Ms. Jes and Tasha have teamed up to help you have an even better experience with art and Little Shot’s story. Watch the draw-along video with Ms. Jes here. Then, listen to the Little Shot Podcast while drawing along like Ms. Jes taught you.

Introduction:

Intro Music

Tasha – Welcome to the Little Shot Podcast where big dreams begin with little shots like you. I’m your host, Tasha Eizinger, author of The Little Shot picture book series, and I will be interviewing the main characters in The Little Shot books. They are all excited to share their stories with you, my friend! I have loved doing these interviews because you will get to hear some of the back stories that couldn’t be shared in the books.

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. So, bring us along on your car ride, snuggle up with your favorite blanket, or get comfy in your classroom as we dive in to today’s episode.

SOUND Tasha – This episode is brought to you by… SOUND

Tasha – Today’s episode is based on the second book in The Little Shot series called The Little Shot: Humility. Humility is staying grounded by remembering what it took to become successful. To learn more about living with humility, we have the sweetest guest today. She’s seen many stars come and go, is gentle, wise, and full of stories. Please welcome… Little Shot’s Grandma!

Little Shot’s Grandma – Thank you for having me, Tasha. Hello, my little stars! Humility is one of those lessons that makes your heart fuller the more you practice it, and I’m honored to share how to be more humble with my little stars today.

Tasha – Thank you for being here, Grandma! Grandma, after Little Shot became a Big Shot which is also known as a shooting star, she started to get a lot of attention and seemed to lose her way. She came to you with tears. What did you see in her eyes?

Little Shot’s Grandma – As it’s been said, eyes are the windows to the soul. I saw a storm in her eyes. Not the kind that rages, but the kind the brews inside a child’s heart. She was holding so much pride, confusion, and loneliness. And when she finally let it out, it came pouring out of her.

Tasha – What did you do?

Little Shot’s Grandma – I opened my arms. I didn’t ask a bunch of questions. I didn’t try to fix everything. I held her while she sobbed. While I held her, I hummed our favorite song which has always calmed Little Shot. 

Tasha – I remember you said, “Crying works wonders sometimes.” I know it makes me feel better to cry when I feel overwhelmed.

• SOUND Tasha interactive – Hey, friends, that’s you… the one listening to this podcast. Have you ever felt overwhelmed? What helps you feel better? Is it crying… listening to music… singing and dancing around… going for a walk… journaling? * SOUND

Tasha –  Grandma, what happened next?

Little Shot’s Grandma – Little Shot cried for a long time. Then, she told me all of her frustrations with friends, feeling misunderstood, and basically knowing something was wrong but not sure what it was.

Tasha – That’s a lot for a young star to carry in her heart.

Little Shot’s Grandma – It is! That’s why tears are important. They are not a sign of weakness; they’re a sign of release. When Little Shot cried, she made room for clarity. So, she was able to talk about what was overwhelming her.

Tasha – I’m so glad she had you there to love her and help her through this!

Little Shot’s Grandma – It’s important that adults work together to help children. It’s been said it takes a village to raise a child, and I love being part of Little Shot’s village. 

Tasha – So, while she cried, you held her and hummed a peaceful song. Then, she told you what was bothering her. There’s something else you did. What was it?

Little Shot’s Grandma – We took a deep breath together. Then, we counted down – 3… 2… 1… and sighed… AHHHH…. That breath was a reset. It was a way to help her feel calmer. When we are too worked up, our brains don’t work the same way. I wanted to help her work towards solutions instead of being stuck in the overwhelm.

Tasha – This is great advice. Deep breaths are so calming and help our brains work better.

• SOUND Tasha interactive – Hey friends, let’s try talking deep breaths together. Take a big breath in… hold it… and let out a big sigh. Ready? 3… 2… 1… breath in… hold it… AHHHHH…. Let’s do it again… 3… 2… 1…. Breath in… hold it…. AHHHHH Doesn’t that feel better? This is one way to calm your mind and your heart. * SOUND

Tasha –  Grandma, I feel like when Little Shot first got to you she was almost like a balloon with too much air. The balloon was about to pop.

