Dear Rookie School Psychologist – This is some “Stuff” They Didn’t Teach You in Graduate School

Dear Rookie School Psychologist,

Congratulations! You made it through graduate school and now it is time for you to use all your knowledge to help children, school staff, and families. Bravo! However, despite all your new found professional skills, you still have so much more to learn! In fact, here is a secret – there is “stuff” that they didn’t teach you in graduate school that I like to call the “inside scoop” of this profession. Curious? Well, keep on reading…

I am a seasoned School Psychologist. I graduated way back with the dinosaurs in 1984 from Penn State. The program was arduous and the competition to get in and stay in was fierce. But, I managed and here I am nearly 40 years later still working with students, teachers, administrators, and families.

My journey hasn’t been a direct path – in fact, I have jumped off and on this trail many times. But, I truly wish there was a course offered among all the other requisites that provided insight and advice that could have made my rookie journey a bit smoother.

So, with that in mind, I offer to you my pearls of wisdom – the good, the bad, and hopefully the funny.

  1. In the digital age don’t forget about good old-fashioned paper. I know many of my colleagues keep their records all digitally. They also use record forms (protocols) that are electronic. I was toying with this idea and then I lost a bunch of emails due to a “glitch” with my Gmail. That convinced me – I am sticking to paper and pen! This means I have both a digital calendar and a real daytime book for appointments. We call it “organizers” in educational terms.
  2. Communicate not once, not twice, but three times with parents and staff. When I make appointments I am super diligent with setting and keeping appointments. I also expect my students and their families to do the same. So, I write notes and send emails up to three times for each meeting. And of course, my online calendars will pester me with reminders. That makes me happy.
  3. Create a ton of different templates for reports. Yes, I am a big fan of the template for writing those very long, boring, and often tedious psychoeducational reports. I found a few I liked from the Teachers Paying Teachers website, but mainly I create my own. Canva helps with graphics (who doesn’t appreciate a well-constructed bell curve graph or chart!?)
  4. Check those numbers! I use a system for tabulating the number of correct ( or incorrect) responses on my record forms. It is the THREE✓ check system. Check one means I added all the numbers of correct/incorrect responses for the first time. The second pass – through for recalculating the numbers to make sure the first and second times match will result in a second check. A third check is placed on the cover of the record booklet which means I checked one last time when I input the numbers into an online scoring system or obtained the results from a scoring manual myself. Regardless of how I score three checks mean I reviewed the results and added them THREE times! Why so redundant? I live in fear of making math errors and even more in fear of having to rescind or explain something I did wrong. Three checks = reduce stress. See the image I mocked up below.
Example of the three check system

5. This is important. Perhaps the most important thing I will share with you today. Know that your results are being received on many levels by the parent / guardian receiving the news. There is a level of understanding about intervention, assessment, and/ or therapy that you have that they don’t. No one handed this parent(s) who may be new to special education a booklet that told them about how they will feel.

Sure, these fine folks received a ton of documents about their rights, but nothing prepped them for the feeling of a dagger slicing their heart to shreds. As a School Psychologist, you need to learn how to deliver the news – whatever it is – with grace, compassion, and professionalism. Period. Remember that your roles could easily be reversed with you as the recipient of the information. I know. I have sat at ‘both sides of the table’.

Don’t make promises. You don’t have a crystal ball. After you deliver “the news” be sure to wait. Give the parents/ guardians a minute to process. Ask them if they have questions. Offer to review parts again or to meet again after they had a day or two to let “the news” sink in. Remember – the people across from you at this table are trying to listen while possibly their simultaneously experiencing a broken heart. They may have just experienced their dreams for this child bursting.

Feel free to read more here.

