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 think that what Grigor's parents told you about his behavior at home is the most important piece of the puzzle. Chances are he is just uncomfortable. I can imagine that moving to an entirely different country, with a different culture, different people, customs, food, traditions, language and everything- that would be so difficult. Then, to struggle learning he new language and be retained would make it even harder! Grigor is probably embarrassed and socially non confident. I think that talking to him and trying to encourage the other students to be his friend would help motivate him to come out of his shell. Students can be shy no matter what language they speak.