It’s easy to get excited about taking a break from school, but remember, language learning is like exercise.
If you don’t use it, you lose it.
This means that if you don’t practice using your English, you will probably forget it. In order to avoid this, you must practice.
Here are three tips to keep up with your English over the summer!
Listen to Youtube videos about English grammar as you get ready for the day. You don’t need to understand everything on the first try. Just listen to them over and over again as you do simple tasks such as brushing your teeth or getting dressed.
Chat with a friend from your English class 2-3 times a week! If you’re too busy for a phone call, text your friend in English- or do both!
Pay attention to advertisements and billboards that you see around your neighborhood and on the train! This will help you feel more connected to your environment and reinforce your new vocabulary.
Stay connected to our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/usadultliteracy/. We occasionally post mini-lessons with activities for students to practice a topic or grammar point in English.
The 4th of July in NYC is a spectacular event filled with exciting activities and mesmerizing fireworks. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, joining in the festivities is a memorable experience. Let’s take a look at what makes NYC’s 4th of July celebration so special.
Macy’s Fireworks:
One of the main highlights of NYC’s 4th of July celebration is the iconic Macy’s Fireworks. Every year, Macy’s puts on a breathtaking fireworks show, lighting up the sky above the East River. This dazzling display features colorful explosions choreographed to music, creating a truly magical experience.
Independence Day Parade:
Another exciting event on the 4th of July is the Independence Day Parade. This parade marches down the streets of Manhattan, showcasing patriotic floats, marching bands, and performers in dazzling costumes. It’s a joyous spectacle that brings together people from different backgrounds to celebrate the spirit of America.
Outdoor Activities:
NYC’s parks and waterfront areas come alive on the 4th of July. You can picnic with friends and family in Central Park or along the Hudson River. Take a stroll along the High Line, a beautiful elevated park, and savor the panoramic views of the city. Many parks also host live music performances, food vendors, and games to keep you entertained.
Statue of Liberty:
Visiting the Statue of Liberty is a must on Independence Day. Take a ferry to Liberty Island and explore this iconic symbol of freedom. You can even climb to the top of the statue’s crown for a breathtaking view of the city skyline. Remember to book your tickets in advance, as it tends to be a busy day.
Cultural Festivities:
NYC’s diverse communities add to the 4th of July celebrations. Attend cultural festivals and street fairs happening across the city, where you can immerse yourself in the music, dance, and cuisine from various cultures. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about the mix of NYC’s multicultural heritage.
New York City’s 4th of July celebration is an unforgettable experience that captures the spirit of Independence Day. From the mesmerizing Macy’s Fireworks to the vibrant parades and cultural festivities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, grab your friends and family, and head to the Big Apple to celebrate freedom, unity, and the American spirit. Don’t forget to take pictures!!
Breathtaking adj- extremely good, beautiful, or exciting:
Example: The violin solo was breathtaking.
Mesmerizing (adj) –to have someone’s attention completely so that they cannot think of anything else
Example: I was completely mesmerized by the performance.
Explosion (noun)- the fact of something such as a bomb exploding:
Example: The fire was thought to have been caused by a gas explosion.
Patriotic (adj)- showing love for your country and being proud of it:
Example: Many Americans felt it was their patriotic duty to buy bonds to support the war effort.
Floats (noun)- a large vehicle with a flat surface that is decorated and used in festivals
Example: carnival floats
Dazzling (adj) A dazzling light is so bright that you cannot see for a short time after looking at it
Example: a dazzling white light
Iconic (adj)- very famous or popular, especially being considered to represent particular opinions or a particular time
Example: John Lennon gained iconic status following his death.
Cuisine (noun)- a style of cooking
Example: French cuisine
Vibrant (adj) -energetic, exciting, and full of enthusiasm
Juneteenth is an important holiday in the United States that commemorates the freedom of African Americans from slavery. It holds great significance as it marks the day when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned about their freedom on June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Juneteenth symbolizes the end of slavery and the beginning of a new era of freedom and equality.
Celebrations of Juneteenth vary across the United States, but they all aim to honor African American culture, history, and achievements. Communities come together to organize parades, picnics, and festivals. These events feature music, dance, and art that showcase the rich traditions and contributions of African Americans. Educational programs are held in schools and organizations to raise awareness about Juneteenth and its significance. Families also gather for reunions, sharing stories of their ancestors, and participating in activities that promote unity and intergenerational connections.
Cultural performances play a crucial role in Juneteenth celebrations. Traditional African rhythms, gospel music, and spoken word performances are showcased, highlighting the vibrant artistic heritage of African Americans. The Juneteenth flag, with a star representing Texas and a bursting outline symbolizing new beginnings, along with the colors red, white, and blue, reminiscent of the American flag, are important symbols associated with the holiday.
