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.

KEEP COOL IN NYC!

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Many people like summer sunshine, but too much heat can be dangerous and unhealthy. Hot and humid weather can cause heat illness and even death. If you or someone you know has these symptoms, you need to cool down quickly!

  • Heavy sweating
  • Muscle cramps
  • Light headedness, feeling faint
  • Headache
  • Decreased energy
  • Loss of appetite, nausea

Luckily, New York City has increased the number of ways to Keep Cool during heat emergencies. The parks department has concentrated on water features, drinking fountains, and tree cover as ways to beat the heat outside.

Here’s a link to a map of all the places where you can cool off:

https://www.nycgovparks.org/about/health-and-safety-guide/cool-it-nyc

Spray showers are fun and feel great for kids. The sprinklers are turned on when the temperature reaches 80 degrees F. These are indicated on the map as well as the beaches and outdoor pools that are open to all. NYC even provides free sunscreen at the pools.

There are thousands of drinking fountains across the city – even some for pets!

 The map also shows the parks with thick tree coverage, as well as the shadiest blocks to walk.

Another option: If you’re looking for a fun and safe way to beat the heat, consider requesting an official hydrant opening. You can go to your local firehouse and they might open and close a hydrant safely for you.

And if you’re not an “outdoors person,” NYC has many cooling centers.  They are located in air-conditioned facilities that offer people relief from the heat, such as:

  • Libraries
  • Community centers
  • Senior centers
  • NYCHA facilities

   To find a cooling center:   https://maps.nyc.gov/oem/cc/

Most important: drink lots of water even if you’re not thirsty, wear loose light-colored clothing, and avoid sun and strenuous outdoor activity between 11 AM and 4 PM.

Enjoy the summer in the city!

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Social Dance at Lincoln Center

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Get moving and have fun on NYC’s largest outdoor dance floor! Salsa, tango, rumba, and of course, disco – all under a ten-foot disco ball. This year, Social Dance at Lincoln Center is featuring a series of women DJs, all with their own style.

This week, https://www.lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city/las-karamba-873

Las Karambas is an all-women band with members from Argentina, Spain, France, Venezuela, and Cuba. Their sound and rhythm include bolero, son, salsa, rumba, Hip-Hop and pop. Come dance and sing with Las Karambas!

The Dance Floor opens with DJ set at 6:30 pm
Dance lesson at 7:00 pm
Live music at 7:30 pm

Afterwards, stay for the Silent Disco at 10:00 pm

There are two ways to access this free event:
1. General Admission, first-come first-served. Just show up!
2. Fast Track opening the Monday before the event at noon.

For the full schedule, extending to August 9th,

https://www.lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city/s/Social%20Dance

Have fun and don’t forget your dancin’ shoes!

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Top Ten Things T🌞 D🌞 In NYC This Summer 🌇

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Summer is finally here! Looking for fun and adventure during these long, hot days? Here are ten great things to do in and around New York City this summer.

10. Visit a museum!

Too hot outside? Visit an air conditioned museum for free or pay-what-you-wish.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art: https://www.metmuseum.org/ (New York State residents and students from NY, NJ, CT can pay what they wish).

Queens County Farm Museum: https://www.queensfarm.org/ (A working farm in the city, often with free admission or low-cost events).

9. Explore a Botanical Garden

Escape the heat of the city and immerse yourself in nature at one of NYC’s beautiful botanical gardens.

New York Botanical Garden: https://www.nybg.org/

Brooklyn Botanic Garden: https://www.bbg.org/

8. Discover NYC’s Rooftop Bars

Escape the heat with a refreshing drink & incredible skyline views.

Time Out’s Best Rooftop Bars NYC: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/bars/best-rooftop-bars-in-nyc

7. Go Kayaking or Boating

Many public boathouses offer free kayaking in the Hudson River and other waterways.

Check NYC Parks for free kayaking locations: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/kayaking

6. Catch a Broadway Show

To go or not to go? Definitely go! Experience the magic of live theater in the heart of the Theater District.

