Latest news with #DrewThomas
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Best Learning Games For Kids (2025): Prodigy Recognized as Top Educational Game For Kids by Expert Consumers
Expert Consumers has identified Prodigy as a top educational game for children in 2025 NEW YORK CITY, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Expert Consumers has identified Prodigy as a top educational game for children in 2025. This recognition reflects the platform's evidence-based learning model, broad curriculum alignment, and its unique ability to combine game-based engagement with educational outcomes across both math and English Language Arts (ELA). Top Learning Game for Kids Prodigy - a game-based learning platform that helps students in grades 1 to 8 build math and English skills through engaging, curriculum-aligned content Developed by Prodigy Education, Prodigy delivers standards-aligned content through an adaptive, gamified experience designed to foster learning in students from grades 1 to 8. The game's success is grounded in its mission: 'To help every student in the world love learning,' a commitment backed by an in-house team of educators, researchers, and technologists. With over 100 million registered users, Prodigy has grown into a global learning platform that offers both math and ELA curriculum - each developed to meet rigorous academic standards. 'At a time when parents and educators are increasingly looking for tools that are both academically effective and engaging for children, Prodigy has struck a rare balance,' said Drew Thomas, a spokesperson for Expert Consumers. 'The platform's adaptive technology ensures students receive content tailored to their individual skill levels, while the game mechanics motivate consistent participation without relying on advertisements or pay-to-win models.' Curriculum-Aligned Learning Backed by Research Prodigy Math is aligned with multiple national and regional standards including Common Core, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), and Ontario Curriculum, among others. Through its adaptive algorithm, the platform personalizes math questions in real time, providing the right level of challenge for each learner. According to research published by Prodigy Education, regular use of the platform is linked to measurable gains in math performance. In particular, students who answered at least 30 curriculum-aligned questions per week demonstrated significantly greater improvement compared to peers with minimal engagement. Prodigy English, launched more recently, brings a similar adaptive learning experience to language arts. Targeted for students in grades 1 to 6, the game helps learners strengthen grammar, reading comprehension, and vocabulary skills through gameplay rooted in storytelling and world-building. The curriculum is aligned with standards such as the Common Core and TEKS, ensuring that activities reflect classroom expectations. Both games employ a student-centered learning model and are free to access, with optional memberships that offer cosmetic rewards rather than academic advantages. This model supports equity by making educational resources widely available without creating performance disparities. Designed for Engagement and Accessibility One of the key differentiators noted by Expert Consumers is Prodigy's capacity to foster intrinsic motivation. Rather than relying solely on external incentives, the game's design encourages students to engage with academic content voluntarily. In-game rewards, character customization, and narrative progression are all tied to learning outcomes, turning classroom-aligned questions into key elements of game progression. Teachers can create classroom accounts and assign curriculum-aligned content directly through the platform. Meanwhile, parents receive insights into their child's progress and learning habits through a separate dashboard. This three-tiered ecosystem - student, teacher, and parent - supports a full-circle approach to learning. In terms of privacy and accessibility, Prodigy is compliant with leading data protection regulations such as COPPA and FERPA, and it has also earned the Common Sense Privacy Seal for its commitment to protecting student data. The platform is browser-based and mobile-friendly, ensuring accessibility across devices without requiring costly hardware or software. Broader Implications for Learning Technology Prodigy's growth coincides with larger trends in education, where gamification and adaptive learning are increasingly seen as critical tools for