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 not going through the silent period stage like a typical ELL would. Or maybe he is and he is just not a heavy talker. There are many American students that are deathly afraid to talk in front of the class or to other students. I really don't see this as a problem. However, if you still wanted to "fix" this problem, maybe you could confront a student in the class that you trust. This student can start befriending him (on the playground, at lunch, during group activities, etc.). This might get Grigor to open up slowly or to just one other person. I think even opening up to one friend would be sufficient enough, especially as long as he is making good grades and understands the work given to him.