Island 5 Family Navigational Guidebook

ISLAND 5 Genbo FAMILY NAVIGATIONAL GUIDEBOOK

Genbo (JEN-boh) Gentle Boldness

ENLIGH SUGGESTIONS:

Genbo (The Skunk)

Be Gentle – Yet Bold!

Gentleness underpinned by boldness is the hallmark of wisdom and effective leadership.

• What does the above statement above mean to you?

• Listen to Genbo the Skunk . Write your thoughts and impressions.

• Read through the skunk facts . How can you liken the skunk to being gentle, yet bold?

• Search your core books for individuals who boldly stayed true to what is right, and were firm in their mind; but remained gentle and kind. How can you use Genbo in your role as

a parent? What is the difference between being bold and being gently bold?

HOW TO USE GENBO RESULTS FROM APPLYING GENBO

• Think big, be bold and persistent, no • Develops Strength of Character and matter what. Assertiveness • Hold firm to your dreams and • Increases SAPA (Self Awareness and Positive Attitude) aspirations. • Creates abundance through achievement • Remember that the greater the trial or • Inspires courage, confidence, and hope tribulation, the greater the blessing. • Don’t give permission for anyone or anything to cause you to let go of what is right for you. • In times of challenge, think, “It’s but a small moment.”

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READ THE TALE OF HOPE: Read together the Genbo section in The Tale of Hope: Island of Self-Discipline.

LISTEN TO THE SONG: Listen to Genbo the Skunk.

EXPLORE THE SKUNK: 1. Skunks are nocturnal. They sleep during the day and search for food at night.

2. You cannot mistake the distinct smell of a skunk’s spray. A skunk’s spray does not cause any permanent damage; but it sure makes its victims feel uncomfortable.

3. A skunk’s spray can reach as far as ten feet. This unique, defensive mechanism is very effective; and predators generally stay far away.

4. A skunk will usually warn its victim before it sprays, by turning its back, lifting its tail, and stamping its feet.

5. What else can you learn about skunks?

PONDER : 1. How can you liken the skunk to being gentle but bold?

2. A skunk’s spray does not cause permanent damage; but it makes its victims feel uncomfortable. Do you think being bold makes others feel uncomfortable? Is that good or bad? How can you be bold without causing permanent damage?

3. Victims are warned before the skunk sprays its noxious chemical. What body language and tones of voice will help you be bold, but also be gentle in what you say?

4. Have you ever smelled a skunk? How did it make you feel? What experiences have you had or read about when someone boldly stood for right?

Teaching Tip “The power of a story is a flow of emotion. If you tell them you will be asking questions, or if you ask questions, you disrupt that flow and switch it to the mind and away from the heart. Feelings cannot always find words. You just have to trust that the story is doing exactly what it needs to do. A child may ask a question, or a child may share an experience --this is wonderful because it is bubbling out of his own heart. Compulsion comes in many forms and the least degree, even when well intentioned, can short circuit the process.

The more these lessons are woven seamlessly into life, the more effective.” ~ Marlene Peterson

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Genbo Stories The North Wind and the Sun Adapted from Aesop Retold by Robin Jensen

The Sun and the North Wind were having a conversation one day on what constituted power. The Sun said that you must be kind to encourage people to do your bidding. The Wind argued that might was the way to get the things you want.

While the North Wind boasted of his forceful strength, the Sun maintained that there was greater power in gentleness.

Looking down, the Sun spotted a man traveling a winding road, far below. He was wearing a warm winter coat. Suddenly, the Sun had an idea.

"We shall have a contest,” said the Sun. “As a test of strength, let us see which of us can take the coat off that man."

"It will be quite simple for me to force him to remove his coat," bragged the Wind.

Gently, the Sun moved behind a cloud to give the Wind a chance to show how powerful it was. The Wind blew hard and the birds hid in the trees. The world was filled with dust and leaves, tugging at the coat of the man. The harder the wind blew, the tighter the shivering man wrapped his coat around him.

The Sun then came out from behind its cloud. Smiling down upon the man, the Sun warmed the air and the frosty ground. The man on the road unbuttoned his coat.

Slowly, the Sun grew brighter and brighter.

