Hands writing notes in a lined journal with a pen on a wooden table

Grow as a Writer at University Settlement

Do you enjoy writing? Do you want to get better and feel more confident? The Advanced Writing Class at University Settlement is a welcoming place for you. It is open to anyone who loves writing and wants to improve. In this class, people learn together, share ideas, and support each other as writers.

The class is taught by a professor from New York University (NYU). NYU is a respected university with a strong writing program. This means students can learn from an experienced teacher who can help them grow, improve their skills, and try new ways of writing.

At the end of the year, students have the special chance to see their work published in a collection of writing. This is a proud moment for many writers. It is also a wonderful way to celebrate each person’s hard work, progress, and voice.

If you or someone you know may be interested, please reach out to the Adult Literacy office at the beginning of the school year. We would love to welcome new writers into our community. Whether you have been writing for years or are just starting again, this class is a place to learn, connect, and grow.

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Stack of vintage hardcover books arranged on a wooden table indoors

Summer Reading

      

For many of us, summer is the time when we have more time for ourselves. No classes, no rushed schedule of school, kids and work. Things move at a slower pace, maybe it’s the heat of a NYC summer, but maybe it’s just all of us taking the time to slow down a little, a change from the busy-ness of the rest of the year. What’s better to do with this found time than read a book? Or read several books?

First things first! Get a library card! 

If you’re 13 or older, and live, work, attend, or pay property taxes in NY State, you are eligible for a card. Your card can be physical or digital.

https://www.nypl.org/help/library-card

If you prefer to complete the application for a physical library card in person, please visit an NYPL location with proof of ID and address. Find a location near you.

The New York Public Library even has a special card for this year!

With thanks to the New York Times, University Settlement has prepared a reading challenge list:

📖 ☐ Read a really short book.
📘 ☐ Read a really long book.
🕵️ ☐ Read a mystery book.
🎬 ☐ Read a book that’s been adapted for a movie.
☀️ ☐ Read a book that takes place in the summer.
🎧 ☐ Listen to an audiobook.  

READ A BOOK RECOMMENDED BY A LIBRARIAN!

Audiobook suggestion: Wahala, Nikki May

Happy Reading!  Enjoy your book choices!

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End of Year Party for Weekend Classes 🎉 🥳 🎈

The 2025 – 2026 school year has come to an end!

Our W1, W101, W2, and W3 classes came together this past Sunday to celebrate the end of a tremendous year. We are incredibly proud of everything our students have achieved and grateful for the enthusiasm, hard work, and support that made this year such a success.


The party also featured fantastic performances from each of our classes. 🎶 🎤

Allis’s W1 class performed a creative version of the song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” as a spoken-word piece written by her class. Lynne’s W101 class performed the karaoke favorite “Stand by Me.” Erica’s W2 class performed an original poem co-written by her students. And finally, Gabe’s W3 class performed the timeless Sinatra classic “My Way.”

Check out the tremendous performances from our weekend classes! 🎶 🤩


We enjoyed food from all over the world: sandwiches, pasta, cakes, pies, sushi, dumplings, cheesecake, and salads – there was something for everyone! 🥙 🫔 🎂 🍩 🥟


And of course, no party is complete without dancing! Our W1 class ended the day with a wonderful Turkish dance performance. 💃 🕺


Congratulations to all our W1, W101, W2, and W3 students! Have a safe and happy summer – we look forward to seeing you again in September! 😀

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The Literacy Review

We’re excited to share news about The Literacy Review, an annual journal that showcases powerful writing from adult literacy programs throughout New York City.

Each year, The Literacy Review brings together diverse voices and perspectives, providing a platform for writers from ESOL and ABE (Adult Basic Education) programs – including several students from our own program here at University Settlement.

The newest edition, Volume 23 (LR23),was recently released, and there was even a celebration for its launch at NYU.

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Celebrating Adult Education & Family Literacy Week, September 18 – 22, 2023

National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week is taking place from September 18-22, 2023! We invite all teachers, administrators, adult learners, and friends of adult education to participate in fun and impactful ways! Here are a few suggestions:

  • If you are on social media, join the Twitter storm HERE.
  • Send a quick-fire email with just 3 clicks to all of your legislators with just 3 quick clicks HERE!
  • Download and share the eye-popping graphics that help make the case for adult education HERE.
  • Watch and share the inspirational videos from the field!
  • Join us for our kickoff that begins on Monday at 11am ET, followed by daily programming that includes live daily legislative events, and many additional engagement opportunities. 

If you are a program manager or teacher, consider having your staff and learners engage in all of these exciting opportunities!

You will find more details about all of these free and easy ways to join the celebration at www.coabe.org. Together, we are the voice of adult education!

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Reading to Children

Every year our Adult Literacy Program students learn to read children’s books in a fun, interactive way to boost family literacy practices at home. A couple classes also get the chance to read to University Settlement day care classes (see the video above). Adult Literacy Program students specifically learn before, during, and after reading strategies that they can use at home in order to make reading a meaningful, exciting family activity. Here are a few:

BEFORE READING STRATEGIES:

Talk about the title, author, and illustrator.

Ask questions about the cover.

Talk about the pictures on the cover.

Have children make predictions about what they think the book is going to be about.

DURING READING STRATEGIES:

Change your voice and use body language.

Point at the words as you read.

Ask more questions to check comprehension and build on children’s prior knowledge.

Ask questions about the pictures and make more predictions.

Have children repeat after you.

AFTER READING STRATEGIES:

Review important vocabulary.

Have children summarize/retell the story.

Ask more questions connected to children’s own experiences.

Have children play a game or create art based on the topic of the book.

TRY THESE YOURSELF AT HOME TODAY!

 

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