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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!)
I am unsure of what Grigor's previous teacher did to help him but I would consult with the previous teacher first to see what actions were taken. Since his parents have stated he communicates at home, it may be that he is trying to not be so obvious with his cultural diversity at school and is choosing not to speak. He could also be taking it all in and it is on too fast track to keep up. I would first try and be positive with all communication with Grigor and find something in class that he likes and try to turn it into a home feeling. This way he can relate it to home and open up more. I will also allow him to bring items from home that will help him to be more comfortable. I would begin to incorporate stories and storytelling with characters he identifies with. This can lead to the filmmaking that Igoa suggested she used. Allow Grigor to listen to some stories and this could allow him to speed up or slow down the recorder and you could see if listening is what he has trouble with. Working with Grigor individually on a daily basis can allow him to talk with you and be more comfortable with only you or select a student to allow him to get more comfortable with so this can open communication. Igoa also states that the student should be able to compete alone and not against other students and this will help the silent stage disappear.