Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         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!) If you want Grigor to open up, you need to find something to peak his interest. Send home students surveys and find out what some of the students' favorite games, sports, television shows, candy, and anything else you think you can use. You can see which students have things in common with Grigor and plan lessons that either focus on those interests or put him in groups with students who share the same things. In smaller group situations where the topic is about something he really enjoys, he may feel more comfortable opening up and talking in class.