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  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!)
Perhaps finding assignments where he have to respond and see if it gets him to come out of his silent period. He may think that the other students will make fun of him when he talks. Have small group activities and maybe he will feel more comfortable in a small group eventually speaking to the entire class.
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) No
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue No
The suggested solution is original No
Comments: Adding on pressure to speak is not usually a good solution. Comfort and understanding usually work better.
Rated On: October 17, 2015 6:14 am
Rated By: nydyra
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: The fact that he does not speak might be that he thinks other children will make fun of him, putting him in a small group will certainly help in drawing him out of his shell.
Rated On: November 7, 2015 10:27 pm
Rated By: yWasyD
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) No
The suggested solution is relevant to the case No
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement No
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue No
The suggested solution is original No
Comments: this seems a little too advanced for someone who is uncomfortable speaking in the class.
Rated On: October 31, 2021 6:52 pm
Rated By: aNabaR