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 only assume that few teachers have reached out to Grigor if he is still in the silent period after one year at school. Since he was retained, he may still not be be comfortable in the setting since his behavior is better back at home and around people he is comfortable with. He also is probably feeling lonely and isolated if he is not socializing with classmates. It is crucial to make him feel welcome and comfortable in the classroom. Unless, he can open up, he will not achieve academically either. Igoa points out that even though students are silent, they still comprehend different things. Helping him feel successful and needed in the classroom will be key. He could feel intimidated by the new environment and language skills that he could be frustrated. Outlets will allow him to express himself. The filmstrips that Igoa presents may help him. If no connections are made between students in the classroom or more importantly, the teacher, the student can remain in this stage for up to two years. Reaching out to the student will help him gain a connection. I would connect with him about Bulgarian culture and learn about his interests in order to better connect with him.