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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

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SOURCE Play On Words

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ADX welcomes Morgan Stanley as the first international investment bank Remote Trading Member, expanding global access to Abu Dhabi’s capital markets

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ABU DHABI, UAE, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) Group today announced that Morgan Stanley, a leading investment bank and financial services company, has joined the ADX as its first international investment bank Remote Trading Member — enabling Morgan Stanley’s clients to access the ADX directly.

This milestone strengthens ADX’s global connectivity and supports growing international institutional demand for exposure to UAE markets. It also reinforces its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing exchanges by market capitalization, while highlighting the market’s continued progress in depth, liquidity, and inclusion in major global indices.

Remote membership enables Morgan Stanley to provide its clients with direct market access to the ADX, with trading conducted via the firm’s global trading platform. The ADX continues to play a pivotal role in advancing Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic ambitions, as a mechanism for a diversified, innovation-led, knowledge-based economy.

Morgan Stanley’s direct trading access to ADX reflects the strength of Abu Dhabi’s investment proposition and the continued institutionalization of UAE capital markets. Morgan Stanley’s membership will enhance execution quality, optimize order routing, and provide greater control across the end-to-end trade lifecycle, delivering an advanced trading experience for global investors.

The structure follows a proven international access model used by Morgan Stanley and is designed to meet growing client demand for efficient, transparent, and seamless access to ADX-listed opportunities.

Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) Group, said: “This marks a significant step in advancing our ambition to be a leading financial marketplace that drives opportunity and sustainable economic growth. This momentum is reflected in the strong foreign investor participation, with trading value exceeding 85 billion dirhams in the first quarter of 2026 up by 22% year on year. This performance underscores the growing depth and global relevance of our market, while reinforcing our commitment to expanding international access, strengthening cross-border connectivity, and building a world-class market infrastructure that attracts global capital, supports a diverse range of issuers and contributes to Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic prosperity.”

Patrick Delivanis, Regional Co-Head of MENA at Morgan Stanley, said: “Becoming a Remote Trading Member of ADX reflects our focus on providing clients with efficient, seamless access to Abu Dhabi’s capital markets through our market–leading trading platform. We see continued momentum in the institutionalization and international participation of UAE markets, and we’re pleased to support that evolution by enabling international investors to access opportunities in MENA with direct connectivity to local markets, alongside greater transparency and control across the trading lifecycle.”

Morgan Stanley’s participation aligns with ADX’s strategy to strengthen international connectivity, with remote memberships selectively offered to global firms to attract high-quality cross-border liquidity. The announcement builds on the ADX’s expansion momentum: in 2025, foreign investment rose by nearly 14% and institutional trading increased by 10% year on year. Subject to final operational readiness, Morgan Stanley expects to begin trading as a remote member in the coming weeks.

About Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX)

The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) was established on 15 November 2000 pursuant to Local Law No. (3) of 2000, which granted the exchange legal rights with independent financial and administrative status, as well as the necessary supervisory and executive powers necessary to carry out its functions. On 17 March 2020, the ADX was converted from a public entity into a Public Joint Stock Company (PJSC) in accordance with Law No. (8) of 2020.

The ADX Group, a market infrastructure group comprising the exchange (ADX) and its post-trade ecosystem, including its wholly owned subsidiaries AD Depository and AD Clear, was established. Through its integrated and globally aligned business structure, the ADX Group supports efficient, transparent, and resilient capital markets across trading, clearing, settlement, and custody.

The Group provides an efficient and regulated marketplace for the trading of securities, including equities issued by public joint-stock companies, bonds issued by governments and corporations, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and other financial instruments approved by the UAE Capital Market Authority.

The ADX is the second-largest exchange in the Arab region by market capitalization. Its strategy of delivering stable financial performance through diversified revenue streams is aligned with the UAE’s national development agenda, “Towards the Next 50”, which aims to build a sustainable, diversified, and high-value-added economy.

