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 think many immigrant children go through this silent period because they are afraid that they will say the wrong thing or will be teased if they say something wrong. If there are any other Bulgarian children at the school, I would create a buddy program with he and these students. This may make him feel more comfortable. If there aren't any Bulgarian students at the school, I would have a meeting with he and his parents and try to make him realize that it is important for him to communicate. It is okay for him to make mistakes. By having his parents there, he may feel more comfortable.