thanks for the reply....i don't know what the Nooalf cd is...it is not so much this child's language skills that i am getting concerned about, it is more his lack of social interaction. I am just wondering if his behaviour is seen as normal for esl children. From what i have read, children seem to usually play alongside other children even if there is no common language between them. I am concerned that he may have other needs that we need to address such as slight autism, but i want to hear from anyone that has any advice on encouraging him to mix with other children..i also forgot to mention that he has irrational fears of things such as sticking plasters and cupboards..he gets really upset and frightened if he has to be near a cupboard or sees a child with a sticking plaster .....thanks again

hi..i am not sure if i am in the right place or not, but i am looking for any help or advice for working with a child from romania. I am a kindergarten teacher in new zealand and we have a 4 year old boy from romania. He understands almost all that is said to him, but he does not speak a lot of english (no, yes, food etc)..he has been coming to kindergarten now for almost 8 months and in that time has really shown little progress. He will not mix with other children at all and if they try to include him in games etc, he cries and runs to an adult..we have tried..EVERYTHING..that we know..we have supported him in joining in, we have tried to encourage basic play for example at the playdough, but still he will not get involved. he speaks no english at home and he has no other interactions with children his own age except for the time he is with us...can someone please help..is this 'normal' behaviour for a child learning a new language, should we be worried about his social skills, is that all part of language?..we also have another child who has no speech at all but she interacts really well with all the other children...so i am not really sure if language is a barrier for him....i would really appreciate some advice....