We Speak NYC: High-Interest Videos and Practice Activities for English Language Learners

Are you looking for high quality video content specifically created for adult English language learners? Look no further than We Speak NYC! We Speak NYC is a collection of more than two dozen produced-for-TV videos that dramatize issues important to immigrants living in the US such as the following: food assistance, career preparation, workers’ rights, making friends, pre-K resources and much more. Each video is accompanied by both interactive online practice activities as well as downloadable materials to support learner comprehension of the videos, vocabulary acquisition and problem-solving skills. 

The videos are best suited for Intermediate ELLs and above. Beginning English language learners may find the videos too challenging to follow, but the Short Story and Images and Words downloads could be used all on their own with beginners, or to support them in watching the videos. Learn more about all the accompanying activities below.

Interactive Online Practice Activities (click on “Practice!”)

• What’s Going On? Short clips from the full video with accompanying comprehension questions that help learners focus on the main points of the story

• What’s the Word? Vocabulary practice
• Talking about [the topic] A cloze exercise built around an important dialogue in the video
• Good Question! Forming questions with a word unscramble
• What Can You Do? Learners practice critical thinking skills by matching problems with solutions

Downloads

• Study Guide Contains much of the story found in the video with pictures and text as well as vocabulary and comprehension exercises
• Short Story A simplified version of the story from the video, great for lower level students
• Images and Words Large pictures to spark conversation (or writing!) about scenes from the video, great for any level
• Script The complete script from the video

While We Speak NYC takes place in New York City and some services promoted in the videos are specific to NYC, most of the topics are relevant to English language learners living in other parts of the country. 

This resource makes me wish I were back in the classroom working with learners everyday! What a treasure trove! Enjoy!

For questions or comments about this Tutor Tip, contact tutor training coordinator Meghan Boyle at mboyle@literacymn.org