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!) Gregor may still be in the silent phase or he may just a be a shy child by nature. The key to communicating with him is patience and sensitivity. I would find out all that I could about him and create opportunities where I could have a conversation with him or interact with him in some way. In class, I would find someone who could partner with him so that he could practice English in a more intimate setting and get some practice. I don't think he should be pushed in the spotlight or pushed, because that could cause this situation to magnify. His move to a new country, culture and language could still be very overwhelming to him and if he was already a shy person, this would just make it even more profound. In his home he is more comfortable and at ease with people he knows and loves. It may just take time for him to become immersed the classroom.