What can kids learn from a particularly round raccoon named Jimothy? Turns out, quite a lot, at least according to Rachel Pendergast-Weiss, a 2nd and 3rd-grade teacher in Seattle. While the world has fallen in love with all the features that make Jimothy unique, Pendergast-Weiss saw an opportunity beyond the viral moment. To the veteran teacher, Jimothy is a way to connect with students and teach them about inclusion, wildlife conservation and rehabilitation, and so much more. Other writing activities may include comic strips, newspaper articles, and opinion pieces like “Should Jimothy be Seattle’s official mascot?”