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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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TS Imagine Expands Integration with Trumid’s Fixed-Income Trading Platform

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Adds Access to Trumid RFQ Automation
and Trumid Full Self Trading (FST™)

NEW YORK, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TS Imagine, a leading global cross-asset provider of trading, portfolio, risk management and prime brokerage solutions, announced an expanded workflow integration with Trumid, a financial technology company and leading fixed income electronic trading platform.

The enhanced integration provides TS Imagine clients with broader access to Trumid’s electronic trading ecosystem, including its list-based workflows—Trumid RFQ and Portfolio Trading (PT)—while expanding RFQ automation and cross-protocol capabilities. Clients can now access:

Trumid’s RFQ network, enabling automated workflows through RFQ Auto-Submit via Trumid AutoPilot™ for RFQ, along with API-driven executionHeadless RFQ responder, initiator, and voice inquiry workflows Trumid Full Self Trading (FST™), Trumid’s automated cross-protocol execution capability connecting liquidity and execution opportunities across Trumid RFQ and Swarms, with expansion to Trumid Attributed Trading (firm dealer streams) planned for H2 2026. 

TS Imagine first integrated with Trumid in 2020, including support for Trumid’s Fair Value Model Price (FVMP™) predictive pricing model for corporate bonds.

Alexis Sainte Marie, Fixed Income Product, TS Imagine, said:

“Our expanded relationship with Trumid is an important step for TS Imagine clients seeking greater access to liquidity and workflow automation. We’ve particularly seen significant growth in areas like portfolio trading and RFQ and will continue to work closely with the Trumid team to enhance trading opportunities for our customers.”

Jason Quinn, Chief Product Officer & Global Head of Sales at Trumid, said: 

“Our mutual clients continue to benefit from the integration with TS Imagine, particularly as adoption of Trumid’s list-based workflows continues to accelerate. As clients increasingly engage across multiple Trumid trading protocols, we see additional opportunities to expand our relationship and deliver even greater value for our mutual clients.”

Trumid’s list protocols continued to deliver strong growth during Q2 2026. Trumid RFQ Average Daily Volume (ADV) increased 122% year-over-year, while automated trade volumes executed through Trumid AutoPilot™ for RFQ more than doubled. Trumid PT volume rose approximately 40% year-over-year, with the protocol recording its highest quarterly ADV alongside all-time highs in buy-side participation and lists traded. 

About TS Imagine 

TS Imagine delivers a best-in-class SaaS platform for integrated electronic front-office trading, portfolio management, prime brokerage, and financial risk management. Our global team of technologists continuously develops software and deploys new technologies that empower financial institutions to outperform markets and manage risk in real time. Many of the world’s leading financial institutions trust TS Imagine’s platform to manage their risk exposure and make better trading decisions across derivatives, equities and fixed income, cutting complexity and driving efficiencies.

About Trumid

Trumid is a financial technology company and fixed income electronic trading platform focused on US dollar-denominated Investment Grade, High Yield, Distressed, and Emerging Market bonds. Trumid optimizes the credit trading experience by combining agile technology and market expertise, with a focus on product design. The result is a differentiated ecosystem of protocols and trading solutions delivered within one intuitive platform. Learn more at www.trumid.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Greentarget for TS Imagine
tsimagine@greentarget.co.uk

Trumid Press
+1 (212) 618-0300
press@trumid.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ts-imagine-expands-integration-with-trumids-fixed-income-trading-platform-302832754.html

SOURCE Trumid

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Passage Preparation Wins 2026 CODiE Award for Best Professional Learning Platform

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Passage Preparation™, a division of K12 Coalition, has been named a 2026 CODiE Award Winner in the category Best Professional Learning Platform.

The CODiE Awards recognize the most innovative products, platforms and services across technology and education. Winners are selected through a rigorous evaluation process led by independent industry experts who assess each solution based on innovation, functionality, market impact, and overall value.

Selected from 228 finalists across 75 categories, the 2026 CODiE Award winners represent the solutions setting new standards for excellence and innovation.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from the CODiE Awards,” said Nathan Estel, Managing Director of Passage Preparation. “This award reflects our team’s commitment to helping aspiring educators build the knowledge, confidence, and instructional expertise they need to succeed on their licensure exams. We remain dedicated to strengthening the educator pipeline through innovative learning experiences that prepare great teachers for the classroom.”

As schools across the country face persistent teacher shortages, Passage Preparation is helping accelerate the path from aspiring educator to licensed classroom teacher. The platform provides comprehensive licensure exam preparation tailored to state certification requirements and subject areas, ensuring candidates focus on the content most relevant to their certification pathway. Developed by experienced teachers and teacher educators, every course is aligned with both licensure standards and evidence-based instructional practices, equipping candidates with the skills they need to succeed on certification exams and in the classroom.

Unlike traditional test-preparation programs that emphasize memorization and test-taking strategies, Passage Preparation builds lasting content knowledge and teaching proficiency through engaging, interactive learning experiences. Candidates benefit from diagnostic assessments that identify strengths and areas for improvement, detailed progress reporting, practice assessments, and personalized study plans. Flexible self-paced learning is complemented by live virtual cohorts that provide instructor guidance, peer collaboration, and accountability, creating a supportive professional learning community for busy educators.