Soon the man felt so hot, he took off his coat and sat down in a shady spot.

"How did you do that?" asked the Wind in astonishment. "It was easy," replied the Sun. "I lighted the day. Through gentleness, I got my way."

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How George Washington Saved a Young Nation From a Military Dictatorship by Beth Southwick General George Washington rode through camp atop his gray horse, Blueskin. Soldiers, clad in ragged clothing, sat near their tents quietly talking to each other; some were playing cards, others were writing letters home, shaving, or darning threadbare socks. Very few of them made actual eye contact with their General. The mood was sour and sullen.

“Eight years,” thought Washington. “These good men have suffered eight long years for their country. How much we owe them!” Independence from Great Britain had been won at a terrible cost. And now, eighteen months after the last shots of war had been fired, soldiers and officers alike were still waiting their promised pay for all of their labors and sacrifice; and they were angry.

In 1783, Congress was weak. Representatives of the different states were still trying to figure out the role of the new central government. They were not united and argued amongst themselves over many different issues. General Washington continuously appealed to them to pay his soldiers, but his pleas went largely ignored and unmet. There were, however, some men in Congress who were very concerned about the soldiers and wanted them to receive their due compensation and appreciation.

During this time, an anonymous letter began circulating through the camp of the Continental Army. The letter was bitter, claiming that Congress was conspiring against them. It urged the officers to rise up and take over the government, using their military might. The idea seemed like a good idea to many of Washington’s officers, and they planned to meet in secret to discuss the possibility. Somehow Washington found out about the plot. Alarmed, he immediately issued orders forbidding the assembly. At the same time, he called for another meeting to be scheduled; one where his officers could discuss their grievances and find a more peaceful solution. Because of this action, a second letter soon circulated among these same men claiming that General Washington, their once esteemed leader, was part of the conspiracy and could not be trusted.

Although he had intended to stay away, General Washington felt compelled to address his officers at this meeting. When he entered the room, the General was met by a crowd of cold, angry faces. Although he was completely unwelcome, he strode boldly to the front of the room. Standing tall and erect before his men, General Washington began gently entreating his officers not to do anything which they might regret. He reminded them of their own honest and strong characters; and urged them to remember who they were and the peace they had fought for.

Island of Self-Discipline Genbo 5

General Washington further pled with them to keep faith with the infant government and to believe in the goodness of their representatives and their “unwearied” efforts to secure the needed funds to compensate the Army.* His speech ended and Washington could plainly see that the stone-faced men were unmoved by his appeal. He frantically searched his heart for anything that might sway them.

On impulse, the General pulled out a letter that he carried in his pocket. It was written by a friendly congressman, expressing his support for the army and their grievances. Washington decided to read it to his officers, hoping that it would give the needed encouragement which he had failed to deliver. However, as he read, he stumbled over several words, making a bad presentation of it. Finally, he paused, reached into his coat pocket, and took out a new pair of reading glasses. The General’s need for spectacles was a surprise to most of the men present. While fumbling to put them on, Washington humbly said, “Gentlemen, you must pardon me. I have grown gray in the service of my country and now find that I am growing blind.”

All at once, the tension and feelings of mutiny melted away like dew before the sunshine. Grown men cried as they considered how their beloved leader had sacrificed as much as any of them.

George Washington read the letter and then, without any more words, left the room.

Unanimously, the officers voted to sustain their revered General and wait for Congress to deliver on its promises.

* “While I give you these assurances, and pledge myself in the most unequivocal manner to exert whatever ability I am possessed of in your favor, let me entreat you, gentlemen, on your part, not to take any measure which, viewed in the calm light of reason, will lessen the dignity and sully the glory you have hitherto maintained…. And let me conjure you,” he continued, “in the name of our common country, as you value your own sacred honor, as you respect the rights of humanity, and as you regard the military and national character of America, to express your utmost horror and detestation of the man who wishes, under any specious [false] pretenses, to overturn the liberties of our country, and who wickedly attempts to open the floodgates of civil discord and deluge our rising empire in blood.” George Washington, March 15, 1783

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Genbo Movies

One Night With the King Gener8xion Entertainment 2006. The Bible story of Queen Esther is retold. After she is selected to be the future queen for the Persian King Xerses, Adassa the Jewess changes her name to Esther to conceal her lineage. When the Jewish nation is declared to be enemies of the king and is set for slaughter, she risks her life by going before the King, unsolicited, to plead for their lives.

