TeacherServer.com
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!)
You are going to have to find a way to make him integrate himself into your classroom environment. He was most likely uncomfortable after the move and being held back removed him from the students he was around last school year. You need to try to talk to him first to see if he can tell you what the problem might be. You can only make assumptions about the issues that might be causing this behavior. Only he can tell you how to fix it. You need to find a couple of trustworthy students who you can attempt to pair him with so he will have someone to talk to. You can also try to find things he likes and relate to him that way. He really needs some friends and you can help him find some in your class.