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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 may still really miss the school, peers, and teachers in Bulgaria and feel that the U.S. way is very different, making it difficult to express himself. It sounds like he does not feel school is a judge-free environment and it is prohibiting him from expressing his true self. Perhaps his first teacher here was not welcoming nor understanding of his new situation. As his teacher now it is important to persistently reach out to Grigor and have one on one discussions to get to know him and find out some of his interests. Get to know him while doing an activity he is interested in such art or playing catch at recess. It is important to have him understand that you realize he is new to this culture and the English language and that together you can work to develop his English and comfortability within the school setting. He will only be able to express his true self in an environment that is not judgmental or fearful.