6. When I attended Penn State’s School Psych graduate program I had a great professor who mentored me, Dr. Jim Murphy. Gosh he was amazing and so wise! During my second year of graduate school he was my “clinical supervisor”. That’s the guy who watches you “learn” and then critiques you. One day he gave me great advice when he saw that I was struggling with talking to parents about the results of the evaluation I recently had completed. He said, “Louise – you don’t need to have all the answers. When you talk to parents or staff, it is OK to say- “I don’t know”. But, then follow-up and let them know that you will try your best to get some information to answer their questions. But, never make promises as some questions never can get answered.” Let me tell you – that was solid advice that has stuck with me for decades. Simply know – you are not a walking Google search engine. You don’t and can’t know all the answers. And that is OK.

7. I easily could add much more than seven entries on this list. But, I will close with these last three that are “related”. Keep learning, keep healthy, and keep safe.

Sure you need continuing education credits and you will fulfill this obligation every few years – but in reality, you need to keep learning beyond the world of special education and psychology. Learn about the world beyond your community. Travel. Paint. Go learn to salsa dance. Watch cartoons so you can relate to the first graders in your school. Just keep learning.

And remember to take time to take care of YOU. Turn off the digital world and go enjoy the outdoors. Practice self-care on a daily basis while you are practicing as a psychologist. Reduce your stress in a healthy way that makes sense to you.

Lastly, be personally safe. Learn the layout of each of the schools you visit. Be vigilant with your own safety. Take a self-defense class to protect yourself.

Here are two links to safety tips that we all can use (and I am sure there are many more!)

SAFETY TIPS BY UCLA

Adapt this list to your local and personal needs

You May Want to Gift These Books with a Suitcase!

I love it when a preschool – early reader series can teach basic skills, such as counting or the alphabet by using an engaging method – thanks to colorful illustrations and interactive storytelling! Add the bonus of an early geography lesson or two and I declare this series a winner! Yes – the ABC PRIMER and LET’S COUNT compilations of books offered by FAMILIUS publishing indeed were winners!


I received a number of books from Familius’ catalog – focusing on the Southwest and Pacific Northwest of the United States. The first thing I noticed was the quality of the books. They were very sturdy and the bright colors really caught my eye. Inside the authors used clever associations of letters and alphabets to highlight fascinating places within the states of Utah, Arizona, California, and Oregon. Readers can learn about prickly pears that adorn Arizona, the avocados and redwoods of California, the arches and other land formations such as Zion, in Utah, and the Portland Rose Festival and seashores of Oregon. Yes indeed – fundamental skills are taught within the pages of these primer readers.

For the slightly older reader, the publisher offers 10 Little Monsters series with many state titles available. I asked to review the California book and they obliged. The author, Jess Smart Smiley must love to travel the Golden State as she picked many locations that are my California favorites, too! From the Redwood Forest to the San Diego Zoo- this book includes many interesting facts that families’ can read and learn – TOGETHER! Plus, maybe it meets the California curriculum requirements for learning about state history and geography at the elementary level?!

As an educator, I truly enjoy these books and I bet many teachers will immediately love them, as well! The authors and illustrators have taken great care to present the materials. I predict that many educators will use them as resources to create interactive learning opportunities within their classroom and virtual setting!

For example, I can imagine a teacher assigning each student a different state book to read. Then they are given an opportunity to share by playing the role of “teacher”. Or extend student learning with videos from National Geographic or state-promoted websites such as VisitUtah.com. I would love to see the artwork that students create after learning about the Grand Canyon or other natural wonders in the United States!

(See below for more educational websites that would be great supplements to learning for younger children about the United States).


Are you a roving home educator who uses the highways as their classroom – “RV Style”? These books are worth the room in the vehicle and super for sharing and trading with new friends you meet on the road!

And, for all parents and educators who love to travel – consider these books as a perfect gift (just add a suitcase!)

Happy Reading!

Supplemental information:

VisitTheUsa.com

National Geographic Interactive Learning kit: https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/united-states-mapmaker-kit

NPS.gov – The National Parks system in the United States

I received complimentary copies of the books that will be shared with others. I was not given any monetary compensation. The views expressed within this blog are my own.