Designed with accessibility and flexibility in mind, Passage Preparation includes tools such as Immersive Reader, offering real-time translation in more than 100 languages, text-to-speech functionality, customizable display settings, and other features that support diverse learning needs. The platform has consistently helped improve certification exam pass rates, enabling many candidates to earn licensure on their first attempt, saving valuable time and costs. By preparing more educators to enter the profession successfully, Passage Preparation helps districts fill critical teaching positions faster and strengthens the educator workforce nationwide.

“The 2026 CODiE Award winners represent some of the most innovative and impactful solutions in the industry,” said Jennifer Baranowski, President of the CODiE Awards. “These organizations are solving meaningful challenges, delivering measurable outcomes, and helping shape the future of technology.”

A complete list of 2026 CODiE Award winners is available at https://codieawards.com/winners.

About K12 Coalition 

K12 Coalition is a collective of specialized education products and services with a common mission to provide a great education for every student in every classroom every day. The company offers deep expertise in solving five macro K-12 education challenges: teacher certification, professional learning, literacy and math curriculum, accelerated student learning through summer school, and district support, including strategic planning and consulting. Learn more at k12coalition.com.

About Passage Preparation

Passage Preparation specializes in providing comprehensive licensure assessment preparation resources designed to bolster teacher confidence and proficiency. These learning resources equip licensure candidates with the knowledge necessary for success on exams and instill in them best teaching practices using methodologies thoughtfully curated to be engaging and aligned precisely with the content covered on the licensure exams. Passage Preparation is part of K12 Coalition, a certified B Corporation helping schools and teachers thrive nationwide.

Media Contact:
Alex Fairchild
K12Coalition@finnpartners.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/passage-preparation-wins-2026-codie-award-for-best-professional-learning-platform-302832895.html

SOURCE K12 Coalition

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Knox Systems Partners with Microsoft to Accelerate Secure Government Access to Commercial Innovation on Microsoft Azure

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Strategic collaboration helps software companies bring cutting-edge commercial technology to the U.S. Government faster through Microsoft Azure Government Cloud

NEW YORK and WASHINGTON, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Knox Systems (Knox), the largest, longest-running federal managed cloud, today announced a collaboration with Microsoft to help commercial software companies deploy secure, mission-ready solutions on Microsoft Azure Government Cloud for U.S. Government customers.

As demand for modern AI, cybersecurity, data, and enterprise software continues to grow across the public sector, the partnership is designed to reduce the barriers that have historically prevented government agencies from accessing the same technologies already transforming the commercial market.

Knox enables software providers to achieve production-ready federal cloud environments in as little as 90 days through its pre-authorized Federal Managed Cloud. By inheriting a substantial portion of required security controls, companies can reduce the time, effort, cost, and compliance burden associated with deploying compliant government cloud solutions. Combined with Microsoft Azure’s trusted government cloud platform, the collaboration provides an accelerated path for innovative software companies seeking to serve federal civilian and defense customers.

“America’s greatest technology companies shouldn’t spend years navigating compliance before they can help solve government missions,” said Irina Denisenko, CEO of Knox Systems. “Microsoft has built one of the world’s most trusted cloud platforms for government. Knox removes the operational barriers that can keep innovative software companies from deploying secure, compliant solutions on Azure Government. Together, we’re making it dramatically faster for agencies to access the technologies they need, securely, compliantly, and at mission speed.”

The collaboration strengthens Microsoft’s ecosystem for independent software vendors (ISVs) pursuing government opportunities while expanding the pathway for AI-native, cybersecurity, enterprise software, and critical infrastructure companies to bring production workloads to Azure.

“Microsoft is committed to helping software companies innovate for government while meeting the highest standards for security and compliance,” said Jamie Harper, VP, Defense Industrial Base, Microsoft. “Our collaboration with Knox provides organizations with an accelerated path to deploy innovative solutions on Microsoft Azure Government Cloud, helping government agencies gain faster access to the technologies that support critical missions.”

Knox currently operates one of the industry’s largest FedRAMP-authorized managed cloud environments, supporting more than 70 software companies and maintaining 16 US Federal and Department of War Authorizations to Operate (ATOs). Customers including Adobe, Armis, Celonis, BigID, and other leading software providers rely on Knox to bring commercial innovation to government faster while maintaining rigorous security standards.

As AI adoption accelerates across government, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring agencies can securely leverage the same cutting-edge technologies already powering the commercial economy.

About Knox Systems

Knox Systems operates the largest managed federal cloud, trusted by top agencies and partners across defense and civilian sectors. Built for speed, resilience, and compliance, Knox delivers FedRAMP authorization in 90 days – turning the biggest bottleneck in government IT into the fastest path to modernization. Knox proudly serves Adobe, Celonis, OutSystems, Armis, BigID, and more AI and SaaS providers, accelerating secure innovation across the federal landscape. Learn more at knoxsystems.com.

Media Contact:
knox@w2comm.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/knox-systems-partners-with-microsoft-to-accelerate-secure-government-access-to-commercial-innovation-on-microsoft-azure-302832781.html

SOURCE Knox Systems, Inc

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