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!) I would suggest holding a meeting with the parents and explaining the issues you are having in class. Explain to them your theory of the "silent period" and suggest things you could do in class to help him through this. Get their feedback and see if they agree that he may be going through something like this and make a plan to help him adjust in school. You might could also send him to someone at school he is comfortable talking to, like the counselor or ESOL teacher, to see if they can determine what is wrong. Journaling may also be a good way to gain his trust and get him to open up more.