Broadway Direct (For show listings and tickets): https://broadwaydirect.com/shows/

5. Feeling Hungry?

Check out Smorgasburg: A must-visit for foodies, this open-air food market features dozens of local vendors.

Smorgasburg: https://www.smorgasburg.com/ (Check their website for current weekend locations and hours in Williamsburg, Prospect Park, and the World Trade Center).

4. Visit Governors Island

Take a short ferry ride to this car-free island for bike rentals, hammocks, art installations, and stunning skyline views.

Governors Island: https://www.govisland.com/

3. Wander The High Line

This elevated park offers unique city views, art installations, and lush greenery.

The High Line: https://www.thehighline.org/

2. Explore Coney Island

Enjoy classic amusement park rides, the boardwalk, and the beach! -Check for Friday night fireworks!

Luna Park in Coney Island: https://lunaparknyc.com/

Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park: https://www.denoswonderwheel.com/

1. Catch a Free Outdoor Movie or Performance

NYC parks come alive in the summer with free movie screenings and live performances.

Bryant Park Movie Nights: https://bryantpark.org/activities/movie-nights

SummerStage in Central Park (Check their schedule for free concerts and performances): https://cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage/

NYC Parks Movies Under The Stars: Check the NYC Parks website for specific dates and locations: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/movies-under-the-stars

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INDEPENDENCE DAY!

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Independence – n., freedom from outside control

Federal – adj., of or being a form of government

Parade – n., a great show or display,  a public procession

Demonstrate – v., to show clearly

Patriotism – n., love for one’s country

Reflect – v., to realize, to consider

Expat (Expatriate) – n., a person who lives in a foreign country

Embassy – n., the official residence and offices of an ambassador

Homesick – adj., longing for home and family while absent from them

Colonies – n., an area over which a foreign nation has control

Highlight – n., something which is especially interesting

Spectacular – adj., striking, sensational

On July 4th, Americans all over the world celebrate Independence Day. In the United States, it is a federal holiday, so many people don’t have to work. Parades, picnics, and barbecues take place during the day, with fireworks lighting up the sky at night. Americans demonstrate their patriotism on July 4th, reflecting on their freedom and the things they love about their country.

American expats living out of the United States still observe the 4th of July. American embassies all over the planet host parties and events. Individuals celebrate with their friends, and many get a little homesick.

The holiday marks the separation of the 13 colonies from the rule of Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence (the document) was completed on the 4th of July, 1776.  But it was not signed until August!

A highlight of Independence Day in New York City is the evening fireworks display, this year to be held near the Brooklyn Bridge, on the lower East River. The spectacular display is the largest Independence Day celebration in the nation. For more information and where to watch the fireworks: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/where-to-watch-the-4th-of-july-fireworks

Happy Independence Day!

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Weekend Classes – End of Year Party!

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It’s hard to believe, but the 2024 – 2025 school year has come to an end!
Sunday, June 15th, was our final day of weekend classes. We wrapped things up with a joyful end of school year party – a wonderful celebration and a delicious trip around the culinary world!

We had a tremendous selection of foods: arepas, tacos, dumplings, cheesecake & salads – you name it, we ate it!

The event also featured fantastic performances from each of our classes. Lynne’s W1 class sang the Elvis classic “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Louisa’s W2 class performed “Everything at Once” by Lenka, and Joan’s W3 students talked about their favorite places around New York City.

W1
W2
W3

Congratulations to all the students! Have a safe & happy summer – see you all in September!

Lynne’s W1 class
Louisa’s W2 class
Joan’s W3 class
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Solstice sustenance

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Vocabulary:

Sustenance — n., nourishment that maintains life, food.

potential — n., adj., able to come into being; possible

bountiful — adj., as much or more than is needed, abundant

mimic — v., to copy or imitate

approximately — adv., about, almost exact

Traditionally, people celebrated the return of light, life, fertility, and the potential for a good harvest on the summer solstice. The summer months bring a bountiful harvest and the foods served at solstice gatherings mimic the sun. Round, sun-colored fruits like lemons, oranges, peaches, and nectarines are the flavor of the day as well as vegetables like yellow squash, corn, and tomatoes.

source: https://chantallascaris.co.za/2021/12/22/summer-solstice-foods-from-around-the-world/#:~:text=The%20summer%20months%20bring%20a,yellow%20squash%2C%20corn%20and%20tomatoes.

