning Hamburger by LeapFrogABC Railway Alphabet Learning Train Set by BattatBaby Squishy Spikes Alligator by VTechBright Explorer Educational Lightbox Playset by BattatECO Junior Sand Set by minilandFlower Whistle by ToyLabMagnetic Calendar by JanodMelody Mansion by HapeNest & Count Turtle Tower by LeapFrogPop and Discover Shape Sorter by The Learning Journey InternationalScribble Srubbie Jumbo Pets, Wilbur by CrayolaStir & Sort Food Court by BattatZooJamz Doggy Xylophone by VTech

READING AND WRITING: As children grow older, literacy becomes a focus in academics. Learning their first functional words and phrases, rhyming words, sight words, and using a tracing pad that allows for letter writing practice, all pick up essential skills to advance reading and writing.

Animal Rhymes Storytime by VTechHot Dots Sight Words Card Set by Educational InsightsLetter Tracing Sensory Pad by hand2mindMarvel Word Around by ThinkFunPastels: Crayons, Markers and Colored Pencils by CrayolaPAW Patrol Academy App by Spin MasterPEEPS EggMazing Egg Decorator by Hey Buddy Hey PalTalk and Teach Bus (Flash Card Reader) by The Learning Journey InternationalTalking Mirror My Sounds by hand2mindTekFun NanoDoodleThe Story of Krit by Grandpa Kevin

LANGUAGE STRUCTURE, CRITICAL THINKING AND REASONING: These outstanding products can build language structure, critical thinking and reasoning, often teaching vocabulary, concepts or grammar while delivering fun. Following directions to create snacks and crafts, strategizing in a majestic mushroom world, working together to race a monster through a cave, and practicing problem solving and flexible thinking during gameplay to promote resilience and innovation through play.

Barn Buddies Floor Puzzle by MindWare’s Peaceable KingdomBig Book of Activities for Little Kids by HighlightsBouncin Billy Goats by MindWare’s Peaceable KingdomDadada by The Op GamesGeoSafari Rocknoculars by Educational InsightsMath Path Monster by ThinkFunMeowdy Partner by MindWare’s Peaceable KingdomMycelia by RavensburgerMYO Butterfly House Kit by MindWareNacho Pepper by MindWarePrickly Path by SimplyFunRubik’s Gridlock by Spin MasterSlideAScope by SimplyFunSlingz by Blue Orange GamesWildlife World Puzzle, Rainforest by The Learning Journey International

STORY-TELLING / PRETEND PLAY: Whether creating stories through puppetry, imagining medieval conversation in castles, or listening to dynamic tales of your favorite characters from an audio-box, children enter the world of pretend, making their own stories with plenty of flexible props to guide their imagination. Oral story-telling precedes writing as kids learn the steps to create a good narrative.

Color Splash Water Park by MindWareCook & Care Corner Kitchen and Nursery by Step2Curious Kingdom: Castle Playset by PlayperDinosaur Adventure Set by BRIOGabbers by VTechGray Mouse Puppet by FolkmanisMarvel Spidey & His Amazing Friends: Black Panther Tonie by toniesMoose State Puppet by FolkmanisPAW Patrol Core Vehicle by Spin MasterPLAYMOBIL Color: Hot Rod by PLAYMOBILPoppinColorz Hydra 2-in-1 Blaster by South Beach BubblesShoebill Stage Puppet by FolkmanisUnpack Your Day Conversation Kit by Learning Resources

SOCIAL LANGUAGE: Complementary to pretend play, social language blossoms when children play with toys and games that encourage extended social interactions. Naming, and recognizing emotions in oneself while defeating a city villain, taking turns during gameplay, or exploring the outdoors with bubble blasters, children understand and manage their emotions, leading to stronger emotional and social skills.

BIZYBOO Easter Hide ‘N’ Seek Busy Bags by Vango ToysBumpas (Shloof and Spring) by Good Soul BrandsDino Dash Up & Down Roller Coaster by Step2Disney Dive N Surprise by SwimWaysEmpower Empathy by TinySproutsMushie by Good Soul BrandsPop Up Pool by SwimWaysReusable Water Balloons by SoppycidSchool Readiness Games by University GamesSplash Mat by SwimWays

ABOUT PLAYONWORDS.COM

Playonwords.com is fueled by well-respected speech-language pathologist, Erika Cardamone. Her 18 years championing language rich play, lead reviewer for the PAL Award, blog, and insightful tips to parents set her apart as the leading advocate for the language component in toys.

Over 10,000 hours working directly with children has shown her that a unique set of the best toys, games and books have the capability to develop language while delivering great play.

