Category: Reading

Biological Clock Day

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VOCABULARY:

circadian rhythm – n., our internal clock that keeps time by tracking light and darkness

biological – adj., relating to life or living things

rhythm – n., a regular pattern of movement or sound

protein – n., the building blocks of body tissue

hormones – n., chemical substances that act like messengers in the body

regulate – v., to control something

cluster – n., a group of things that are close together

hypothalamus – n., part of the brain that controls many bodily functions

genes – n., the basic units of heredity that carry your traits

organism – n., a living thing

sensitive – adj., showing a strong response to chemicals or other things in the environment.

blue light – n., the light that comes from sunlight and digital devices

miraculous – adj., something that is very surprising or lucky, like a miracle

Biological Clock Day is celebrated on April 28th. It’s a day to recognize the body’s natural ability to keep track of time, also known as the biological clock or circadian rhythm.

The biological clock is related to more than just aging.

For a start, both men and women have a biological clock, and all of this is celebrated by Biological Clock Day!

The biological clock acts as a sort of inner schedule by which a person lives that can often affect their behavior as well as their mood.  Also known more formally as the ‘circadian rhythm’, this internal clock controls a sleep-wake pattern that fits in with the light and dark of a day according to the rhythms of the planet.

Proteins and hormones regulate the biological clock. Scientists are just now discovering exactly what makes us sleepy or wide-awake.

This internal clock is located in a tiny cluster of cells known as the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The SCN is in a part of your brain called the hypothalamus. Throughout the day, internal clock genes in the SCN send signals to control the activity throughout your body. The SCN is sensitive to light.

source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/circadian-rhythm

What is a biological clock?

  • A biological clock is the body’s internal system that regulates sleep-wake cycles and other rhythms.
  • It’s made up of proteins that are turned on and off by thousands of genes. 
  • A master clock coordinates all the biological clocks in the body. 
  • The biological clock keeps working even when an organism is not exposed to natural light. 

How can you support your biological clock? 

  • Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
  • Avoid naps that make it hard to fall asleep at night.
  • Stop eating and exercising a few hours before bed.
  • Avoid caffeine and nicotine before bed.
  • Wear glasses that block blue light.

    Biological Clock Day was established to celebrate the natural rhythms of the body and show appreciation for the miraculous way the human body is formed. The day is meant to raise awareness for the need that people have to pay more attention to what their bodies and brains are telling them.

    source: https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/biological-clock-day/

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    It’s a piece of cake! Understanding American food idioms.

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    Americans talk about food, think about food, and eat food – a lot. It’s not surprising that so many expressions in American English are centered on food. Here are a few you will hear frequently:

    Let’s start with our title – “It’s a piece of cake” means that something is easy to do. You might also hear the similar, “it’s easy as pie.”


    Desserts are always good – eating them is a piece of cake!

    “Spill the beans.”


    Shhhh – don’t tell anyone you’re learning these idioms! “Spill the beans” is another way to say you’re telling a secret or giving away a surprise.


    We didn’t want Luis to spill the beans about the surprise party for Dmitri.

    “Cool as a cucumber.”


    This means that someone is very relaxed and confident in a situation.

    Maria went into the interview as cool as a cucumber.

    “Bring home the bacon.”


    This means you’re going to work and earning money, or you’re competing and win a prize.


    Xiting worked hard all week to bring home the bacon for her family.

    “Go bananas”

    We use this idiom when we want to describe someone getting very excited about something – even acting a little crazy.

    The crowd went bananas when Beyonce stepped onto the stage.

    And let’s finish with another ‘sweet’ expression: “the icing on the cake.”


    We say, “that’s the icing on the cake” when something good becomes even better when added to.


    Ekaterina was happy to ice skate at the Olympics; winning the gold medal was the icing on the cake!

    If you can use all these idioms, you’ll be the Big Cheese in your English class!

    (“Big Cheese” means the most important person in a group.)

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    National Meatball Day!

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    National Meatball Day

    Mon Mar 9th, 2026

    VOCABULARY:

    succulent — adj., tasty, delicious

    culinary — adj, relating to cooking or the kitchen

    occurence — n., an event, something that happens

    cozy — adj., providing contentment or comfort

    various — adj., of an indefinite number greater than one

    Juicy round balls of succulent meat, usually served with pasta, mashed potatoes or on their own — perfect for a cozy dinner at home!