For more information, please contact:
Abdulrahman Saleh ALKhateeb
Manager of Corporate Communication
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX)
Mobile: +971 (50) 668 9733
Email: ALKhateebA@adx.ae

 

 

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SOURCE Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX)

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Geotab integrates Polestar vehicles into its OEM telematics network

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Fleet operators across North America, Europe, and APAC can now access Polestar vehicle data directly in MyGeotab — no aftermarket hardware required.

LONDON, UK, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Geotab, a global leader in connected vehicle and asset management solutions, today announced the integration of Polestar vehicles into its OEM telematics network, giving commercial fleet operators seamless access to Polestar data within MyGeotab from day one — with no aftermarket hardware installation required. The integration is available globally across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, supporting all Polestar models.

Developed in collaboration with Geotab, among other telematics service providers, Polestar Fleet Telematics integrates directly into MyGeotab. The Geotab integration enables fleet managers to manage Polestar vehicles alongside all other makes and models on a single unified platform — without fitting additional devices.

Connected vehicle data where it matters most

Through Polestar Fleet Telematics, fleet operators gain near-real-time access to a comprehensive dataset — covering EV battery and charging status, location, tyre information, vehicle security, maintenance alerts, and climate data — flowing directly from Polestar’s connected vehicle architecture into MyGeotab, with no physical installation required.

This breadth of data enables fleet managers to move from reactive to proactive operations — scheduling maintenance before failures occur, optimising charge planning across depots, and maintaining duty-of-care oversight across the entire fleet.

Supporting Europe’s Mixed-Fleet Reality

OEM-embedded telematics removes the need for aftermarket device installation across mixed-manufacturer fleets, reducing logistical overhead and supporting compliance with works council and GDPR requirements — a critical consideration for European fleet operators.

“Polestar Fleet Telematics combines sustainability with intelligence, integrating seamlessly with Geotab to deliver these capabilities directly into the platforms fleet operators trust. Continuous data visibility enables more efficient and informed fleet operations, from day-to-day management to long-term planning. By leveraging Polestar vehicles’ embedded connectivity, fleet managers can make smarter, data-driven decisions — without adding hardware or complexity to their operations.” said Emma Knapp, Manager of Global Key Accounts at Polestar.

Polestar joins an OEM telematics network that already spans over 80% of leading global vehicle manufacturers by fleet market share, including BMW Group, Ford, Stellantis, Volkswagen Group, and Volvo Cars. For fleet operators already using MyGeotab, Polestar vehicles can be connected and deliver data without any additional hardware or installation.

“OEM-embedded telematics represents a change in how fleet data reaches the platform — and Polestar’s connected vehicle architecture makes this integration particularly well-suited for markets that are seriously considering transitioning to electric vehicles.” said Christoph Ludewig, Vice President OEM Global at Geotab. “Fleet operators managing mixed EV and internal combustion engine fleets no longer need separate tools or hardware for each vehicle type. Polestar data flows directly into MyGeotab alongside every other vehicle in the fleet — giving operators the consolidated visibility they need to drive efficiency, support duty of care, and manage their EV transition with confidence.”

Global Availability

The integration is available now across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, supporting all Polestar models. Fleet managers can activate the service via the Geotab Marketplace or by contacting their Geotab representative.

About Polestar

Polestar (Nasdaq: PSNY) is the Swedish electric performance car brand with a focus on uncompromised design and innovation, and the ambition to accelerate the change towards a sustainable future. Headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, its cars are available in 28 markets globally across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

Polestar has four models in its line-up: Polestar 2, Polestar 3, Polestar 4, and Polestar 5. Planned models include the Polestar 7 compact SUV (to be introduced in 2028) and the Polestar 6 roadster. With its vehicles currently manufactured on two continents, North America and Asia, Polestar plans to diversify its manufacturing footprint further, with production of Polestar 7 planned in Europe.

Polestar has an unwavering commitment to sustainability and has set an ambitious roadmap to reach its climate targets: halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 per-vehicle-sold and become climate-neutral across its value chain by 2040. Polestar’s comprehensive sustainability strategy covers the four areas of Climate, Transparency, Circularity, and Inclusion.