Cinderella Disney 2015. Ella lives with her cruel step-mother and step-sisters who have demoted her to be a servant in her own home. She chooses not to allow her circumstances to tarnish her character.

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Genbo Lesson Ideas Discussion Questions 1. How are Genbo and Awar similar? How are they different?

2. Why is Genbo on the Island of Self-Discipline?

3. Invite your family to share one fact about skunks and how it relates to Genbo.

Song Extensions

• WORD PUZZLES: Do the word search or crossword puzzle while you listen to songs you have already learned.

• COLOR: Invite your family to color the Genbo coloring page while you listen to the song.

• ART: Sketch your own skunk as you listen to the music. Write “Genbo” at the top and display the sketches around your home.

• DISCUSSION: Give the following phrases to your family and invite them to think of an example for each phrase either from their core books or a personal experience.

- He’s true to his heart and bold in his ways, yet kindness fills his days.

- He boldly stands his ground; and gently, he’ll remind you what not to do.

- He can change his mind, and admit when he’s wrong; but when someone is cruel, that smell is strong!

Additional Activities

• OPTIONAL ATTENTION ACTIVITY: Consider doing this activity before you introduce Genbo or read his part in The Tale of Hope. Ask your family: What are your favorite things to smell? What are some very unpleasant smells? If you were to choose an animal that is the smelliest which would it be? Invite your family to share what they know about skunks.

• OBJECT LESSON: WHEN CONFRONTED WITH WRONG. Gather the following beforehand: A clear bowl full of water, liquid dish soap, and pepper. Explain to your family that in life they will encounter people who will try to convince them to do things that are not right. Invite your family to give examples of what those negative influences could be. As each idea is shared, sprinkle pepper into the clear bowl of water.

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- Ask the following while you rub dish soap on your finger: What do you think will happen to those people and their ideas if you boldly stand true to what is right?

- Place your soap covered finger in the bowl. How does being bold make a difference to you and others?

- Invite someone to share a personal story about being gently bold or share a story from your core books.

• VIDEO: Watch a video about skunks.

• ACTIVITY: SPRAY AND BE BOLD. Give a spray bottle with water to each family member. Give the following situations and invite them to determine if they will have to be bold or not. Make sure they know what bold means. If the scenario is a time they need to be bold, spray the bottle. (You may want to do this activity outside or in front of a sink.)

1. You are playing with your little sibling and he asks if he can play with you.

2. You are at the park and you see someone teasing your little brother or sister. Your sibling starts to cry and you know there is something you can do to help.

3. You help your mom make cookies.

4. Someone comes over to you at school and wants to show you a bad picture.

5. You see a bad picture at the grocery store while standing in line.

6. You are at a friend’s house and they ask if you want to jump on the trampoline.

7. A friend is at your house and they start jumping on the couch; you know that it is against the family rules.

8. Dad invites you to go out for ice cream.

9. You watch a movie but it starts to turn bad and show inappropriate things.

10. Someone keeps saying bad words.

Go outside and let your kids spray the vegetation. How can being bold help yourself and others grow spiritually and develop good character?

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Genbo the Skunk Gentle Boldness ANIMAL FACTS

1. Skunks are nocturnal. They sleep during the day and search for food at night.

2. You cannot mistake the distinct smell of a skunk’s spray. A skunk’s spray does not cause any permanent damage; but it sure makes its victims feel uncomfortable.

3. A skunk’s spray can reach as far as ten feet. This unique, defensive mechanism is very effective; and predators generally stay far away.

4. A skunk will usually warn its victim before it sprays, by turning its back, lifting its tail, and stamping its feet.

5. What else can you learn about skunks?

PONDER 1. How can you liken the skunk to being gentle yet bold?

3. Victims are warned before the skunk sprays its noxious chemical. What body language and tones of voice will help you be bold, but also gentle in what you say?