engagement and differentiation. As classrooms become more diverse in learning needs and technological access, platforms like Prodigy offer scalable solutions that maintain both academic rigor and student motivation. Click here to explore Prodigy's features and offerings. For the full review, please visit the Expert Consumers website. About Prodigy Prodigy Education is an educational technology company committed to making learning engaging and accessible for every student. Founded with the mission 'to help every student in the world love learning,' Prodigy combines curriculum-aligned academic content with game-based experiences to support students in grades 1 to 8. The company offers two core platforms - Prodigy Math and Prodigy English - each designed to adapt to individual learning levels while aligning with standards such as Common Core and TEKS. Used by over 100 million students, parents, and educators worldwide, Prodigy provides a free-to-access model supported by optional memberships that enhance gameplay without affecting academic progress. With a strong emphasis on educational research, student privacy, and accessibility, Prodigy continues to lead in developing digital tools that inspire lifelong learning. About Expert Consumers: Expert Consumers provides news and reviews of consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Expert Consumers may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided. CONTACT: Drew Thomas (press@ in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
EXPERIENCE UNFORGETTABLE SPRING CELEBRATIONS AT GRANDE LAKES ORLANDO
Orlando's premier luxury destination will celebrate the spring with specially curated events and programing for guests and locals ORLANDO, Fla., March 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Grande Lakes Orlando, the 500-acre luxury resort destination in the headwaters of the Florida Everglades anchored by The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, will celebrate the spring with a lineup of seasonal themed events. Headlined by exciting Easter weekend programming. Grande Lakes Orlando invites all to participate in this year's spring programming, including experiences for Easter, Mother's Day, the Kentucky Derby, and more. Easter Celebrations Grande Lakes Orlando will host extravagant events for the Easter holiday, with a weekend full of over-the-top themed events and dining experiences for everyone to enjoy, including: Grande Easter Egg Hunt: On Easter Morning, Grande Lakes Orlando hosts its annual Easter egg hunt on the scenic Da Vinci Lawn – the largest Easter egg hunt in Orlando. The event will take place from 10:00am-12:00pm for guests up to 12 years old. Reservations can be booked here. Cotton Tail Tea: Over Easter Weekend, The Ritz-Carlton Lobby Lounge will offer a Cotton Tail Tea, preparing a curated selection of tea by Tea Forte and sweets, alongside a visit from the Easter Bunny. The Cotton Tail Tea will take place on Saturday, April 19 and 20 at 11:00am and 3:00pm. Reservations can be booked here. Golden Ticket: Children arriving to Grande Lakes Orlando over Easter Weekend will be welcomed with a special chocolate bar, with five bars having a Grande Golden Ticket within. The five lucky winners from each hotel will be honored on Easter Sunday in the Citrus Garden, receiving a holiday-themed gift and shipment of 50 pounds of chocolate from the Easter Bunny. Easter Bunny's Furry Friends: On April 19 and 20 from 12:00pm-4:00pm, Grande Lakes Orlando guests can head to the Valencia Lawn for an exciting animal meet and greet and holiday treats. Highball & Harvest Easter Brunch: On April 20 from 10:00am-2:00pm, Highball & Harvest will host an Easter Brunch featuring a selection Southern-inspired holiday dishes. Reservations can be booked here. Citron Easter Breakfast: On April 20 from 7:00am to 11:00am, guests can spring into fun at Citron's Easter Breakfast Buffet. Reservations can be booked here. Primo Easter Brunch: On April 20 from 11:00am to 2:00pm, enjoy an exclusive à la carte Easter brunch at the Forbes 4-Star and MICHELIN Recommended restaurant. Reservations can be booked here. Special Events The Magic Show presented by acclaimed magician and America's Got Talent finalist, Drew Thomas and his award-winning colleagues. The Magic Show combines mind-bending magic, large-scale illusions, and humor to create an electrifying atmosphere. Available year-round and Thursday-Sunday in March, click here to reserve. On St. Patrick's Day, Grande Lake Orlando will celebrate with green cocktails and a special menu at the