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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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Global Times: 75 years on, China committed to global common development

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BEIJING, Sept. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — October 1 this year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Over the past 75 years, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the country has undergone tremendous changes, realizing unprecedented development. China has achieved in a few decades what took developed countries several centuries, with its economy now ranking as the second largest in the world. With strenuous efforts, China has realized its first centenary goal – building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

China’s influence on the world has never been as profound and long-lasting as it is today. Likewise, the world’s attention to China has never been as deep, and focused as it is now.

As globalization deepens, nations are becoming more interdependent, while various global challenges continue to emerge. Humanity faces natural challenges such as climate change and the loss of biodiversity, as well as common global threats like extreme poverty, nuclear proliferation, political extremism, hegemony, and escalating geopolitical conflicts. The need for cooperation has never been more urgent or important than it is today, experts said.

“Where is humanity headed?” has become a significant question concerning the future and destiny for all.

To answer this question, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity in 2013. This is seen as China’s solution to addressing global challenges and creating a better future through concerted efforts of the international community. “The common interest of all humankind is in a world united and peaceful rather than divided and volatile,” Xi said, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Building a community with a shared future for humanity is not about replacing one system with another or one civilization with another. Instead, it is about countries with different social systems, ideologies, historical contexts, and levels of development achieving mutual benefits, sharing rights, and jointly bearing responsibilities in international affairs, experts said.

“Unlike the confrontational or competitive approaches that often dominate international relations, this concept advocates for inclusivity and multilateralism,” Hamad Al Hosani, senior researcher at TRENDS Research and Advisory, a think tank of the United Arab Emirates, told the Global Times. “It also reflects a shift from traditional approach to one that embraces a holistic and interconnected global outlook.”

Hosani added that this concept helps address global challenges by focusing on shared responsibilities, such as equitable resource distribution, environmental stewardship, and collective security measures. It encourages countries to promote a sense of global solidarity and cooperation in managing transnational threats.

China’s vision, embodied in initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, focuses on infrastructure investment, trade connectivity, and mutual development without imposing political conditions, Hosani told the Global Times, adding that “this reflects a more pragmatic and cooperative approach that respects the individual paths of nations.”

Therefore, the Chinese path offers developing countries an alternative model of engagement, one that values equal partnership and mutual benefit rather than hierarchical or conditional relationships. “This has attracted many countries, particularly in the Global South, to China’s approach, which they see as less intrusive and more respectful of their developmental needs and choices,” Hosani said.

Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times that China has provided substantial aid to the Global South over the past decade and established various organizations such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which reflect China’s principles of equality, inclusiveness, cooperation, and sustainability.

For a better world

Over the 11 years since the concept of building a community with a shared future for humanity was proposed, China has been both an advocate and a practitioner. Through joint efforts, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has transformed from a Chinese proposal to an international practice, from an idea to concrete actions. It has not only brought tangible benefits to the participating countries but also contributed positively to promoting healthy globalization, addressing global development challenges, and improving global governance.

Projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, China-Europe Railway Express, China-Laos Railway, Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, Piraeus Port, Kopa wind power project have greatly benefited local people. By the end of June 2023, China had signed over 200 cooperation documents with more than 150 countries across five continents and over 30 international organizations under the BRI framework, creating countless iconic projects as well as smaller, people-centered projects.

Bojan Lalic, director of the Belt and Road Institute in Belgrade, told the Global Times that different from the West’s selective alliances, China has opted for a path of inclusive multilateralism, advocating for broader cooperation and promoting inclusive frameworks such as the BRI to facilitate development across numerous nations.

“As developing countries increasingly engage with China, a shift in global power dynamics may occur, enabling a multipolar world where various development models coexist,” Lalic said.

Under the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, President Xi proposed the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative successively from 2021 to 2023. These three initiatives focus on addressing global development challenges, eliminating global security dilemmas, and promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations.