ROASTED SUMMER VEGETABLES

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 zucchini
  • 1 yellow squash
  • 1 small red onion
  • 1 red bell pepper 
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil 
  • 1 tsp dried basil or 1/2 bunch fresh
  • salt and pepper to taste 
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS 

  • Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Wash and chop the vegetables into approximately 1-inch pieces. 
  • Spread the vegetables out over a large baking sheet (or two, if needed) so they’re in a single layer and not piled on top of one another. Drizzle the olive oil over top, then add the basil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the vegetables until they’re evenly coated in oil and spices.
  • Roast the vegetables for 30-40 minutes, stirring once or twice (every 15-20 minutes or so), until the vegetables are soft and browned on the edges. Taste the vegetables and add another pinch of salt if desired. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over top just before serving.
Summer Vegetables Prepped and Ready to Roast

Roasted Summer Vegetables Finished

I like to add an extra pinch of salt after roasting, so you get some salt sitting on the surface to give each bite a little pop. I also like to sprinkle with a little fresh parsley for freshness and to add a pop of color, but that’s optional.

source: https://www.budgetbytes.com/roasted-summer-vegetables/

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Around the House

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Singular and Plural Nouns with Articles

We use plural nouns when we talk about more than one item. We add an (s) to the noun.

  1. I have many books..
  2. I have a cat and two dogs.

We use the article a and an before a singular noun for an item that is not specific to the listener.

  1. I have an old computer.
  2. She has a nice house.
  3. I have a big kitchen.
  4. I don’t have an umbrella.

Once the listener knows about the item, we use the article the instead of a or an.

  1. To make an omelet, crack an egg. Then whisk the egg.
  2. Then get a pan. Cook the egg in the pan.
  3. Then get a plate. Put the egg on the plate.
  4. Then get a fork. Use the fork to eat the omelet.

When we talk about items in general, use the plural form, often without the article the.

  1. Books are important.
  2. Do you like apples?
  3. Everybody needs friends.
  4. I don’t like watching movies.

We use the article the before plural nouns when we refer to a specific group of items.

  1. I bought the books you asked for.
  2. The streets in my town are very clean.
  3. I love the cookies my mother makes.
  4. The students in my class like to play games.

Read the dialog and look for nouns and articles.

Aimee: So, Todd, do you like your house?

Todd: I do. It’s a nice house, but it’s an old house. It’s very old.

Aimee: How many rooms are in your house?

Todd: My house has four rooms, a living room, a bedroom, an office, and a kitchen.

Aimee: That sounds big. How about bathrooms? How many bathrooms do you have?

Todd: I have one bathroom.

Aimee: Oh, nice. Do you have a TV?

Todd: I do have a TV in the living room, and I have a couch and a table.

Aimee: Wow. What about your kitchen? Do you have a kitchen?

Todd: I do. I have a very small kitchen. The kitchen has a stove, a table, and a refrigerator. I can cook, but it’s not easy.

Aimee: Oh, how many chairs do you have in the kitchen?

Todd: We only have two chairs. It’s very, very small.

Aimee: How about books, Todd? Do you have books?

Todd: I have a rule. I only keep two books.

Aimee: What?

Todd: Yeah. If I want a new book, I must get rid of a book.

Aimee: Wow. That is so strict.

Todd: It is. It is very strict, but it reduces clutter.

Aimee: Sounds nice. Sounds like a great house.

Todd: It is. Old and small, but nice.

Source: https://www.elllo.org/english/grammar/L2-04-AimeeTodd-House-HowMuch-many.htm

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