4. Have you ever smelled a skunk? How did it make you feel? What experiences have you had or read when someone boldly stood for right? HOW TO USE GENBO RESULTS FROM APPLYING GENBO

• Think big, be bold and persistent, no matter • Develops Strength of Character and what. Assertiveness • Hold firm to your dreams and aspirations. • Increases SAPA (Self Awareness and Positive Attitude) • Remember that the greater the trial or tribulation, • Creates abundance through achievement the greater the blessing. • Inspires courage, confidence, and hope • Don’t give permission for anyone or anything to cause you to let go of what is right for you. • In times of challenge, think, “It’s but a small 10 moment.”

Genbo the Skunk

Ba – Ba – Ba- Boo, Genbo And gently, he’ll remind you what not to Ba – Ba – Ba- Boo, Genbo do, Ba – Ba – Ba- Boo, Genbo Every time you smell a “P-U”! Gently Bold Not overbearing, but not afraid! Genbo is just a little black skunk Never straying; his choice is made. With a big white stripe and a lot of spunk. He can change his mind, and admit when He’s content to live and let live, he’s wrong; Unless you cross the line. But when someone is cruel, that smell is strong! It isn’t that he would hurt anyone, Ba-ba-ba boo. You may not have a stink like a skunk But he boldly stays true. That you can spray whenever you get stuck. Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-Ba-Ba! But if you’re patient and kind and you hold And gently, he’ll remind you what not to on your way, do, There will come a time that you’re ready to Every time you smell a “P-U”! say:

Be firm in your mind; be gentle and kind; Not overbearing, but not afraid! Be bold in your heart and it won’t tear Never straying; my choice is made. apart. Now I'm on my way; I'll be a force for good; Assertively hold to what’s true! I've been true to my heart and I'm Gentle Boldness will help you be you. understood!

Ba – Ba – Ba- Boo, Genbo Every time you smell a “P-U”-- Ba – Ba – Ba- Boo, Genbo Ba – Ba – Ba- Boo, Genbo Be Firm in your mind; be gentle and kind; Gently Bold Be bold in your heart and it won’t tear apart. Genbo, the plucky little black skunk, Assertively hold to what’s true! May be small in size, but he’s large in Gentle Boldness will help you be you. spunk. He’s true to his heart and he’s bold in his Ba – Ba – Ba- Boo, Genbo ways, Ba – Ba – Ba- Boo, Genbo Yet kindness fills his days. Ba – Ba – Ba- Boo, Genbo Gently Bold It isn’t that he would hurt anyone, Ba-ba-ba boo. But he boldly stands his ground. Ba-ba-ba-boo-ba-ba-ba-Ba-Ba!

“Place before me one who tempers tenacity, resilience, and persistence with bold gentleness, and I, with great confidence, will proclaim: Standing before you is one who will lead you to victory.” ~ Roger Anthony

"Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength."

~Saint Francis de Sales

"It is better by noble boldness to run the risk of being subject to half the evils we anticipate than to remain in cowardly listlessness for fear of what might happen."

~ Herodotus

GENBO CROSSWORD

3 4

Across Down 2. He's content to live and let live, 1. Gentle boldness will help you be unless you ____ the line. ____. 3. _____ is just a little black skunk. 2. Not overbearing; but not afraid! 5. Be firm in your mind; be _____ and Never straying; my ___ is made. kind. 4. But he boldly stays ____. 6. Be ______in your heart and it won't 5. It isn't that he would hurt anyone, tear apart. but he boldly stands his _____.

*Hint: The answers can be found in the song. If you need additional help, refer to the word bank at the end of the document.

GENBO WORD SEARCH

G D R B O L D J K J O P X D S B L G I T V D R T D E J B L K X L M K N U K S N P N Y E G E G U G X F H W U F P R M S E K S S B A Y K E F S G J Y Y E R R N R Y L D F D E J J T N E H U J T N B L N N K G S Y S S H N C E N O I B O X E T A Y E K E U T H M O V B R R W G F T V R M Y D E R O C E Z L U R U T G U B U N V G A Y O V P N C O H L G T

GENBO STRONG SKUNK GOOD BOLD WARN GENTLE TRUE

GEBNO CROSSWORD Word Bank you true cross Genbo choice gentle bold ground