“STAY AT HOME” Educational Resources for Students and their Parents/ Caregivers

Due to the Corona Virus (COVID 19), parents have been given one of the biggest challenges of their lives – teaching their children in the absence of teachers, structured curriculum and school support. That means parents, regardless of their own careers, are now home assuming the role of their child’s / children’s teacher.

Educators and parents all have one goal – to keep the learning curve going up while the COVID 19 curve declines.

Parents – don’t worry! I have compiled a long and comprehensive list of educational resources for you. Some of these links are chocked full rich content. One link may lead you to dozens more – so take your time and peruse! Good luck and feel free to comment below if you have additional websites you think we can all benefit from or just wish to comment!


STUDENT and PARENT/ CAREGIVER RESOURCES

Education.com

Education.com – There is a way for teachers of preschoolers to third grade to give their students a code to have entry to chosen lessons. Favorites are this LEARNING GAME LINK.

Computer coding also is a favorite part of Education.com and can be found HERE


ABCTeach.com

ABCTeach.com is a favorite of mine! They have support for preschool, elementary, middle and high schoolers. Including calculus. There are some freebies, but for $20 you can have a year-long membership. Click here to discover more about this terrific website (And you may find some familiar Signing Families content under Sign Language Learning)


California Department of Education- Resources for All Students, All States

The CDE has put together a comprehensive list of online learning opportunities and support. This site is GREAT! Their FREE Educational tab is chocked full of interactive and very helpful resources. Seriously, this site can be an answer to a parent’s prayers for help from educators worldwide! Click here to get to the site.

Click here for the CDE super – charged resources.


PBS Learning Media

PBS offers a division of their company dedicated to direct education known as PBS Learning Media .

For younger children, there is PBS KIDS

*** THE PBS App Store is extensive and has a lot of great independent learning opportunities.

YouTube

YouTube is no joke! There is some serious curriculum support and teaching happening on this social channel. Amazing teachers are available and many have offered opportunities for continued learning via their websites.


Rosetta Stone – FREE to students

Rosetta Stone has posted a free subscription to students due to the crisis. Learn more here.


Library of Congress – FREE Resources

The Library of Congress is chocked full of information. This TAB leads you to free photos and images for you to use – including learning projects.


FOR TEACHERS, PARENTS and CAREGIVERS

EDUTOPIA

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS

CHADD– Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder

KIDLUTIONS – Solutions for tough problems by Wendy Young, Counselor


LOS ANGELES PUBLIC LIBRARY – FUN RESOURCES

There are a lot of resources at this link for reading, STEM and more! Click here


LANGUAGE ARTS

RESOURCES GALORE! This is a treasure trove of learning opportunities from the Manhattan Beach School Distric. Click here.

Scholastic Magazine:

There is a plethora of reading resources on the Scholastic site.


MATH INSTRUCTION

Math Planet

We are Teachers – Math help from teachers

Online Math Learning – lessons

For Students with Special Needs

TIME MAGAZINE (click for link)

10 Tech Hacks for Struggling Readers

Time4Learning

A lot of activities and resources for our students on the spectrum.


ADAPTIVE GAMES – STAGES LEARNING

These games are adapted to children with unique challenges. Click here and fine motor exercises can be found here.


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“STAYING AT HOME” – ONLINE FOOD SHOPPING OPTIONS

Hello All,

If you are like my family and so many others, you are home due to “stay at home” orders from your local or state governments due to COVID-19. This blog simply is to give you food source options that you can have delivered to your home. Some are repeats from previous blogs, but worth mentioning again. I will update this list if I learn of more online food shopping sources.


IMPERFECT FOODS. They are overwhelmed but still in delivering the best they can. ( Note this info is as of the printing of this article -March 21, 2020). Fruits, vegetables and more can be found here.


talkshop.live – image from video

Hungry Monkey Baking : I have ordered more than once from this mom who has a growing business. Her commercial kitchen is ready and waiting to bake and ship you amazing goodies! The link provided directs you to her TalkShop.Live channel where you can see her story and order directly. Flavors include Banana Chip Bread, Triple Chocolate Brownies and more!


