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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!) Sometimes the silent period does not only last a year. I would investigate Grigor's prior fourth grade experience. Was Grigor comfortable in the classroom? Was he given the chance to express himself? Did the teacher make the attempt of helping this student adapt? I would start the year off my talking with the administration and with his parents. I would then make Grigor feel comfortable in my classroom. I would let him pick where he wanted to do his work at. In some cultures it is important to remember that students do not necessarily sit behind desk. I would then incorporate his culture into my lessons. I want the other students in the class to understand him. I would also try to get Grigor to explain his culture background to the students. My last suggestion would be to assign Grigor a students helper. This student would help Grigor feel more comfortable in the classroom by participating with and befriending him. |
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