Little Shot’s Grandma – Yes, she was. Crying helped release a little bit of air, humming while being hugged released a little more, talking released a little more, and the deep breathing released even more. She was no longer a balloon ready to pop.

Tasha – I am imagining a balloon with too much air and seeing it release a little bit so it’s a balloon with just the right amount of air.

• SOUND Tasha interactive – Hey friends, put your hands out in front of you and pretend you are holding a balloon. What color is your balloon? Imagine it has so much air in it that it could pop at any moment. We don’t want the balloon to pop. What is something that helps you feel better when you are overwhelmed? Is it crying, journaling, walking, singing… Imagine doing that and see a little bit of air come out of your balloon. While still holding your balloon, I want you to imagine doing something else to help release a little more air. Is it deep breathing… humming, talking to someone… Imagine your balloon has just the right amount of air in it. How about enough so you can play keepy-uppy? Anytime you are overwhelmed, imagine your balloon and getting the air to a level that allows you to play and have fun with it. * SOUND

Tasha – After Little Shot felt better, you were able to ask questions so she could better understand what to do next. 

Little Shot’s Grandma – I wanted her to remember why she became a Big Shot in the first place. She had gotten caught up in being cool and impressing others. She told me she became a Big Shot to give people hope. 

That, my little stars, is part of humility – remembering your purpose. When you act from your heart instead of your ego, your light shines steadier and brighter. Your ego is trying to impress everyone. To get them to like you. Perhaps to show off. 

Tasha – Our ego can get in the way sometimes. Let’s talk about humility. That’s a big word! What does humility mean to you?

Little Shot’s Grandma – Humility is staying grounded by remembering what it took to become successful. It means you remember why you’re doing what you’re doing, all of your hard work, and you understand your success didn’t happen only because of you… others helped you get here.

Tasha – Humility sounds so important. But, some of our friends might think it means shrinking themselves or not being proud at all. Is that true?

Little Shot’s Grandma – Not at all! Humility does not mean pretending you’re not good at something. It’s okay to be confident and to know what you’re good at. If someone gives you a compliment say thank you with a smile. 

Tasha – Thank you for that clarification. Confidence is a good thing. Bragging about yourself or pretending like you’re not good at something is not okay.

Little Shot’s Grandma – Exactly. Imagine you baked delicious cookies. Would you refuse to share them with others because you wouldn’t want anyone to know how yummy they are?

Tasha – No, I would want to share them with others.

Little Shot’s Grandma – Of course you would. Humility is about offering your cookies with a smile and saying, “I’m glad you enjoy eating them.” And remembering to thank them for any compliments. It’s about remembering and being grateful for the people who helped you gather the ingredients or wash the dishes. You don’t say, “Look at me! I made the best cookies ever!” Instead, you say, “I’m grateful I could share these cookies with you.”

Tasha – That’s a great analogy. Our humility is like baking and sharing delicious cookies. 

• SOUND Tasha interactive –  Hey, friends! Thank about something you’re really good at. Maybe building with blocks, running fast, or telling silly jokes… What is it? Can you imagine sharing your gift with someone else to uplift them, not just keeping it to yourself? That’s humility in action! * SOUND

Tasha – Grandma, you mentioned gratitude a couple of times. What is gratitude?

Little Shot’s Grandma – Gratitude is feeling thankful. It’s appreciating the good in people and experiences.   

Tasha – What are some ways we can feel gratitude?

Little Shot’s Grandma – Think about what makes you happy and thankful. What has happened today to give you a little joy? Little Shot shared she was grateful for her family, for her sparkle, and for hugs. Gratitude doesn’t have to be big moments. Life is precious so when we can feel thankful for the little moments. Gratitude helps us remember that.

Tasha – There are so many things that can make us happy and thankful!

