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 believe that Grigor is definitely struggling and uncomfortable with school. There may be many things effecting his level of comfort, from feelings of failure to possible bullying of some sort. I would begin by intentionally trying to create a relationship with him by daily engaging him in conversation, inquiring about his interests, family, friends and interests. I would also reach out to parents and ask if it might be possible to do a home visit, so that he can connect you to his world, and have the opportunity to show you things that are important to him. This may be helpful by allowing you to see if he truly does open up more away from school. It will also give you a good idea of the level of English that is spoken in the home and if he is able to communicate as well as his parents have indicated.