Articles written by Katherine Kocisky

One solution to big groups of restless ESL students is a lesson that keeps everyone involved, interested, and challenged.

Jul 25, 2010 - Katherine Kocisky

Students use fictitious money to wager the grammatical accuracy of a sentence in small teams, while practicing number pronunciation in English.

Jul 25, 2010 - Katherine Kocisky

The following activities use childhood games as a basis for learning English and are ideal for teachers with small groups of students.

Jul 25, 2010 - Katherine Kocisky

The following lesson works well for the last twenty minutes of class to review vocabulary and pronunciation as a class, and requires minimal preparation.

Jul 18, 2010 - Katherine Kocisky

Many are drawn to Sedona not only for its hiking trails and otherworldly red rocks, but for its vortexes or meditation meccas full of spiritual energy.

Jul 18, 2010 - Katherine Kocisky

Urbanites hoping to reduce kitchen waste and create rich nutrients for gardens will find that vermiculture is easy, educational, and good to the earth.

Jul 10, 2010 - Katherine Kocisky

Books about France's infamous 2,000 some mile bike race are an ideal way to learn more about the sport and enhance spectatorship.

Jun 27, 2010 - Katherine Kocisky

Although Chicago's Green Festival is young in years, its vendors, speakers, and growing crowds promise to make the weekend event an annual regular.

Jun 13, 2010 - Katherine Kocisky

Valladolid celebrates its people, culture, and holidays with several festivities of interest to travelers in Castilla y Léon Spain.

Apr 16, 2010 - Katherine Kocisky

A titanium icon, architect Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum houses 20th century abstract art in the heart of Spain's Basque Country.

Apr 11, 2010 - Katherine Kocisky

With this guide, all businesses can integrate basic sustainable practices into the workplace with recycling, energy conservation, and green ideas.

Apr 10, 2010 - Katherine Kocisky

Winter days don't have to be spent idly waiting for spring to arrive. Here is a list of activities designed to make those shorter days more fun and useful.

Mar 7, 2010 - Katherine Kocisky

Best for a group with pre-intermediate level English, this speaking lesson focuses on creativity, patriotic symbolism, and Olympic mascot history.

Feb 28, 2010 - Katherine Kocisky

The Olympic Games present the ideal opportunity for a culture lesson with upper level English speakers. Students use creativity and speaking skills to present new sports.

Feb 27, 2010 - Katherine Kocisky

In the following lesson, beginner to pre-intermediate students learn to identify musical instrument vocabulary by sound, actions, and sight.

Jan 24, 2010 - Katherine Kocisky

Spending lots of cash does not always guarantee a better vacation. At Lake Bled, visitors on a budget can still experience numerous outdoor activities and find adventure.

Jan 24, 2010 - Katherine Kocisky

The Tokaj-Hegyalja wine region, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, produces some of the world's top wines, holds bi-annual festivals, and offers tours and tastings.

Jan 23, 2010 - Katherine Kocisky

Whether on bike or in tour van, travelers to Inis Mór are never immune to its timeless scenery, stone walls, emerald pastures, hidden beaches, and friendly locals.

Jan 18, 2010 - Katherine Kocisky

Kingsolver's non-fiction account of a year eating homegrown food on a Virginia farm offers recipes, humor, and harsh truths about the United States' food industry.

Jan 17, 2010 - Katherine Kocisky

Naperville's Riverwalk sprawls from a series of brick pathways that snake through wooded parks, past Centennial Beach, and along the west branch of the DuPage River.

Jan 2, 2010 - Katherine Kocisky

One of Chicago's favorite museums, the Science and Industry has several permanent and temporary exhibits that amaze both children and adults.

Dec 31, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

From November 25 to December 24 2009, one block of Chicago's Loop is dedicated to Germany's holiday market tradition, is free to enter, and has plenty to offer everyone.

Dec 13, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

In times of economic duress, a homemade costume is a wise option this Halloween. Often, a single accessory from around the house can inspire an entire get-up.

Oct 24, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

Predictable pre-test games can render a class bored. Playing ESL baseball not only gives students insight into American culture, but helps them stay alert to review.

