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2. Students speak first language (L1) in class

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One of the most common classroom management issues primary teachers face is getting them to speak

English. However, young learners may need to speak their mother tongue on occasion, and a complete

ban on L1 is often not the best solution. But how can we encourage students to use English wherever

possible?

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Tell students they have to ask permission to speak in L1, if they really need to.

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3 word rule — tell students that they can use a maximum of three words in L1 if they don’t know them

in English.

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Write ENGLISH on the board in large letters. Each time someone speaks in L1, erase a letter. Tell

students that each letter represents time (e.g. 1 minute) to play a game or do another fun activity at the

end of the lesson. If the whole word remains they can choose a game.

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