Season One: Episode Two
Little Shot’s Courage Journal Page
Download to print and color the page. And tune into future episodes to collect all of Little Shot’s journal Pages.
Journal Questions from Episode #2
What is one thing you learned today that you want to try this week?
You could journal about one or all 3 of these things:
1. How do you wanna live with courage? Is it asking a friend to play or trying something new?
2. What is something kind you can say to someone else today? You could give yourself an extra challenge and encourage a few people.
3. Is there someone in your life who believes in you? How does that make you feel? What does this person say?
You can answer 1 or all of 3 of those in your journal by writing about it or drawing a picture. Don’t want to put it on paper? You can talk about it with someone you trust. Every small step takes you closer to becoming a Big Shot!
Thoughts for Grown-ups
Hey, grown-ups! Here are 2 quick thoughts for you whether you are a parent, grandparent, or educator:
Number 1:
It’s important to raise belief in children while also setting proper expectations without making them feel defeated. This is something my parents did for me as a kid. I wanted to swim in the Olympics, even though at the time I was the worst swimmer on the team. Seriously, we have video evidence. Instead of telling me I could do anything I put my mind to or telling me the abysmal stats of becoming an Olympian, they painted a picture of what my life would look like training for the Olympics. I decided on my own I didn’t want to become an Olympian, and I was able to keep my dignity.
Number 2:
If you have younger kids, you could jump around and have fun with the interactive we did today. It’s the I am courageous, you are courageous activity. With older kids, you could write a note every now and then, reminding them of their courage and your belief in them. It’s the little things in life that build one’s heart.
Read along:
[Intro music]
Tasha:
Welcome to The Little Shot Podcast! I’m your host, Tasha Eizinger, author of The Little Shot picture book series. This is the place where we talk about big dreams, character values, and what it takes to shine bright in this world. Whether you’re a kid or a caregiver, this podcast is for you.
Today, we have a very special guest. She’s loving, wise, and full of encouragement—please welcome… Little Shot’s Mom!
Mom (gentle, inviting):
Hi, friends! Oh, I am so happy to see you here today. I want to talk directly to you: Little Shot’s friends who are listening. You are capable of amazing things, even if it feels scary sometimes. I have seen Little Shot become a Big Shot which is also known as a shooting star. She achieved her big dream, and I know you can, too!
Tasha:
I love that! Kids, did you hear that? You can do amazing things! Take a deep breath and imagine your own sparkly courage shining! Mom, when Little Shot first told you she wanted to be a Big Shot, what did you say to her?
Mom (warm, playful):
I said, “A Big Shot is just a Little Shot that kept shooting.” And I want you to hear that too, friends. Even if you feel small, if you keep trying and learning, you can do BIG things.
Tasha:
* DING * Hey, friend, that’s you… the one listening to this podcast – Can you think of one small step you can take toward a big dream today? Maybe it’s asking an adult for help. Maybe it’s drawing a picture of your dream. Maybe it’s journaling about your dream and creating a plan. [pause 5 seconds] * DING *
Mom, what do you think helped Little Shot the most when she was learning how to become a Big Shot?
Mom:
Definitely, her courage.
Tasha:
Courage is a big word. Can you explain it for our friends?
Mom (thoughtful, soft):
Of course. Courage is leading from your heart despite your fear. It doesn’t mean you aren’t scared. Courage means that even when you’re nervous or unsure, you still do what matters to your heart. Sometimes, having courage means just trying—even if it’s hard or you’re unsure. And sometimes it helps to have someone who believes in you cheering you on. I can be that to all of Little Shot’s friends listening because I believe in each one of you!
Tasha:
Thank you for caring about Little Shot’s friends so much.
What you said makes me think of when I do school visits. I teach kids to believe in themselves and to encourage each other. Let’s do this together so our friends can learn how to do it with us!
Mom:
Yes, I would love to!
Tasha:
Okay, you will repeat after me. When you say your part, put your hand on your heart so you can really feel what you’re saying.
I am courageous!
Mom:
I am courageous!
Tasha:
This next part, if someone is around you, you will point towards them and encourage them. Repeat after me: You are courageous!
Mom:
You are courageous!
Tasha:
Now, let’s put it all together and remember to put your hand your heart so you really feel what you’re saying and point towards someone else to encourage them.
I am courageous!
Mom:
I am courageous!
Tasha:
You are courageous!
Mom:
You are courageous!
Tasha:
I sometimes do this around my house to activate my inner courage.
