NEW YORK, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Pokemon USA, Inc. launches Pokemon Learning League, http://www.pokemonlearningleague.com/, a web-based educational suite of animated, interactive lessons in language arts, math, science, and life skills for children ages 8-12. Parents can now embrace their children's enthusiasm for animation and interactive technology while motivating them to learn academic concepts and problem-solving skills.

Pokemon USA is offering the program as a free trial to families, as well as educators, through December 31. A yearly subscription of $95.00 per household will begin in January 2007. Because Pokemon Learning League is web-based, it's PC and Mac compatible, and the only requirement is a Flash player.

In today's technology-driven world, math and science achievement are critical to children's success in school and beyond. According to Yves Saada, vice president of interactive media, Pokemon USA, "Integrating a proven educational approach with Pokemon's popular characters, Pokemon Learning League offers a unique way for parents to engage and motivate their children in math, science and other skills they need to be successful."

The online program is based on the current education research and is aligned with curriculum standards, so parents can be assured that their children are learning the same material that is taught in school. Appealing animation and thought-provoking challenges help children visualize and understand concepts that they may not have grasped through other methods. Children can proceed at their own pace through the lessons and receive ongoing feedback to allow them to monitor and celebrate their progress.

Stephanie Pawlik, a fifth-grade teacher at Greenport Elementary School in Greenport, N.Y., witnessed this interaction first-hand as a participating teacher in the product's pilot study. "Because the curriculum lessons are based on current research and aligned with state and national standards, I was able to use Pokemon Learning League to reinforce concepts I was teaching in the classroom." She continues, "My students were more willing to get involved in the lessons since the characters were familiar to them and the story lines were engaging."

Pokemon Learning League leverages children's familiarity with Pokemon characters to draw them into subject matter that is crucial to their success in school and in life. The characters also serve as mentors to students, guiding them through the lessons and demonstrating life skills such as teamwork and perseverance.

In January 2007, Pokemon Learning League will also be available through a paid yearly subscription of $145.00 per classroom and $995.00 per school building.

About Pokemon USA

Pokemon USA, Inc., a subsidiary of The Pokemon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and the Pokemon Trading Card Game outside of Japan. This includes licensing, marketing, an animated TV series, home entertainment, the official Pokemon website, and online retail center pokemoncenter.com. Celebrating its 10th worldwide anniversary in 2006, Pokemon was launched in Japan in 1996 for play on Nintendo's Game Boy(R) and has since evolved into a global cultural phenomenon. Pokemon was introduced in North America in September 1998 and today is one of the most popular toy and entertainment properties in the world. For more information, visit pokemon.com.

CONTACT: Amy Wexler of Pokemon USA, +1-917-369-2028,
wexler@pokemon-usa.com; or Charlene Blohm of C. Blohm & Associates for Pokemon
USA, Inc., +1-608-839-9800, charlene@cblohm.com

Web site: http://www.pokemon.com/
http://www.pokemoncenter.com/
http://www.pokemonlearningleague.com/