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 may be uncomfortable in the school setting because he may not have found that connection with anyone. A lot of times some students have to trust people to open up. I would observe Grigor through out the day. I would try the peer buddy system, I would even throw in journal writing prompts such as how do you feel today? Things like that will help you to know how he is feeling and tell you what's going on with him. I would also ask his parents about the people that he socialize with at home and what are some things that he like.