Finding Adventure in Life… and Books
By Ann Koh
Life is an adventure that can take many different forms. Whether someone lives all over the world or stays in the same town their entire life, adventure and excitement can be found wherever there is an openness to new opportunities.
The early part of my life was adventurous in the traditional sense of the word. After growing up in New Jersey, I went to school at West Point. Along with getting a stellar education, I parachuted out of an airplane five times and jumped from a ten meter diving board in full gear despite my fear of heights. Next, I was stationed in Germany where I worked as a personnel officer and traveled all over western Europe. After getting out of the Army, my husband and I moved to South Korea for almost a year. Since we lived in a small city without other Americans, it was a unique experience. We were able to take trips to Thailand and China as well.
In the next phase of my life, I settled in the suburbs. While many would not think of this as adventurous, it definitely had its own forms of excitement. During this time, I raised four children and every day presented its own challenges and rewards. Eventually, I decided to return to school. I wanted to teach so I earned a Masters Degree in Education from Northwestern University. Throughout these years, it was an ability to be flexible, a willingness to start over, and an openness to a new life that made all of this not only possible, but also enjoyable.
One of my favorite avenues for adventure is reading. I love books, and I am an avid reader. Along with transporting the reader to different times and places, books have an amazing ability to allow readers to see life from a different perspective. It requires an openness and a willingness to learn something new to read a wide variety of books because each one changes the reader in some way. Reading is a gateway to other worlds that also opens hearts and minds.
What can parents do to help their children become adventurous readers?
Research shows that reading novels teaches empathy. Encourage your children to read daily and to venture outside of their favorite genre from time to time.
Background knowledge is an important part of comprehension. Parents can help in this area by exposing their children to informational materials. Have your children read news articles and magazines about a wide variety of topics. Also, visit museums and historical sites.
Use globes or maps to develop an interest in other parts of the country and the world where they could someday have their own adventure.
Another important component of reading comprehension is vocabulary. Resist the temptation to simplify your vocabulary when you speak to your children. Use complex words and then explain them if necessary.
My next adventure has already begun. I just moved to Southern California, and I am exhilarated by all the opportunities here. I also have a new stack of books to read.
Recommended books by Ann:
Ann is a teacher and leads our social studies program. She likes to walk on the beach and spend time with her children.