Mom:
Thank you for sharing this with all of us! I’m going to start doing this, too.
Little Shot still practices her courage. Every fall, every mistake, has helped her shine brighter. And guess what? Our friends can practice this, too!
Tasha:
For sure! Can you give us an example of a time when Little Shot was scared but chose courage?
Mom (storytelling tone):
Oh, I remember one day when Little Shot wanted to sing a song she wrote. Her friends were watching, and she felt nervous. She whispered to me, “What if I mess up?”
And I said, “Messing up is a part of learning. If it’s a big enough mistake, you’ll take a deep breath and start again.”
My sweet Little Shot tried, but she forgot her words because she was so nervous! She paused, took a deep breath, and then started again.
And guess what? The second time—she did it! The sparkle in her eyes was brighter than ever! I am so proud of her courage to try and her resilience to keep going.
Tasha:
Way to go, Little Shot!
*DING* Friends, sometimes our “what ifs” get really loud—What if I fail? What if they laugh? What if I’m not good enough? But when we answer those “what ifs” with courage, everything changes. *DING*
So, Mom, how can our friends keep going even when things feel hard or they make mistakes?
Mom (direct, energetic):
First, remember: mistakes are not who you are. They’re part of learning. We all make mistakes sometimes, and that’s okay.
I like to say: “Mistakes are like glitter: you may not want them at first, but they stick with you and make you shine in ways you didn’t expect.”
Tasha:
Mistakes are like glitter would be cute on a t-shirt! I’m going to remember that.
Mom:
Our words matter! It also helps if we can laugh to get us through tough moments.
Tasha:
Laughter is the best medicine! I agree that our words matter! I remember when I was teaching, one of my students told me, “I can’t do math.” And I said, “Not yet—you can’t do it yet. But you’re learning. So you will know how to do it eventually” With practice and encouragement, that student began to say, “I can do hard things.” That shift in words built so much courage.
Mom:
Yes! The way you talk to yourself matters. The way others talk to you matters. Choose words that build courage in ourselves and others, not tear it down. I hope we can all be kinder to each other and find ways to encourage each other.
Tasha:
Me, too!
*DING* Friends, what’s one thing you tried recently that didn’t go perfectly? [pause 5 seconds] That’s okay—I’m learning! My mistakes are like glitter! *DING*
Mom, can you share another time Little Shot showed courage?
Mom (reflective):
Yes. There was a day when she didn’t want to go to school because she felt left out. She told me, “What if no one plays with me?” And I said, “Courage isn’t big and loud. It’s small, and it’s quiet. Sometimes courage is simply walking into the room or asking someone to be our friend.”
She went to school. She had courage and asked someone to be her friend. They played together at recess. I know she was incredibly nervous, but she did it!
Tasha (gentle):
We need to all remember that. Courage isn’t big and loud. It’s small and quiet like raising your hand in class, trying a new food, standing up for someone, or even admitting when you don’t understand something.
Mom:
Exactly. Courage isn’t about being fearless—it’s about doing what’s right even when you feel fear.
Tasha:
What are the main lessons for our friends today?
Mom:
Number 1: Believe in yourself. Even when you feel small, your dream matters. If you’re having a hard time believing in yourself, know that I believe in you!
Number 2: Our courage grows every time we challenge ourselves. You may need to remind yourself: I am courageous!
Number 3: Ask for help. Mentors, teachers, parents, coaches, or friends can guide and support you.
Number 4: Celebrate every little success. Every step counts! Little Shot likes to dance around to celebrate. You might want to jump and down. It’s your celebration so do what you enjoy.
Number 5: Mistakes are learning opportunities. You are not your mistakes. Keep learning from the mistakes you make, and you will get better.
Tasha (warm):
Those are great! Friends, I hope Little Shot’s mom’s words go to your heart. And caregivers, please take notes too—you’re part of building courage in yourself and the Little Shots in your life.
Mom (playful):
Thank you for letting me speak with you today! I can’t wait to hear about all the Little Shots out there who shine bright every day.
Tasha (laughs):
Thank you for being here! I loved learning from you today and look froward to having you back!
[Closing music]
Tasha:
And Thank you, friends, for joining us today. Remember—every Big Shot started out as a Little Shot. Keep believing, keep practicing, and keep shining your light.
Until next time, I’m Tasha Eizinger author of The Little Shot series. Be sure to check out thelittleshot.com for free resources just for kids like you.
[Outro music]