DAKIN FARMS: Cheese, meats and much more can be ordered from this online website that is still open and shipping. Cabot Cheese uses them as a main distributor. Their story and ordering info can be found here.


Harry and David : While not a cheap option, it is a delicious one! Fruit, meats and more are available.


ZINGERMANS. Breads, tinned fish and more.


Avi GLatt Kosher Foods – high demand may mean waiting for your order. But, if you keep a kosher home, this may be a solution for you.

Also, please support your local restaurants by ordering TAKE OUT. Remember – we are all in this TOGETHER!

Shop from home suggestions to keep the economy flowing.

I am writing this blog from the comfort of my home. My (hopefully) corona virus free home. For the past few weeks “COVID-19” has been front and center in the news. First it was China’s problem. Then Italy. Now it is creeping its’ way through the United States and into our psyches.

As a person with a history of autoimmune “crap” – I decided to play it safe and limit my exposure by hanging out with Bayla at home. She isn’t too happy about our self-imposed “home-stay”.

My real reason for writing today is because my INBOX has been INUNDATED with messages about COVID 19 from companies and how they are dealing with this situation. One way to help keep their employees working and cashflow rolling is to offer online shopping opportunities and MEGA sales. I feel it is my “civic duty” to share my knowledge with you about super specials that you can take advantage of from the comfort of your home.


WAYFAIR. I have an addiction to WAYFAIR and this week they are really touting a lot of inventory in their 80% off clearance section of their website. There are some really BIG sales going on here. I checked out a lot of items (some which were sold out) and wow the selection was really great! Here were some finds that piqued my interest.

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This lamp was originally $3000,00 and being sold for $333 this week

Or how about this 7 in 1 gaming table?! You can keep the whole family occupied during long days of enforced “staycations” or snow days!


IMPERFECT FOODS. Consider shopping for groceries via IMPERFECT FOODS. You will receive a plan to meet your needs such as a weekly or bi-monthly order. It can include vegetables, fruits or more (including eggs and cheeses) who were too “ugly” to make it to the grocery shelves. Their rejects are your next (cheaper) meal. They are in perfect condition to eat, just not perfect to look at.

Now you can get your essential perishables and do good for the world by not wasting food. IMPERFECT FOODS offers discounts for newbies. Here is the link. (Sorry, they do not offer any paper products, such as the super coveted toilet paper or paper towels.)


ULTA BEAUTY is offering a really terrific bonus gift to online shoppers who purchase $40 or more. While this seems pretty hefty – the gift is valued at nearly $100 and has great products. Get it while it lasts!


Other Noteworthy Deals for Home Shoppers

CRUISE VACATIONS: This poor industry has taken a hard hit – but they are still offering amazing pricing for cruises later in the year. I love my travel agent, Linda Kahn-Ferrell from The Travel Store and she can help guide you towards to the perfect cruise or other vacation. Simply call or contact her here. Ask Linda about great buys for airline travel, too.


FTD FLOWERS – If ever there was a time when we need some cheering up with a bouquet of flowers – it may just be today! https://www.ftd.com/occasion/spring


In closing, there is nothing funny or fun about the Corona Virus. But, if we must (temporarily) change the way we live – let us at least keep the economy going for the sake of our communities and families.

NOTE: I have not received any compensation or incentives from the above mentioned companies for including them in this blog. This was an organic article written based on my INBOX entries over the past few days.

If you know of a special that is running and wish to share – please add in the comment section. Thank you.

DISCLAIMER: The sales and information in this article was written Mid-March 2020. The items and sales were for this time period and may or may not be available upon you reading. However, the companies will (hopefully) be in business and worth checking out. Also, please check out my AMAZON INFLUENCER page here.

