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 can't help but to think back on the experiences of Igoa (1995), as she shares that the silent period seems to be an experience that all immigrant children undergo. However by her writings this period can last 1-2 years or more if no real friendships are made. That being said, I would not be too alarmed of the silence but would try to help the child come out of it since they are approaching two years. I would also go with Igoa's advice and try various avenues to pull the student out of their shell. Offer him the opportunity to express himself through art or writing or other creative paths. I would also see about attemting to match him with a potential friend. I'd speak with another student that would be a good role model (another ELL if possible) and ask them to work with him on a couple of group assignments. I'd ask this peer student to be patient and kind and see if a friendship could blossom.