In 2018, the Emmy-winning ESOL/Civics series, We Are New York, was rebranded with new name, new website, and seven new episodes, known collectively as Season 2 of We Speak NYC. The 10 original We Are New York episodes became known from that time forward as We Speak NYC Season 1.
Each of the Season 2 characters brings their life experience to the We Speak NYC stories, making them as wholly relatable and endearing as the Season 1 characters we know and love.
The episode topics of Season 2 are food insecurity, job-seeking skills, worker rights, elder care, free legal aid, early childhood education, and mental health.
Watch the Season 2 trailer:
Rolando’s Rights is a Season 2 episode about worker rights.
Rolando is a construction worker. His wife, Silvia, is a domestic worker. They are heroes who build this city and help keep it strong. But what can they do if their companies rip them off and don’t give them paid sick leave or other worker rights? Who can help them?
Click here to watch Rolando’s Rights and access the episode Study Guide and additional materials.
Rafaela’s Test is a Season 2 episode about mental health. In Rafaela’s Test, Rafaela is studying for the HSE exam.
Rafaela has a panic attack on the day of her High School Equivalency Test. She goes to the emergency room, where a doctor tells her about NYC Well, a City service that helps people manage stress and anxiety. Her family and her friend are very worried about her. Join them in this important story as they learn how to support each other and thrive.
Click here to watch Rafaela’s Test and access the episode Study Guide and additional materials.
The language level and pace of the speech in the Season Two episodes is at a slightly higher level (solid intermediate, rather than low intermediate) than the Season One We Are New York videos. If you are not familiar with the earlier videos, click on the Season 1 tab at this link.
You’ll find transcripts for each episode on the website, and subtitles in English are an option as well. Below are excerpts of the scripts and Study Guides from Rafaela’s Test (Study Guide) and Rolando’s Rights (Study Guide). These are materials that could be used in class or as independent practice outside of class.
Excerpts from Rolando’s Rights script and Study Guide:
Excerpts from Rafaela’s Test Study Guide:
I love these videos and the accompanying study guide. My students love them too! It’s free and and easy to use. There are topics for ESL units such as Health and Transportation. Check out the Love and Money episode if you are going to teach about banking.