Author: US Adult Literacy

We offer free 10-month long ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Language) classes in Lower East Side of Manhattan. We help immigrant New Yorkers by providing them with intensive English language classes, and counseling. We're located at 175 Eldridge, Street, New York, NY. This is a blog for our students so they can get more practice in English language, and learn about life in New York City.

Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day: A Message of Hope and Equality

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Every January, people in the United States honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement, a time when many Americans fought for equal rights for all people—no matter their skin color.

Vocabulary:

  • Equality – the state of being equal, especially in rights and opportunities
  • Justice – fairness in the way people are treated
  • Peaceful protest – showing disagreement without violence
  • Civil rights – the rights of citizens to freedom and equality

Dr. King believed in peaceful protest. He gave powerful speeches, including the famous “I Have a Dream” speech, where he spoke about a future where children of all races could live and learn together in harmony. His words inspired millions and continue to give hope today.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is more than just a holiday. It’s a day to remember the importance of justice, kindness, and respect. Many people celebrate by volunteering in their communities, helping others, and learning more about history.

📝 Try This:
Write a short paragraph about a dream you have for a better world. Use words like “peace,” “respect,” and “hope.”

Dr. King’s dream was big—but he showed us that change begins with one voice. What will your voice say today?

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Daytime Holiday Party

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Our daytime classes enjoyed a fun and festive holiday party this past Thursday! 🎉

Hello to all our students! Thank you for joining us and bringing such great energy to the day. 👋

Happy Holidays from each of our classes. 🧑‍🎄 🎅

A fun game of Kahoot! determined the order in which classes ate.

Congratulations to our Kahoot! winners! Thank you for bringing so much energy and festive fun to the game.

We had a fantastic assortment of foods for our potluck party, with something delicious for everyone to enjoy. 🌮 🍰 🥟

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Evening Holiday Party

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Happy Holidays 🎉 from our E0, E101, E1, E2, E3, and E4 classes!

This past Thursday, our evening classes celebrated with a fun and festive holiday party!

We had a tremendous pot luck dinner. Pizza, pie, cookies, and more – we had it all! 🍞 🍕 🍰

Each of the classes performed a holiday classic for everyone to enjoy, bringing festive cheer for all to hear.  🎄

Happy Holidays to each of our classes….

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Weekend Holiday Party

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Happy Holidays from our W1, W101, W2, and W3 weekend classes! We had a wonderful time on Sunday. We celebrated the holidays with delicious food, wonderful performances, and quality time with our friends and classmates.🎅 🎄

We had some tasty treats from all around the world 🥙 🍰 🥟

No party is complete without a game of Kahoot! The prize…….?

…… first in line for the food!

From singing holiday songs, to sharing things everyone was thankful for, the joy of the season was there for everyone.

Check out the performance below:

James’ W1 class performed “Jingle Bells”

Lynne’s W101 class performed ‘Walking in a Winter Wonderland”

Erica’s W2 class performed a holiday poem

Nate’s W3 class performed the Wham! classic, “Last Christmas”

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Volunteering 🦃

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Thanksgiving Luncheon at the Senior Center at 189 Allen Street

On Wednesday, November 25th, students from our CCR-P class volunteered to serve Thanksgiving lunch to seniors at University Settlement’s Senior Center, located at 189 Allen Street. Our students helped prepare the dining area, greeted seniors as they arrived, and served a hot holiday meal to more than 100 community members. They worked alongside staff and other volunteers to create a warm, festive atmosphere, and many seniors expressed their appreciation for the kindness and support. It was a meaningful opportunity for our class to give back to the community and to experience the spirit of Thanksgiving in action.

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2025 – 2026 Class Photos 😀

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Weekend Classes

James’ W1 class, Lynne’s W101 class, Erica’s W2 class, and Gabe’s W3 class

Evening Classes

Barbara’s E0 class, Megan’s E101 class, Sasha’s E1 class, Julie’s E2 class, Sara’s E3 class, and Hans’ E4 class

Daytime Classes 9-11am

Christine’s 0A class, Yeshe’s 1A class, Joe’s 2A class, Rachael’s 3A class, and Abby’s CCR-A class

Daytime Classes 11-1pm

Christine’s 0P class, Yeshe’s 1P class, Joe’s 2P class, Rachael’s 3P class, and Abby’s CCR-P class

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It’s holiday time!

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Winter Holidays Around the World

Winter is a special season. The days are shorter, the nights are longer, and in many places, it is cold and snowy. Around the world, people celebrate different winter holidays with family, friends, food, and traditions. Let’s look at some of the most popular winter holidays.

Christmas

Christmas is celebrated on December 25th in many countries. People decorate a Christmas tree, hang lights, and give gifts. Families often eat a big meal together. In some traditions, children wait for Santa Claus to bring presents. Popular Christmas colors are red, green, and gold.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that usually happens in December. It lasts for eight nights. Families light a special candleholder called a menorah. They eat foods fried in oil, like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts). Children often play with a small toy called a dreidel.

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is celebrated in the United States from December 26th to January 1st. It honors African traditions and culture. Families light candles in a holder called a kinara. Each day represents a different value, such as unity, creativity, or faith. Music, dancing, and storytelling are also part of Kwanzaa.

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day

All around the world, people celebrate the New Year on December 31st and January 1st. Many people stay up until midnight to welcome the new year. Fireworks, parties, and special foods are common. People also make resolutions—promises to themselves about things they want to do in the new year.

Vocabulary to Remember

  • Tradition – something people do again and again over many years
  • Celebrate – to enjoy a holiday or special event
  • Candle – a stick of wax with fire at the top for light
  • Meal – food eaten together at one time
  • Resolution – a plan or promise for the future

✨ Winter holidays bring light, joy, and warmth during the cold season. Even though traditions are different, the message is often the same: spending time with loved ones and sharing happiness.

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