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 would ask his parents for more suggestions and ways to help with his communication problem. I would encourage his parents to visit my class whenever possible. I would sit down with him and tell him a little about myself and let him know that I am here to teach and help with anything he need. I would tell him to open up and trust me that everything is going to be okay and he is very welcome here. I would then ask my "best" friendly boy student to become friends with Grigor. I would coach him on building a good relationship with Grigor with hopes this will allow Grigor to open up to other classmates as well.