Studies show:

Kids with highest IQs at three, had the most words at one and twoLanguage learning is cumulative – early words => early sentences => language & readingMost kids maintain their verbal advantage through childhoodCreative pretend play that sparks story-telling can advance future literacy

Erika hopes that parents will recognize the PAL Award to identify unique toys, games and books that through their design, quality and character, encourage play that advances language. PAL winners in the hands of kids, spark fun and creative play with lots of talk. Such toys, recognized on the basis of her child development expertise, are complemented by practical coaching in her blog, showing parents, caregivers and teachers how to get the most from toys, games and books to build language and underlying cognitive skills.

Media Contact
Erika Cardamone, Play On Words, 1 2032284438, erika@playonwords.com, www.playonwords.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/the-spring-2024-pal-awards—best-toys-games-and-media-that-spark-language-development-through-play-302204960.html

SOURCE Play On Words

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EBSCO Clinical Decisions Appoints Paul Tuten as Executive Vice President

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October 26, 2026

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~ Seasoned health IT executive and former ONC advisor to lead EBSCO Clinical Decisions as it advances its mission to bring trusted evidence to clinicians at the point of care.~

IPSWICH, Mass., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — EBSCO Clinical Decisions today announced the appointment of Paul Tuten as its Executive Vice President. In his role, Tuten will oversee all aspects of EBSCO Clinical Decisions, including strategy, content, product development, and growth. His priorities include advancing the organization’s point-of-care strategy and expanding partnerships that bring expert-vetted DynaMed® content directly into the workflows, platforms, and AI-enabled tools clinicians use every day.

“Paul’s strong and even-handed leadership is an incredible asset as we work to deliver intelligent, evidence-based tools that elevate care delivery,” said Roy Ziegelstein, MD, MACP, Editor-in-Chief and Chief Medical Officer of DynaMed. “His deep technical expertise and track record in academic publishing will help us take the next step in building and delivering trustworthy, evidence-based solutions for clinicians that integrate natively into their daily workflows, reducing friction and improving care when and where it matters most.”

Tuten joined the company in 2025 as Executive Vice President and Chief Platform Officer at EBSCO Information Services, focused on accelerating scalable growth of EBSCO’s advanced knowledge services. Prior to joining, he was Chief Product and Technology Officer at Taylor & Francis, where he led a global team in driving digital transformation and enhancing data governance, analytics, and platform-centric customer experiences in service to academic researchers. Tuten previously built and repositioned health IT organizations focused on clinical data exchange, patient safety, quality measurement, and revenue cycle management, including at Quantros (now part of RLDatix and Healthcare Bluebook), RxAnte, and ABILITY Network (now part of Inovalon). He holds a PhD in Information Systems from Nova Southeastern University.

“For too long, clinical decision support has worked like a paper map. Useful, but only if you pull over to review it and already know where you are. Clinicians need something closer to GPS, seamlessly integrated into the car and proactively guiding them in real time without having to take their eyes off the road,” said Tuten. “At EBSCO Clinical Decisions, our job is to get trusted clinical knowledge everywhere care is delivered. But like GPS, clinical decision support is only as good as the information behind it. With AI tools multiplying and published research outpacing peer review, it’s never mattered more that human experts decide what evidence informs it. I’m excited to help bring this vision to life and set a new standard for point-of-care delivery.”

Tuten has also advised the federal government on health information exchange and interoperability as a Senior Advisor to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In that role, he supported the HITECH Act’s Meaningful Use program and served as a government liaison to EHR vendors on certification criteria.

To learn more about EBSCO Clinical Decisions, click here. 

About EBSCO Clinical Decisions

EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO) helps people find, access, and apply trusted information. Through its EBSCO Clinical Decisions suite of products, EBSCO delivers evidence-based clinical decision-support solutions designed to help healthcare professionals answer clinical questions, support informed decisions, and improve patient care.

EBSCO Clinical Decisions combines trusted clinical content with advanced technologies to support healthcare organizations and clinicians across clinical decision-making, patient care, learning, and research. The suite is designed to provide current, evidence-based information within the clinical workflow, helping healthcare professionals find the answers they need when they need them. For more information, visit www.clinicaldecisions.com. Visit our blog at Health Notes or follow us on X and LinkedIn.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebsco-clinical-decisions-appoints-paul-tuten-as-executive-vice-president-302918867.html

SOURCE EBSCO Information Services

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College Board Launches AP Cybersecurity to Prepare Students to Protect the Digital World

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October 26, 2026

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New high school course builds foundational skills for college, careers, and service as states connect cybersecurity education to national security needs

NEW YORK, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cyber threats reach into everyday life, from scams that steal families’ savings to attacks on utilities and other essential services. Helping students understand and respond to those threats can open doors to further education, employment, and national defense service. College Board’s new AP Cybersecurity course, which was launched in high schools this fall, gives students a place to begin.

