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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!) The discussion with Grigor's parents is very telling. Since Grigor is able to write and communicate in English when he is in a comfortable environment such as at home or in a written assignment, it shows us that he is processing what is going on around him. While he is being selective on when he communicates, I think it is very important to create a mentor type relationship with him first. Once Grigor is comfortable with you, I feel that will boost his self-confidence and hopefully open him up more to talking with other students in the class. I'm sure getting held back a year is something else that is making him uncomfortable as his peers from the previous year know that he was not advanced. Being a rock for him at school is very important, and getting the ESOL teacher involved with his motivation is essential as well. |
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