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!) The US classroom setting could be overwhelming for Grigor. I would try to build a relationship with him and place him in small groups where he can participate in something "fun" that is not necessarily content specific. Building a relationship with Grigor could be the only thing that is needed for him to become comfortable in using English in the classroom.                 Rating The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes The suggested solution is original Yes Comments: I agree once Grigor is more comfortable he is likely to open up the best way to build his comfort level is to share good experiences together. Rated On: October 19, 2014 10:34 pm Rated By: Adam Sanchez                 Rating The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes The suggested solution is original Yes Comments: I liek the idea of emphasizing building a relationship with him. He obviously needs some sort of connection inside of the classroom. Rated On: November 15, 2015 6:14 pm Rated By: Tetygy                 Rating The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes The suggested solution is original Yes Comments: I agree with this solution. Using small groups to help him understand and participate could help him a lot. As well as, using art and music to allow him to feel comfortable in the class. Rated On: October 16, 2017 5:12 pm Rated By: Xupuva                 Rating The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) No The suggested solution is relevant to the case No The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement No The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue No The suggested solution is original No Comments: I would not use this solution. Rated On: October 13, 2018 3:29 am Rated By: yreQan