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!) If Grigor speaks and interacts fine at home, it sounds like it might be something beyond the "silent period." You are already familiar with some strategies and techniques in dealing with immigrant students, so I would dig into that bag of strategies to see what might be the issue with Grigor. I would intentionally try to create greater rapport with Grigor to let him know you care about him and his situation. As a fourth grade teacher, I am sure you have already identified some of your trustworthy students. Speak with them about including Grigor in play time at recess and make sure Grigor makes his way into that student's group as well during group work. Some consistency in relationships may be helpful for Girgor and make him feel more comfortable in communicating and participating in class.