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!) My first suggestion would be to find something that Grigor likes to do or that interests him. This may involve learning about Bulgaria and incorporating Bulgaria culture into some of your lessons. I can't imagine how he is feeling being from another country and now he has been held back due to his deficiency in English skills. Also, maybe try some journaling activities to see if he expresses himself through writing. If this didn't work, I would get the counselor involved.