Juneteenth is not only a day of celebration but also a time for reflection on the progress made towards equality and justice.
My name is Paula and I love living in New York City. It is the most beautiful city in America. It has people from many different countries, such as China, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Korea, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Peru. My neighbor Seojun is from Seoul, South Korea. Seoul is fourteen (14) hours ahead of New York! This means that on Tuesday afternoon at 1:00 pm in New York City, it is already Wednesday at 3:00 am in Seoul! Seojun has troubleadjusting to NYC time. He is hungry at midnight and he is wide awake in the mornings. These days, he is a night owl. Sometimes he is up until 3 in the morning and he wakes up at lunch time!
To help Seojun adjust, I gave him medicine so he goes to sleep in the evening. He has to wake up at 6am for school! Now it is February. In March, I think his schedule will be better. He can be an early bird, like me!
Good luck Seojun!
Answer the questions in full sentences please.
1. Where does Paula live?
2. Does she like to live there?
3. Where is her neighbor from?
4. What is the time difference from NYC to Seoul?
5. What time does Seojun wake up and go to sleep?
6. What time does Seojun need to wake up for school?
When referring to a street, avenue, or boulevard, we use the preposition, “on”.
In casual conversation, you’ll hear Americans say “go up or down the street”.
You can tell someone to “make a left” or to “turn left” (or a right!) and the meaning is the same.
At the end of the directions, you might hear someone say, “You can’t miss it!” This just means that you will see your destination (in this case, the Taqueria), when you get there because it is so easy to see.
New York City comes alive during the summer season with a variety of exciting events, and one of the most captivating experiences is attending a summer parade. These parades showcase the city’s diverse culture, vibrant traditions, and community spirit. In this guide we talk about some of NYC’s most famous summer parades.
Mermaid Parade:
The Coney Island Mermaid Parade is held every June, this magical parade brings together people dressed as mermaids, pirates, and other sea creatures. Thousands of people, both to watch and participate, come to Coney Island to see the extraordinary costumes, fun shows, and lively floats. The Mermaid Parade is a celebration of creativity and the joy of summer.
Pride Parade:
The Pride Parade in New York City is a powerful demonstration of love, acceptance, and equality, celebrated in June during Pride Month. This parade attracts millions of participants and spectators from diverse backgrounds. Colorful floats, lively performances, and heartfelt messages create an electrifying atmosphere as the parade winds its way through Manhattan. The Pride Parade serves as a reminder of the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights and the ongoing fight for inclusivity.
Puerto Rican Day Parade:
The Puerto Rican Day Parade, held in June along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, is a dazzling tribute to Puerto Rican culture and heritage. This grand procession features marching bands, traditional folkloric performances, and beautifully adorned floats. The parade showcases the pride of the Puerto Rican community, with vibrant music, colorful attire, and a celebration of unity.
Dominican Day Parade:
The Dominican Day Parade, held in August along Sixth Avenue, is a lively celebration of Dominican culture and contributions. This vibrant parade showcases traditional music, dance, and dazzling costumes. The sounds of merengue and bachata fill the air, and the parade displays the vibrant Dominican flags and symbols. The Dominican Day Parade is a joyous celebration of the Dominican community’s rich heritage and achievements in New York City.
West Indian American Day Carnival Parade:
In Brooklyn, on Labor Day, the West Indian American Day Carnival Parade arrives.
At this parade New Yorkers celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Caribbean communities in New York City. Participants wear colorful costumes at Eastern Parkway. It’s a lively celebration of Caribbean traditions.
New York City’s summer parades offer a vibrant and culturally rich experience. Attending these parades allows New Yorkers to celebrate diverse traditions and celebrate the spirit of unity and community. From the Mermaid Parade to the vibrant West Indian American Day Carnival Parade, these parades give an opportunity to embrace cultural diversity and create lasting memories. So, join in the festivities, experience the energy, and celebrate summer in NYC’s spectacular parades!
Among NYC’s many delights is Mr. Softee, an ice cream truck that is a huge part of summer joy and childhood memories- and what better way to use English than talking about ice cream!
Ice Cream Vocabulary:
Before jumping into the world of Mr. Softee, let’s start by looking at some ice cream vocabulary.
Here are some words and phrases you might need when ordering from an ice cream truck:
Mr. Softee is not just an ice cream truck; it is a part of New York City. It has been in NYC for many years.
One of the most exciting things about Mr. Softee is the menu. Practice common phrases and expressions like “Can I have a scoop of chocolate ice cream, please?” or “I’d like a vanilla cone with sprinkles, please.” Mr. Softee in NYC offers more than just delicious ice cream, it can provide you with a chance to learn new vocabulary and practice your English language in a fun and easy way. So, next time you hear Mr. Softee’s song, grab a sweet treat and practice your English skills!
