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  Case: Silent Period
Grigor is in my 4th grade classroom. He came to the US last year with his family from Bulgaria. He was in 4th grade at our school last year as well. He was retained in 4th grade because he did not develop his English language skills. I learned about a "silent period" that children go through when they learn a new language. My guess is that Grigor is in the silent period. But it does not make sense to me that he would be in the silent period for almost two years. He does not say anything in class. He does not socialize with his classmates either. He can read and write in simple English though. His parents tell me that he acts completely normal at home and he is able to communicate with English speaking people at home when they have guests. This is really puzzling. I have to find a way to communicate with Grigor and discover what is holding him back from communicating with people at school. I need some help.
Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!)
It seems that you have already talked to the parents and have had Grigor in your classroom to know his academic strengths and weaknesses. Since he is comfortable at home, it seems that he is still not finding his comfort zone in the classroom environment. You could have a Bulgaria Day where Grigor is given time to present things about his former country to the class. Students can test taste a Bulgarian food, participate in a Bulgarian sport or game, and have Grigor share what he liked most about his home country. This may help him open up more if you connect with his comfort zone.