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!) My solution to help Grigor get passed his silent period in class is to open up to him. The teacher needs to get to know him as much as possible. It is important that he feels valued and important in the classroom. Once you find out some things he likes, try and discuss those topics with him. At times you may not get a response but I believe he will start to respond and communicate with you eventually. I think it takes some time to open up and feel comfortable in a new country. Students are different and it takes each one a different amount of time to open up and leave his "silent period". You have to be patient and continue to try and initiate conversation using topics that he is very familiar with and interested in. It is important to stay patient and understanding, regardless of how long it might take him.