(We have talked about the use of L1 in the classroom topic a LOT here over the past few years, especially last year. This is my update.)
James Hosler has always been a big proponent of just hanging out in English with the kids, and I have too. It just seemed like one of the true perks of the job. James was also the first person to test and prove our new Ten Minute Deal a few years ago, which for me has morphed into where the class timer just times us on how long we stay in the language until we break into L1 and then we put our time on the board and compete with other classes.
Anyway, during my year off I got on this big jag (in my mind) about how I wanted to spend 98% of the class period in the TL. My thinking then – without being in the classroom for that year – was that I would be able to get the visiting and camaraderie in L1 with my students in the 2% part of the time. Now I firmly realize how totally impossible it is to stay in the L2 98% of the time. Who would want to?
I DO think that the L1 and L2 time should not be mixed. Thus, if something really good and fun and human comes up in class in L1, I allow it. I limit the discussion, but I allow it. Like James has said, and Joe Dziedzic says this as well, the bonds built with those kids in those L1 moments are precious and indispensable for the overall well being of the class.
I just won’t mix the two languages. What I have been doing so far this year is about 85% in the TL and 15% fun visiting time. Not mixed.