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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!)
Grigor needs to make a connection in the classroom that allows him to feel comfortable with the learning environment. You could offer for Grigor to bring in one small item from home to keep with him as a comfort. Since he can read and write in simple English, you can use that as a means of communication between you two to start off with, like a dialogue journal. These journals allow students to communicate in a less pressured environment while continuing to develop his/her language skills. If Grigor wants to write about things where his vocabulary is not developed yet, allow him to draw visual representation or use magazine cut outs to help communicate his thoughts. Then you can respond back. This will help him realize that you are there for him and want to help him.
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I love your idea of a dialog journal, great solution.
Rated On: October 19, 2014 2:57 pm
Rated By: Angela Avery