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!) I know that you said you have discussed this issue with his parents, but have you considered having a parent teacher meeting with the child involved? Maybe the reason he communicates so well with guest that come into his house is because he knows his parents trust the parents, and that gives him a reason to trust the new people. Maybe you could even have the meeting in their home so they all feel more comfortable and it lets the child know that you are okay, and can be trusted. This could possibly help him to transfer these feelings to you in the school setting because he knows his parents trust you and he should to. This way he may open up more to you, and speak English.