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 is obviously still adjusting to being away from his homeland. I would suggest contacting his former teachers, both American and Bulgarian, to discuss Grigor performance and behaviors prior to being in your class. I would ask what were his interests and learning style. I would recommend including choice activities in your lessons that match Grigor's interests and learning style. Also, I would look at your classroom management plan and lessons. Have you established a class environment that fosters community and supports students regardless of background? Are your lessons culturally sensitive? Are you lessons and materials modified to meant his language needs? Since Grigor does understand simple English, I would recommend pairing him with a friendly and high achieving student to do peer tutoring in order to build a friendship. The first thing you should do is contact your school's guidance counselor to evaluate Grigor's psychological well being.