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A Driving Vacation to Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon and Sedona

If you ever want to feel small while delving into nature –   drive to the many outrageously big canyons that grace our national parks. Including the Red Rock Canyon National Park  in Nevada. There is where Hubby and I started a week long vacation to visit the Red Rocks of Nevada followed by many places, including the Grand Canyon and Sedona, in Arizona.  

And, because I am often best telling a story through a lens versus the printed word, I offer you many a photo.

DAY 1

The excitement of the trip began days before we even packed when I was diagnosed with bronchitis and tonsillitis.  Should we go? Should we stay home? Well, I hate to be told I CAN’T do something, so we packed and went anyway.  By the time we hit the Nevada border I was glad I had stopped at my doctors for much needed prescriptions, including an inhaler. That little medication literally saved me later on in the journey. 

When you drive in to Nevada from California it is hard to not notice the billboards for Vegas hot spots  and note the lack of announcements for much of anything else. Yet after we found some quick bites to eat we  wandered to the Red Rock Canyon National Park.  WOW! A mere 30 minute drive from downtown Las Vegas, it is a delightful place to spend an afternoon.

 

Tip #1 – When traveling with a cold be sure to bring all your “must have” sniffle supplies! Purchasing them on the road can be a hassle and also expensive!

 After I had seen about as many red rocks as I could handle, we ventured in to Las Vegas and parked for the night at the Westgate Resort and Casino.   This well appointed room was found on TripAdvisor who then connected me with one of their recommended third party sources. Easy as pie! Plus, I made some ‘dough” on both the cost of the room and  thanks to a quick trip to  the Quick Hits slot machine at this location.  

Bonus: A Youtube video to explain Quick Hits 

DAY 2

I never heard of Williams, Arizona before. But, it seemed like a place to stop given two factors, 1) The signs for Route 66 2) There was a Dairy Queen located in the town.  Now neither of those may be compelling reasons for you to want to stop. But, for me – it was worth it as Dairy Queen’s are not common in our part of California.  And, I am a sucker for any store with Route 66 tchatchkes. I loved meeting the local people,  many who gave us tips about visiting the Grand Canyon and Sedona.  






Tip #2: Sometimes the best photo is found off the highway.

Day 3

The majestic Grand Canyon!  Despite my feeling like a ton of red rocks were resting on my chest – red or any other color –  I managed to still enjoy the mighty Grand Canyon.  (But, warning… it is up high! Like 7 – thousand feet above sea level. )  All the photos uploaded on this blog were snapped on my iPhone 8 plus.  They are unfiltered and uploaded as is. 

Tip #3: And, sometimes the best photo is found in the quiet of a canyon. But, remember to pack water to stay hydrated as you hike, snap photos and enjoy the vistas all around you.

Mohave Point at sunset
Tip #4 – Spend at least two days or more in Sedona, Arizona. There is way too much to see and enjoy in a single day

DAYS 4 & 5

Sedona is like no place I have ever seen.  We entered this hamlet from a road that was recommended to us by a new “friend” from Williams.  He said to take this longer trek  to truly enjoy the scenery and be wooed by the mountains.  By the time we hit our hotel – The Bell Rock Inn – I was in love with this area. The rocks formations are like no other ones I had seen on this trip.  They seemed to be humongous towers from a movie set standing tall among the village. They were a backdrop to the town, the residences, the parks and schools. These mountains aptly called by appearance – The Cathedral, The Bell Rock,  Snoopy, etc. – were to this part of the southwest like the Pacific Ocean is to Southern California – the grande dame! 

When you visit Sedona be sure to go to the visitor center. There are several and each one is chocked full of great information.  Sedona itself is known for its’ artist colony, healers and diversity. Among the maps and tourist info I even found guides   for LGBTQ travelers and residents.

Sidenote: I always am curious as to the housing market in areas we visit. Compared to Southern California, most are cheaper than we are used to seeing. But, Sedona does present itself with a wide array of price points for housing, much of it pricey and some more affordable.  I can see why many retire to this state. Although I may need a lot more convincing knowing the heat index is well over 90 degrees much of the year.  

