In addition to the great content, author Gretchen Panicucci (licensed professional counselor, national certified counselor, and licensed school counselor) included follow-up discussion questions, a parent letter, and a student worksheet.

This is a must-have book for school counselors and elementary school teachers. I HIGHLY recommend it!

If you're a school counselor, then I know you've been asked to, in some capacity, manage bullying and bullying prevention at your building(s). The trouble is, we don't always have materials available to us. I've had to create my own lessons and materials more times than I can count and while I love to exercise my creative muscles, sometimes I need something that's ready to go.

The Captain McFinn website has a lot of great extras too! There are 3 sing-a-long songs (have your puppet ready!), coloring pages, interactive games, and more! Whether you need books, activities, puppets, posters, or songs, you can find it with S.H.A.R.K. Patrol. The kids will love the characters. Check it out!

I can definitely relate to this story. While I may appear extroverted, I have always been an introvert - I have just found ways to mask it when need be (i.e. theatre). I encounter a lot of students who feel that they don't fit in because their interests and needs are different from the other students in their class. The problem with most elementary schools is that the pond is quite small, so students who have more unique interests and personalities may have to wait until junior high, high school, or even college to make lasting, more compatible friendships.

I definitely recommend sharing this story with your students, especially those struggling with their individuality. The artwork by Georgia Stylou is striking and just like the little girl, unique. Enjoy!

Perhaps more than the tweets themselves, I was particularly moved by Leslie's introduction. She describes children (and what it's like to work with them) perfectly. As she puts it, they are in constant search of "instant gratification and pleasurable sensory experiences" (pg. ix), which, to be perfectly honest, can make them seem like little monsters. However, the more you look and listen, the more you recognize the depth of their compassion, creativity, and individuality.

Leslie started her Twitter feed as a way to preserve the precious gems her students gave her each day. I know the feeling well! Every day, I laugh with my kiddos as they say the most surprising things, but then quickly forget what they said, despite every attempt and promise to myself to remember. Here are some of my favorites from my own personal collection that found a way to stick in my brain:

• "Mrs. Rex, you are a vegetarian? So, if I touch you with meat will your skin burn?"
• "When I grow up, I want to be a lifeguard princess."
• "Sometimes, I think that odd numbers are boys and even numbers are girls."
• "Mrs. Rex. That's like T-Rex. But, you're not a dinosaur. You're a girl."

So, if you're having a bad day, try reading a little bit of Preschool Gems. I promise that you will laugh out loud and feel completely refreshed and rejuvenated in the process.