About Geotab

Geotab is a global leader in connected vehicle and asset management solutions, with headquarters in Oakville, Ontario and Atlanta, Georgia. Our mission is to make the world safer, more efficient, and sustainable. We leverage advanced data analytics and AI to transform fleet performance and operations, reducing cost and driving efficiency. Backed by top data scientists and engineers, we serve approximately 100,000 global customers, processing 100 billion data points daily from more than 5 million vehicle subscriptions. Geotab is trusted by Fortune 500 organisations, mid-sized fleets, and the largest public sector fleets in the world, including the US Federal government. Committed to data security and privacy, we hold FIPS 140-3 and FedRAMP authorisations. Our open platform, ecosystem of outstanding partners, and Geotab Marketplace deliver hundreds of fleet-ready third-party solutions. This year, we’re celebrating 25 years of innovation. Learn more at www.geotab.com/uk and follow us on LinkedIn or visit our blog.

GEOTAB and GEOTAB MARKETPLACE are registered trademarks of Geotab Inc. in Canada, the United States and/or other countries.

Media Contact: Geotab Contact, Romina Dashghachian, Strategic Communications Lead, EMEA, pr@geotab.com

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IDX Opens Geneva Office and Strengthens Global Data & Insights Capability

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New Swiss presence and specialist team integration support growing global demand for evidence-based, defensible communications strategies

LONDON, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — IDX today announced the opening of its new Geneva office and the integration of a specialist Data & Insights team, strengthening the company’s international footprint and expanding its ability to help clients worldwide build communications strategies grounded in evidence, market intelligence and audience insight.

The expansion gives IDX an on-the-ground presence in Switzerland while adding further depth to its Data & Insights capability. The Geneva-based team will work closely with IDX specialists across performance marketing and corporate communications, helping clients develop a clearer view of the markets they operate in and the forces shaping their growth.

The move aligns with Destination 250 – Customers First, IDX’s global strategy to grow its team by 250, focused on deepening client value, strengthening delivery and investing in the capabilities that matter most to clients.

The investment strengthens the Data pillar of IDX’s Connected Content™ model, which combines Creative, Data, Technology and Media to create what IDX calls The Multiplier Effect, helping clients multiply what matters through more connected, measurable and effective work.

“IDX is experiencing phenomenal growth, and our new Geneva office gives us boots on the ground to better serve clients across Europe and globally across performance marketing, investor relations and corporate communications,” said Crispin Beale, Worldwide CEO, IDX. “Data has been at the heart of this business for decades, and this centre of excellence reflects our continued investment in that capability. It’s an incredibly exciting time for IDX, and I look forward to the next phase of our growth as we continue to expand globally.”

“This is an exciting step in IDX’s growth story and a clear response to what clients are asking for: more evidence-based thinking, stronger market context and clearer rationale behind their communications strategies,” said Chris Corrigan, Chief Customer Growth Officer, IDX. “Our new presence in Geneva, combined with deeper Data & Insights expertise, strengthens the way we support clients globally, giving them earlier access to the insight and market context they need to make better-informed decisions and turn evidence into action.”

The Geneva office will strengthen relationships with existing clients in the region, support re-engagement with former partners and create new opportunities for IDX with organisations operating across European and global markets. It reflects IDX’s continued investment in the capabilities that matter most to clients as communications, marketing and corporate reputation work become increasingly data-led and commercially accountable.

“IDX’s integrated offer across insights, performance marketing and corporate communications, powered by the combination of human intelligence, advanced technology and AI, represents exactly where the industry is heading,” said Lonneke de Roo, Head of Data & Insights, IDX. “I am delighted to join the business and help clients navigate increasingly complex markets with clearer evidence, sharper insight and more connected strategies.”

ABOUT IDX  

IDX is a global strategic communications and marketing agency, headquartered in London with offices around the world, including New York, London, Phoenix, Helsinki, Gothenburg, Geneva, and Vadodara. Working with more than 1,600 clients across sectors, IDX combines deep industry knowledge with a data-first mindset to help ambitious brands thrive in complex, fast-moving markets. The firm specialises in performance marketing, investor relations, and stakeholder engagement, delivering integrated campaigns that drive meaningful business outcomes. Visit www.idx.inc to learn more.

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