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Writer's pictureThe Gardening Team

Courage vs. Confidence

Last week our Gardener Anna roared her way into the role of the Cowardly Lion in her school's performance of the Wizard Of Oz. We were extremely proud of her courage to take on such a magnificent role. Just as the Cowardly Lion was seeking courage, we know how important it is to help young gardeners explore new tools/skills to help them find their own courage and embrace their inner confidence.


"You have plenty of courage, I am sure. All you need is confidence in yourself. There is no living thing that is not afraid when it faces danger. The true courage is in facing danger when you are afraid, and that kind of courage you have in plenty."

~Frank Baum, 'The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz'


Confidence is a feeling that comes from believing we have the skills/talent/tools to succeed at something; while courage is a choice we make to proceed, despite our fear of not knowing the outcome. One could say, without courage, we may never develop the confidence. Empowering young children with tools to help them find their courage sets them up for making healthy and positive choices when they encounter fear or overcoming challenging obstacles. Courage helps you take the first step onto that yellow brick road and your confidence is what gets you to Oz!

Scroll down for some helpful tips of how to teach young kids about courage & get a peek at Gardener Anna's solo!


“Courage! What makes a king out of a slave? Courage! What makes the flag on the mast to wave? Courage! What makes the elephant charge his tusk in the misty mist, or the dusky dusk? What makes the muskrat guard his musk? Courage! What makes the sphinx the seventh wonder? Courage! What makes the dawn come up like thunder? Courage! What makes the Hottentot so hot? What puts the “ape” in apricot? What have they got that I ain’t got?”

~The Lion, The Wizard Of Oz



Helpful Tips To Teach Young Gardeners About Courage

-Read age appropriate books about courageous and confident characters.

-Talk about real life figures that demonstrate courage and confidence.

-Help a child overcome a small fear like riding a bike.

-Explain that courage is not a feeling, it is a choice and most people who do courageous acts do not feel confident at first.

-Highlight, appreciate and recognize when a child is brave, even for something small, like trying a new food.

-Help your child write down a list of their fears, sometimes just acknowledging what you are afraid helps you find the courage to

overcome it.



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