I allow students to use their L1 for their first few weeks in class,
but then I start asking them to use their English. I am constantly
reminding the class and for the most part they do a good job. I make
sure to thank and praise them when they do use their English. If I
find myself asking the same person over and over, I may give them 5
min detention and during that time make sure I ask them to try harder
the next day. I have a very good rapport with my students so I joke
with them that if they don't use their English they will be with me
(in my class) for life. At one point, I had so many "offenders" that
I just typed out standards, "I will use my English or I will be a
lifer." Each time I caught them, I would print out standards for
them. It was about 45 standards. They knew I meant business when I
stopped printing those out and just gave them my teacher look.

Basically, I use different incentives and punishments, but mainly I
let them know that in order to learn English and move up ESL levels,
they must not only read and write, but also speak in English.

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