So far, more than 100 countries and international organizations have voiced support for the Global Development Initiative, with over 70 countries joining this “Group of Friends.” More than 200 development cooperation projects have yielded results, according to the People’s Daily Overseas Edition.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised the Global Development Initiative as a “valued contribution to addressing common challenges and accelerating the transition to a more sustainable and inclusive future.”

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-75-years-on-china-committed-to-global-common-development-302261718.html

SOURCE Global Times

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Sungrow Liquid-Cooled ESS PowerTitan 2.0 is Set to Unleash the AC Block Era

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LONDON, Sept. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Recently, 66 sets of Sungrow’s energy storage system, PowerTitan 2.0, arrived in the UK, demonstrating its acceleration of energy storage deployment in Europe. In the Middle East, over 1,500 sets of PowerTitan 2.0 are set for deployment, contributing to one of the world’s largest energy storage projects with a capacity of 7.8 GWh. Similarly, in Asia, multiple PowerTitan 2.0 projects have been successfully commissioned, showcasing impressive performance in cost reduction, safety, grid forming, etc. PowerTitan 2.0 is being rapidly gaining global traction, pioneering the energy storage industry’s transition into the AC Block era.

What is the AC Block?

PowerTitan 2.0 introduces the revolutionary AC Block, which integrates a 5 MWh battery with a 2.5 MW PCS into a standard 20-foot container, a significant departure from the traditional method of separating direct current battery systems and alternating current PCS systems. This integration goes beyond just rearranging components; it involves efficiently combining the battery, PCS, fire suppression systems, and other modules while pushing the boundaries of spatial design. According to a report by S&P Global Commodity Insight, only three companies worldwide, including Sungrow, currently provide authentic AC Block solutions.

Dr. James Li, Sungrow ESS Director for Europe, stated that the success of PowerTitan 2.0 is significantly attributed to Sungrow’s fully self-developed PACK/BMS/PCS/EMS technologies, driving innovation through a foundational logic and holistic design approach. Moreover, PowerTitan 2.0 revolutionizes PACK structures and production processes, reducing the width of each PACK by 40mm for a more compact layout. Additionally, each cabinet houses 12 small standardized PCS units, matching the size specifications of PACKs for efficient space utilization. These benefits and innovations make the AC Block concept feasible.

With a more compact structure, increased heat dissipation challenges arise. PowerTitan 2.0 addresses this with a Fully Liquid-Cooled solution for battery PACKs and PCS units, ensuring rapid heat dissipation and extending system longevity.

The AC Block: An Optimal Choice

“In the operational projects, PowerTitan 2.0 demonstrates its exceptional competitiveness,” said Dr. James Li. It saves 29% on land usage, requiring only 2000 square meters for a hundred-megawatt-hour system, significantly reducing land costs. The all-in-one AC-DC block design streamlines deployment with embedded PCSs, pre-assembled components, MVT, and comprehensive factory testing to reduce installation time onsite.

Thanks to its innovative AC-DC block design, PowerTitan 2.0 increases the system’s round-trip efficiency (RTE) by 2%, boosts the total discharge volume over the entire lifecycle by 8%, and reduces fault losses by 92%. Moreover, standardized short cable connections between batteries and PCS in a fully liquid-cooled cabinet, along with advanced AI-based battery health management and ArcDefender Technology, effectively minimize thermal runaway and arcing risks, ensuring overall cabinet safety.

The system also incorporates the latest Stem Cell Grid Tech, enabling seamless 0ms grid switching, and active harmonic absorption. It has been widely deployed in global projects such as the SPP Hybrid project in Thailand, the Dalia project in the Middle East, and China’s offshore grid-forming energy storage project in Guangxi. The solution plays a vital role in supporting the smooth operation of new power systems. Notably, PowerTitan 2.0 operates with low noise levels below 75 dBA, utilizing carefully selected biodegradable or renewable transformer oil, refrigerants, and fire extinguishing agents, aligning with environmental sustainability.