In 2025, U.S. employers posted more than half a million job listings requiring cybersecurity skills. Yet many students have little opportunity to learn about cybersecurity in high school or see where those skills could take them.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/college_board/9381153-en-college-board-launches-ap-cybersecurity

AP Cybersecurity introduces students to the work behind that demand: protecting the systems people depend on. Through practical scenarios, students assess security weaknesses, weigh risks, and investigate evidence of attacks. An assignment might ask them to evaluate threats to internet-connected farm equipment or recommend protections for computer networks aboard a naval submarine.

These assignments help students see how cybersecurity skills apply across industries and in national defense. Indiana offers an example of how those connections can take shape. The statewide Cybersecurity Partnership brings together high schools, colleges, employers, and the Indiana National Guard to help students explore routes into further education, employment, and military service.

The course and partnerships like Indiana’s address two connected needs: giving students an introduction to cybersecurity and helping them understand where continued learning could lead. For students, that connection gives classroom assignments a larger purpose. Investigating a security weakness today can be a first step toward learning how to protect a hospital, secure a business, or defend the country.

Interested in learning more? Talk to your school district or high school to see if they are offering AP Cybersecurity or visit collegeboard.org

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/college-board-launches-ap-cybersecurity-to-prepare-students-to-protect-the-digital-world-302918558.html

SOURCE College Board

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Alkami to Host Webinar with Thomaston Savings Bank on Using Predictive AI to Deliver Data-Driven Guidance and Accelerate Growth

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October 26, 2026

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Leaders from Alkami and Thomaston Savings Bank will discuss how financial institutions can use predictive AI and behavioral signals to drive strategic growth and strengthen account holder relationships

PLANO, Texas, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Alkami Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALKT) (“Alkami”), a digital sales and service platform provider for financial institutions in the U.S., today announced an upcoming webinar hosted with Thomaston Savings Bank, “Guess Less and Grow More with Predictive AI.” The webinar will take place Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 2 p.m. ET.

As account holders increasingly expect more personalized and proactive experiences, financial institutions have an opportunity to leverage data to deliver tailored guidance during every interaction. According to Alkami research, 44% of Americans who use digital banking wish their primary financial provider did a better job anticipating their financial needs and goals.1

The upcoming webinar will explore how financial institutions can respond to these expectations by using predictive artificial intelligence (AI) to drive growth across deposits and lending while strengthening primary relationships. Speakers will discuss how Alkami’s Data & Marketing Solution uses behavioral insights and predictive AI to help institutions identify growth opportunities and deliver more personalized outreach.

Featured speakers include:

Kent Blacksher, strategic account executive, AlkamiEthan O’Day, business intelligence analyst, Thomaston Savings Bank

“Data helps us understand how customers engage, but the real value comes from understanding what those behaviors may tell us about their needs,” said Ethan O’Day, business intelligence analyst, Thomaston Savings Bank. “Predictive AI can help us focus our outreach sooner and make it more relevant, while our team’s expertise keeps the work grounded in the relationships we have with our customers.”

During the session, attendees will learn how to:

Identify deposit and lending opportunities using behavioral signalsCreate more relevant outreach for customers and membersRecognize engagement and attrition signals earlierSimplify campaign execution and move from insight to actionBuild marketing strategies that support growth and retention

The presentation will explore real examples of how data-activated campaigns drive faster product adoption, along with insights into how predictive AI can help guide your team’s strategy.

“Financial institutions have more data than ever, but data creates value when teams can turn insight into action,” said Kent Blacksher, strategic account executive at Alkami. “Combining predictive AI with human expertise allows marketing teams to skip the guesswork while building stronger account holder relationships.”

To register for the webinar, visit here.

To learn more about Anticipatory Banking and the Alkami Digital Sales & Service Platform, visit here.

About Alkami
Alkami provides a digital sales and service platform for U.S. banks and credit unions. Our unified Platform integrates onboarding, digital banking, and data and marketing—each solution can stand alone, but together they deliver more—to help institutions onboard, engage, and grow relationships. As the future shifts toward Anticipatory Banking, we help data-informed bankers meet the moment with technology that drives action.

1 Alkami Proprietary Research. 2026 Digital Banking Americans Research Study. Online survey of 1,500 U.S. digital banking Americans conducted March 26–April 22, 2026.

Media Relations Contacts
Vested
alkami@fullyvested.com

Marla Pieton
marla.pieton@alkami.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alkami-to-host-webinar-with-thomaston-savings-bank-on-using-predictive-ai-to-deliver-data-driven-guidance-and-accelerate-growth-302918495.html

SOURCE Alkami Technology, Inc.

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