The food is also a mixture of Tex-Mex and “eclectic coffee house”.  Don’t expect to see a Starbucks on every corner – they are few and far between. But, do wander in to the several local coffee establishments that will gladly serve you a very fine espresso or latte. 

Without further adieu, I present you the sights of enchanting Sedona, Arizona…

Thanks for taking this journey with me. Oh, and in case you are wondering.. I am feeling much better! 🙂 

Bright Angels – Grand Canyon





Pebbles in the Pond (Review)

51Hit3GCYyL._AC_UL320_SR214,320_Are you stuck? Looking for the magic pill or words that will help you overcome a failed relationship, deal with unexpected changes in employment or cope with a loss of a loved one?

Are you looking for a way to find some meaning and purpose as to why your life might be topsy – turvy? Why yesterday made sense, but today it does not? Everyone at one time or another experiences a tidal wave of self – doubt, grief or apprehension.

Confession: The week I felt stuck. 

Yet, despite feeling a bit “stuck” in situations that I thought I had no control, I found solace and hope in a series of books written by Christine Kloser and featuring a consortium of excellent contributors. I had started reading them earlier this year, but really delved in to them this week.  Pebbles in the Pond (2014), shows that behind every life changing event there is a purpose.  It also demonstrated that beyond a shadow of doubt that the human spirit is resilient beyond measure.

Each chapter talks about situation that serves as a catalyst. Something that prompted the author to change or shift their thinking. While many of the stories resonated with me there were a few that I believe stood out the most.

One story, Transforming My Aging Script, by Sharon Matthias, talked about the personal passages one faces when turning 65.  How life seems to shift mentally when you are deemed “too old” to be employable.  Everywhere you look there are people or organizations that  tell you that “65 or older” you should take this pill for this ailment or it is time for retirement. Yet, this author convinced me that 65 is not to be feared but simply an age where you re-invent yourself – again. Thanks, Sharon!

What would you do if you were faced with a life and death situation? One author , Carin Rockind, discussed just that as she wrote  From “Perfect” to Purpose,  how she  changed her life course when she became face to face with a predator holding a gun to her head. She eloquently described how her biggest fear moments earlier was her bad choice in blind dates. Now as she bargained with God for her life, she realized that if she survived this personal assault that her priorities would need to change.  Heck of a way to find out what path you should be on – but Rockind did survive and now leads a life that gives her a more purpose, grace and meaning.

Then there is the poignant story by Tiffany Kane, who I know personally from our association with  the Beach Cities Breakfast Club.  I have heard Tiffany speak before, but wow, I was unprepared for her deep sole searching following a series of tragedies that was eloquently written in the chapter simply titled, “Inner Power Parenting”.  Tiffany describes how one can find the tools you need to grieve and turn a life that seems “stuck” into a productive one.  I admire Tiffany for her candor and willingness to help others who are “only parenting”.  Tiffany is also the founder of Widows with Kids, an organization well worth checking out. Please do.

I could write much more about the golden “nuggets” of wisdom throughout Pebbles in the Pond. Instead, I will invite you to read them and enjoy them on your own time.

Also recommended: Cultivating Joy and Choosing Happiness, featuring chapters by Tiffany Kane, as well. All books are available on AMAZON.

Note: I received nothing more than the books for this review. The books will be donated to a local Los Angeles library.

 

 

 

LA GADGET EXPO: Product Reviews

Today I spent the morning at the LA GADGET EXPO in downtown Los Angeles.  I was expecting an exposition chocked full of entrepreneurs showing their newest creations and devices.  The reality was more an intimate gathering of students with cool ideas and small businesses showing their unique gadgets.

While smaller than expected, the LA GADGET EXPO  did offer a few very impressive companies that I felt was worth mentioning for consideration for the upcoming holiday season.

