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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!)
Was Grigor in your class last year as well or did he work with another teacher? Does he have ELL supports in place? If so I will assume you already taken any steps to help him feel less like a stranger in the classroom based on the fact that you are concerned about his well-being.
His development of language, especially academic language, is highly dependent on his level of literacy in his native language and interventions within the classroom. I would start by having a teacher to student conference with him and listening to his perspective on what is going on. You have stated he has developed social language so this would be a good start. If he is still feeling isolated and having trouble making friends the counselor may be able to help also. I would also consider trying to incorporate the sheltered instruction observation protocol with him. More about this can be found. A brief introductory video is linked below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C7Rwa8l580

I would also consider cutting back on slang and using purposeful speech when speaking with him about content. I personally can understand some Spanish but when a native Spanish talks rapidly to me I get totally lost. If they use regional slang I just get lost faster. Slower purposeful speech is helpful to me when I am listening to a foreign language.