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!) Some children's culture shock experiences are deeper than others. It is important for the teacher to keep a regular stream of communication with Grigor's parents. The teacher could also create a quiet space in her classroom where Grigor will safe and comfortable. In this space he needs a journal to draw and or write what he feels. This comfort zone can also be a place to express what he has learned. I think the teacher should be patient and persistent with Grigor. Whatever the method of communication, the teacher needs to find out what Grigor knows academically. The teacher's can find out from Grigor parents what he does know. I don't think retaining Grigor is the most appropriate decision. In fact retaining could be hurting the potential for verbal communication from Grigor.