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!) Grigor may feel more comfortable speaking English around his parents than around people in school. His parents probably don't make fun of him if he says something incorrect or has trouble saying certain words in English. I would ask the parents to come in with Grigor for a parent conference that is student lead. Let Grigor talk about what is going on and why he won't communicate at school. Grigor can give you some help with what can make him more comfortable in school, so that he can participate in class and speak with his peers. He can provide ways or you and the parents can talk with him about different ways you can all do to help him communicate in English more at school.