Lobby Lounge, as well as a holiday menu at Highball & Harvest, which can be booked here. Grande Lakes Orlando will kick off the spring on March 21 with Ready, Set, Bloom! at the EvrBar Terrace, which will feature refreshing spring cocktails and a lively atmosphere. Reservations can be booked here. On Sunday, April 27, The Ritz-Carlton Spa Orlando, Grande Lakes will host the Spa Spring Fling. This event will feature exclusive treatments, sample products from luxury brands, hors d'oeuvres with champagne and unlimited access to spa facilities. Additionally, this spring guests can reserve a Deluxe Valmont Cabana at The Ritz-Carlton pool and receive an exclusive Valmont tote, designed specifically for the resort, with Valmont's Daily Veil. Reservations can be booked here. On Kentucky Derby Day, Grande Lakes Orlando will host a Top Hat Viewing Party in The Ritz-Carlton Lobby Lounge and Kentucky Derby Party in EvrBar. At the Lobby Lounge, guests are invited to dress up in their finest Derby attire to indulge in delicious appetizers and mint juleps. Reservations can be made here. While at EvrBar, guests will be transported to Churchill Downs with a selection of Woodford Reserve and Old Forester Bourbon. To celebrate Cinco De Mayo, poolside alfresco restaurant Bleu will provide fresh guacamole and margaritas, alongside great music and lively vibes. Mother's DayThis Mother's Day, Grande Lakes Orlando will host exciting mom-themed dining experiences, including: Mother's Day Tea: On Mother's Day weekend, Grande Lakes Orlando will make Mother's Day memorable with an exclusive holiday themed tea party with teas by Tea Fote at The Ritz-Carlton Lobby Lounge. The Mother's Day Tea will take place at 11:00am on May 10 and 11:00am and 3:00pm on May 11, providing live entertainment and a unique gift for all moms in attendance. Reservations can be booked here. Highball & Harvest Mother's Day Brunch: On Mother's Day from 10:00am to 2:00pm, Highball & Harvest will feature a diverse selection of dishes to enjoy. Reservations can be booked here. Primo Festa Della Mamma: Held at Primo, diners can enjoy homemade pasta, local ingredients and garden-focused cocktails. In addition, Mom will be served a complimentary glass of Taittinger Champagne. Reservations can be booked here. Travelers are encouraged to take advantage of the resort's popular overnight packages available, all year for an ideal Florida vacation getaway, including the "Grande Escape Package," which provides up to a $100 daily resort credit and complimentary parking representing savings of $230+. About Grande Lakes Orlando Hidden in the heart of Orlando, Grande Lakes Orlando sits on 500 lush acres at the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. The resort features a 582-room Ritz-Carlton, 1,010-room JW Marriott hotel, the 40,000-square-foot Ritz-Carlton spa as well as three picture-perfect pools. The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Tennis Club, which hosts the PNC Championship, includes an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship golf course. A dozen celebrated dining venues throughout include MICHELIN Recommended and Forbes Travel Guide 4-Stars Knife & Spoon, a steak and seafood restaurant led by award-winning chef John Tesar, and MICHELIN Recommended and Forbes Travel Guide 4-Stars Primo, Mediterranean/Italian fare by multiple James Beard award-winning chef Melissa Kelly, a leader in the farm-to-fork movement. Grand Lakes Orlando restaurants source fresh ingredients from Whisper Creek Farm, an on-property 18,000-square-foot working farm, as well as on-site apiaries. The resort features a wide array of additional activities: kayaking, eco-tours on Shingle Creek, falconry, mountain biking and fishing school. Conference and meeting attendees have their pick of meeting space options located across 150,000 square feet plus more than 100,000 square feet of outdoor space. Grande Lakes is located 15 minutes from the Orlando International Airport, five minutes from the Orange County Convention Center and minutes from the major theme parks. Follow Grande Lakes Orlando @grandelakesorlando on Instagram and grandelakesorlando on Facebook. Also, The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott on Twitter @RC_Orlando and @JW_Orlando, Instagram @ritzcarltonorlando and @jwmorlando and Facebook ritzcarltonorlando and jwmarriottorlando. For more information, visit Media Contact: The Brandman Agency Michael Gartenlaub & Paige Voeffray grandelakesorlando@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Grande Lakes Orlando