 

IMG_0061

ALLOCACOC –  POWER CUBE  @Allocacoc 

Let’s start with my FAVORITE of all the gadgets at this show.  FINALLY, someone has solved the problem of the power strip that is cumbersome.  Meet ALLOCACOC – an award winning idea that is a  multi- prong power cube!  Offers USB, international and US standard plugs. I LOVED IT! Simple and sleek.  The cubes can be singular or connect to stack! The enables people, like myself, who have a ton of technology in their office much needed versatility and helps to solve the  problem of “Is there another outlet?”

I can envision these at airports, restaurants and hotels! Not to mention when social media correspondents gather for events!

Price point is VERY reasonable at $12.95 for the basic cube.


 Muku Labs Camera Shutter  @MukuLabs  

IMG_0081Muku Labs made a very nice camera shutter that is used with iOS and Android devices.  A standard bluetooth mechanism, it is perfect for taking group or selfie photos without having to hold on to a phone.  Must say that the streamlined look, feel and ease of use is much preferred over others I have tried.

Retail: $39.99  Link to purchase



DOTT – SMART DOG TAG  @DottSmartDog

DOTT- Smart Dog Tag is an VERY intriguing device that is well worth a look. Imagine letting FIDO off leash at a dog park.  This multi-function dog tag has dual purposes. First it  helps signal the dog, through a small dog tag worn on your dog’s collar, to return back to you. Secondly,  the technology allows owners to locate a dog that has wandered off. As a bonus, the tag is paired with an app that offers ancillary services, such as community alerts to find a missing animal.

From their website is this excellent description:

DOTT provides with you digital tracking of latest technology. DOTT tag sets up a virtual leash, connects your pet to your mobile phone. If it wanders off, DOTT will let you know immediately. And, our social GPS network actively tells you the last seen location and help locate it continuously.

IMG_0050

I couldn’t help but think that this technology would also be good to interface with other community based apps such as BOP  or  ROVER.com.

Dog rescues and veterinary services should give DOTT some consideration.  Price point is a very easy $30 online


MY OPEN ROAD  @MyOpenRoad

IMG_0040

Two companies offered  eco friendly ideas. The first is My Open Road – an app for both IOS and Adroid that allows users to document how they are reducing their  carbon imprint on the world by  taking alternate forms of transportation – such as walking, riding a bike or carpooling. I love to see companies that are eco- friendly and even their t-shirts were made with eco-sustainable products.  They also had a coveted spot at the expo and were a joy to speak with!

Their motto:  Tiny Changes- Big Rewards is very clever.


URB-E – ELECTRIC BIKE that FOLDS UP!  @URBErides

URB-E is a very clever eco-friendly bike – motor scooter.  I can imagine this being a huge hit on college campuses, for urban dwellers and even those who want to explore large cities but not on foot.  Their price point was far more than others at this fair, starting at $1699.

URB- E gets my personal kudos for having the best online marketing, however!

They have a decent social media presence for a start-up but excelled over others with the most CLEVER holiday campaign!   Check out their video for the 21 days of URB- E Christmas (and if you enter their contest you may win one of their bikes!)

 


 

I should also mention a few other gadgets that caught my attention. Sound Brake was an interesting device to help alert headphone users of environmental noises, such as a doorbell ringing.  Here is my periscope interview  with the founder.  And, MOTI app is a healthy – lifestyle application for iOS and Android to help people register their level of exercise, healthy habits (such as water consumption), etc.

Final thoughts: I really enjoyed speaking to these creative minds who invented fun and functional products.  However a word of wisdom to those who are vendors/ displayers at booths that are seeking investors, distributors or publicity – have a PR KIT FOR YOUR PRODUCT!  Only a handful of the gadgets had any information about their product. Some had postcards with their websites. Others had only business cards.  A PR kit for press, etc. with information, easy to find social media “411” and if possible a sample would be FABULOUS!

Do you have a gadget that you can recommend or created? Feel free to add your information in the comment section below!

 

Disclaimer:  No renumeration was received for any of these products.  These are reviews based on observation and interviews.