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 struggling with the school environment. His parent stated that at home he communicates and interact with people that primarily speak English well. I will suggest creating an environment that relates to the student's prior knowledge and interest. Implementing the 8 components of the SIOP will be a framework that fully supports content instructions, while utilizing methods of language that incorporates reading, speaking, writing and listening. I will also develop peer-mediated strategies matching Grigor with a student who has similar interests. The student that can speak English well and pose great social skills can model those skills for Grigor. Research has proven that students retain and learn better from each other.