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!) The positive side of this situation is that the student is at least speaking English and reading English at home. Therefore, at least he has the ability to perform this in the classroom which is half the battle. I would engage the parent questioning what is it about his guests at home that prompt him to speak more? Are they also bilingual? Are they family? Are they close friends? Then I would ask the parents what are their recommendations? Directly ask how you can make your classroom a more comfortable atmosphere for Grigor? Then, I would try to re-create those tactics in the classroom environment.