• SOUND Tasha interactive – Hey, friends! What is something that has given you some happiness today? What are you thankful for? Did you have a good laugh today? You could say… I am grateful for laughing so hard today. Maybe it’s sunny outside and you love the sunshine. You could say… I am grateful for the sunny day today. Okay, now it’s your turn. What is something that has helped you feel happy or thankful for today? Say I am grateful for… go ahead… say what you’re grateful for.* SOUND

Tasha – Grandma, I love writing down my gratitude every day. It’s nothing fancy, but it helps me remember the good in life.

Little Shot’s Grandma – I love doing this, too. To my little stars, you can write it down every day, too, create a gratitude wall if your family says it’s okay, or even draw pictures of what you’re grateful for. 

Tasha – This is been such a great conversation! Do you have any final thoughts?

Little Shot’s Grandma –  Humility can feel tricky in a world that prizes being the best, the fastest, or the smartest. But remember, it’s our effort, our courage, and our humility that matter so much more than awards. It’s who we are on the inside that carries us through life. Awards are fine and fun, but they aren’t everything.

Tasha – What a great perspective. Being recognized or awarded is a brief moment in our lives. Who we are on the inside goes with us every single day.

Little Shot’s Grandma – It sure does! I hope our friends are adding to their Big Shot journal after our episodes so they can see what they are learning. Little Shot writes down 5 key things she learns in each book. In book 2, it’s about living with humility. 

Tasha – Yes, Little Shot’s journal is at the back of each book. If our friends listening don’t have a book, that’s okay. They can get the journal page at www.thelittleshot.com/kids to print it off and color it.

Little Shot’s Grandma – They can also create their own page with a blank piece of paper and whatever they want to write with.  There will be journal ideas at the end of this episode.

Tasha – Great idea! I’m sure our friends are creative. Thank you so much for being here today, Grandma! I am certain you have inspired whoever is listening wherever they are.

Little Shot’s Grandma – Thank you for having me! Remember, my little stars, humility doesn’t make you smaller so keep sharing your sparkle with others!

Tasha – I enjoyed learning from you today, Grandma, thank you, again, for being here.  

Closing:

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. Stay tuned after the brief ad to get your Big Shot journal questions and to hear tips for caregivers. 

SOUND Tasha – This episode is brought to you by…SOUND

Did you know at the back of every Little Shot book there is a Big Shot journal page? It’s a coloring page for the copy you have at home. Please don’t color the one at your local library! If you can’t write down the Journal questions right now, you can access them at thelittleshot.com/kids. If you’re not able to write answers, that’s okay! Draw a picture instead.

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 want to live with humility?  Is it thanking people who have helped you get where you are today? Is it reflecting on some of the mistakes you have made and what you learned from them?
2. What are some things you know you are good at? Write them down. How can you use one of these things on your list to uplift others? Sometimes our gifts are meant to be shared just like delicious cookies.
3. Imagine the balloon in your hands. What are some things you can do whenever your balloon feels like it’s ready to pop? Write down a few things you can do the next time you are overwhelmed.

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!

SOUND Tasha – Hey, caregivers! Here are 2 quick thoughts for you whether you are a parent, grandparent, or educator: 

Number 1: You know your child and students best! What are some strategies that help your child when they are overwhelmed? What are some things you know definitely don’t work? Sometimes, we have to ask our kids when they are happy and doing well – what helps you when you feel overwhelmed? Talking about it before they are worked up generally goes better… as you know. 

Number 2: It’s okay for your kids and students to see you show emotions and how to work through them. I know, it’s really hard to set the example sometimes, but they are paying much closer attention than we would sometimes like. I regularly ask myself what kind of an example am I showing my kids. Some days, I feel good about it and some days, I tell myself – tomorrow is a new day, and I can do better today. Today, I did my best and that’s all I can ever do. Without even knowing you, I know you are doing the best you can!

SOUND Tasha – This episode is brought to you by… SOUND

Tasha – Thank you for listening to today’s episode! To access more free resources, please go to thelittleshot.com/kids. If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend, family member, teacher, or someone who needs some hope. 

Until next time, I’m Tasha Eizinger, author of The Little Shot series, keep your chin up, your heart open, and your dreams soaring. 3… 2… 1… WISHHHH   Outro Music