Looking ahead, with continuous product innovation and further cost reductions, AC Blocks represented by PowerTitan 2.0 will become the optimal choice in the energy storage market and driving the global energy transition.

Contact:
Mina Zhang
mina.zhang@cn.sungrowpower.com

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sungrow-liquid-cooled-ess-powertitan-2-0-is-set-to-unleash-the-ac-block-era-302261707.html

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Closer China-ASEAN cooperation boosts regional high-quality development

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NANNING, China, Sept. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from Beijing Review:

Viet Nam’s aromatic Trung Nguyen coffee, Malaysia’s Musang King durian, Thailand’s fragrant jasmine rice and Laos’ refreshing beer—what do they all have in common?

The answer is they’ve all made an entrance into the vast Chinese market through the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), earning rave reviews from delighted consumers.

On September 24, the 21st CAEXPO and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit kicked off in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Like a foodie’s fantasy come true and a business bonanza wrapped into one, the expo promised not just to tantalize taste buds but also to turbocharge trade ties between China and its Southeast Asian neighbors.

In addressing the opening ceremony, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang said interactions between China and ASEAN have served as the most successful and dynamic model of cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, and are a vivid example of the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Along with the flourishing ties, the expo has become an important supplement to the 10 Plus One cooperation framework between China and ASEAN, providing strong support for regional high-quality development, Luo Yongkun, Deputy Director of the Institute of Southeast Asia and Oceania Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told Beijing Review.

The expo has been standing as a testament to the enduring friendship, cooperation and shared prosperity between China and ASEAN countries over the years, Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary General of ASEAN, said at the opening ceremony, adding that since its inception in 2004, the event has evolved into an important platform for dialogue, cooperation and development, covering sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, technology, education and tourism.

China considers ASEAN a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and a key region in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation,” Ding said. “ASEAN countries, on their part, see in China a trustworthy and close partner.”

The shared values of peace, cooperation and mutual respect between China and ASEAN form the foundation of their partnership, Vongsey Vissoth, Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia, said, adding he believes that the two sides can achieve more fruitful results through their cooperation in trade and economy, with the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area bringing new opportunities.

China has been ASEAN’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, while ASEAN has been China’s top trading partner since 2020. The cumulative two-way investment has exceeded $400 billion, according to China’s Ministry of Commerce.

The CAEXPO has made important contributions to the economic integration between ASEAN and China, facilitating investment flows and cross-border economic opportunities, laying the foundation for building a more connected, resilient and dynamic region, Kao said.

In 2010, the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area was officially launched, opening a channel for ASEAN enterprises to gain more efficient and convenient access to the Chinese market.

China’s Vice Minister of Commerce Li Fei said mutually beneficial cooperation between China and ASEAN countries has reached new levels.

Bilateral economic and trade cooperation has continued to upgrade over the years, with positive progress achieved in negotiations for version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, he added.

As early as 2015, China and ASEAN initiated the construction of the China-ASEAN Information Harbor to cultivate new drivers of economic development. Today, nearly 20 projects across nine ASEAN countries in fields such as digital government, digital industries and new communications have been conducted under the framework, Luo said.

“We need to leverage the harbor to promote digital connectivity and information sharing, and work for a digital Silk Road,” Ding said in his speech.

At this year’s CAEXPO, a new section was conducted to highlight strategic emerging industries, showcasing the latest progresses and technologies in fields such as digital technology, new energy and intelligent connected vehicles.

Leading Chinese green technology companies are also working closely with ASEAN enterprises and investing in new facilities to produce innovative and locally adapted products, contributing to ASEAN’s green transition.

The ongoing efforts to advance the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 will lead to a broader opening up in investment and services trade, Lei Xiaohua, a researcher with the Southeast Asia Research Institute at the Guangxi Academy of Social Sciences, said, adding that the CAEXPO will be endowed with a new mission in future regional industrial and supply chain cooperation.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/closer-china-asean-cooperation-boosts-regional-high-quality-development-302261693.html

SOURCE Beijing Review

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