    Just the word, ‘meatball’ is enough to bring to mind great family meals for most people. These little balls of various meats can be found throughout the world in almost every culture.

    Most people may associate them with Italian cuisine, though spaghetti and meatballs is actually an American dish. No matter your background, you can jump in and enjoy National Meatball Day!

    How to Celebrate National Meatball Day

    National Meatball Day, like other culinary holidays, should be enjoyed with your loved ones gathered around.

    The most difficult part of preparing for National Meatball Day is going to be picking which nation’s recipe you will use. Luckily for you, this is a yearly occurrence, so you can pick a new nation to try each year if you like. Or you could be truly adventurous and try more than one at a time!

    What is your favorite way to enjoy meatballs? There are so many ways to make them. Have you added them to your pizza or on a sandwich? Do you prefer to follow the traditions of your family or to try and create something new? This is the time to shine – an entire day devoted to meatball goodness!

    And even if you’re not a meat-eater, there are plenty of veggie and vegan alternatives available, for example, chickpea koftas and tempeh, quinoa or black bean meatballs.

    It doesn’t matter if you’re a chef or a first-time cook. Making a meal with meatballs is easy but makes you look like a star in the kitchen!

    Here are a few recipes:

    https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017700-meatballs-with-any-meat

    https://www.seriouseats.com/meatball-recipes-11702105

    https://www.thekitchn.com/swedish-meatballs-recipe-23722980

    reference: https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/meatball-day

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    President’s Day: Discovering Lincoln and Washington Through Biography

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    President’s Day is a national holiday in the United States, celebrated on the third Monday of February. It honors two of the most respected leaders in American history: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Both were born in February and are remembered for their strong leadership and lasting impact on the country.

    George Washington was the first president of the United States. He led the American army to victory in the Revolutionary War and helped create the new government. Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president. He led the country during the Civil War and worked to end slavery. His famous speech, the Gettysburg Address, is still studied today.

    George Washington 1732-1799
    Abraham Lincoln 1809-1865

    Reading biographies is a great way to learn about these presidents. For English learners, books like Who Was George Washington? (ISBN-139780448448923) and Who Was Abraham Lincoln? (ISBN-139780606040068) are excellent choices. These books use simple language and include helpful illustrations and timelines. They show how each man grew up, faced challenges, and became a leader.

    Biographies help us understand history and the values of honesty, courage, and service. They also improve reading skills and vocabulary. On President’s Day, take time to explore the lives of Washington and Lincoln. Their stories can inspire us to be better citizens and lifelong learners.

    📚 Tip: Try reading with a friend or writing a short summary after each chapter. It’s a fun way to practice English and learn about American history!

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    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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    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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    The Treasure That Is the NYPL

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    The Rose Reading Room, photo by Max Touhey

    Field trip!

    We encourage you to visit and get to know the New York Public Library. There is so much to learn, and the library is the place to do exactly that!

    Nearest to University Settlement is the Seward Park Library. This building opened in 1909 and is at the eastern edge of Seward Park.

    Seward Park Library

    192 East Broadway

    NYC, NY 10002

    https://maps.app.goo.gl/DcPUYMmihfPkb6P26

    Did you know?

    — The New York Public Library features more than 6 million items in its circulating collections. You can find everything from books, e-books, and audiobooks to music and movies.

    — The Library has a free e-reader app, SimplyE, that you can download and then read e-books on your mobile device.

    — Explore local museums & attractions with Culture Pass! If you have a library card from the Brooklyn Public Library, Queens Public Library, or New York Public Library (serving the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island), you can reserve free passes to 100+ cultural institutions across NYC.

    — You can print documents at the Library from your mobile device. Black and white printing is available for 20 cents per page.

    — NYPL offers free internet access. With your library card, you can reserve a computer to use at almost any location.

    — NYPL is better than Google! Ask questions and chat with the expert staff in real time, Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM. https://www.nypl.org/get-help/contact-us/chat

    — In the summer months, many NYPL locations are official “Cooling Centers.” Some of these are even pet-friendly!

    — Many locations have free yoga (in Spanish), film screenings, as well as sewing and craft groups.

    Get your library card now!

    If you’re 13 years old or older and live, work, or attend school in New York State, you can apply for a free library card right now using this online card application—then visit your nearest NYPL location to receive your physical NYPL card. A physical library card is your key to checking out physical books and materials, signing up for Culture Pass, and more.

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