Oct 24, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

New and old filmmakers worldwide bring stories of love, comedy, internal struggle, maintaining dignity, and corrupt politics to Chicago for two weeks in October.

Oct 18, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

Lisle's non-profit Morton Arboretum is home to several plant species from 40 different countries and 16 miles of activity trails that transform with the four seasons.

Oct 18, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

The Discovery Trail or Circuit Découverte de la Ville leads visitors through timeless neighborhoods, an enormous castle, and botanical parks in flowered Fougères.

Oct 4, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

Although Bern's vibe may not be fast-paced, its array of hidden museums, cozy cafes, and picturesque natural scenery will tempt any visitor to settle in for a day or two.

Sep 26, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

Mont St. Michel's seemingly safe bay is in fact very dangerous to traverse alone during low tide. Visitors must join a guide to avoid quicksand and rising water.

Aug 14, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

Topping the list of France's most visited attractions, architectural marvel Mont St. Michel is worth every cent for a view from the top and guided tour.

Aug 13, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

Those looking to jump start or maintain a physically and mentally healthy lifestyle will find booths at Veggie Fest eye-opening and tasty.

Aug 12, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

For a cheap and pleasant way to relax during a hot summer in Lyon, visit the city's seasonal outdoor swimming pool along the Rhône River.

Jul 21, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

WWOOF is an organization that allows travelers to see a new part of the world in an authentic way while learning about organic farming by working voluntarily.

Jul 18, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

Not for the easily frightened, the Catacombs offer a unique look into Paris' history and what's hidden below the city streets.

Jul 16, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

Whether it's been a study abroad year, months of nomadic traveling, or several years of work in a foreign land, returning to one's home country is sometimes difficult.

Jul 10, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

Once a Roman colony, the present day city of Vienne is scattered with ruins from its past. Visitors can follow a circuit that showcases the city's important sights.

Jun 7, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

Thermal baths are an enticing way to unwind, yet spa etiquette may intimidate newcomers. The Roman Irish Bath gives spa goers a professional and well organized visit.

Jun 1, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

Visitors to Vaucluse should take the opportunity to tour the Village des Bories while in Gordes. These stone huts educate and mystify those who come to see them.

Jun 1, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

ESL teachers need only a deck of cards for a final or vocabulary review lesson with a large group of young beginner to pre-intermediate students.

Apr 24, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

A visit to the Pont du Gard is a perfect half-day adventure for those traveling through Provence. Its history will give visitors a sense of Roman presence in France

Apr 19, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

Marseille boasts numerous gardens, ancient Greek and Roman ruins, and spectacular coastal views giving the city a distinct, timeless air.

Apr 19, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

Those living abroad shouldn't be discouraged by initial feelings of loneliness, but instead should take advantage of meeting new people through one's own interests.

Mar 27, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

Visitors can discover a side to Budapest's Danube on bike that is less fettered by tourists and marked by a 12 mile/20 km path ending in the artistic town of Szentendre.

Mar 23, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

When teaching new vocabulary, it's helpful to have clear pictures of the words and competitive activities in order to engage young students.

Mar 16, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

Lyon's airport shuttle bus or "la navette" in French makes getting to and from the airport to the main train stations in the city center simple for any traveler.

Mar 6, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

The guided tour of Kilmainham Gaol or Príosún Chill Mhaighneann remains a leading Dublin attraction, allowing visitors a glimpse of Ireland's rebellious past.

Feb 19, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

Dijon is a city that's easy to get around, but one in which travelers can get leisurely lost in its medieval cobbled streets, plentiful museums, and parks.

Feb 1, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

Mohács comes alive in February from the Thursday to Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, when people from all over come to see masked busós bidding farewell to winter.

Jan 19, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

To acknowledge the rapport within a graduating class, ESL teachers can play a song full of advice and hold a present exchange in which students compliment each other.

Jan 8, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky

Located along the Thames, the reconstructed Globe Theatre has become a London icon. A ticket allows visitors to view an exhibition and follow a guided tour.

Jan 7, 2009 - Katherine Kocisky