[liztom71]

Hi. I'd love to hear people's advice and experience in using only English during lessons, particularly with primary age children.
I was trained as a secondary school French/German teacher in the UK 10 years ago and taught for a few years before having my own kids. We were taught that it was always best to use the target language during lessons, and I totally agree with the principle, though I didn't find it easy to do, mainly, I think, because I didn't have the confidence to do it.
Now I've been in Italy for 2 years and have been teaching (mainly privately) for the last year. I have 3 small groups of primary kids (friends of my own children), as well as a few 1-1 lessons with teenagers and adults.
I do believe that using only English is the best way to go....and I'm not finding it difficult to do with the more advanced students, but I'm not doing so well with the little ones. I speak fluent Italian and I too often find myself explaining something to them in Italian, because it's easier and quicker.
What do you find works best? 100% English, a mix of English and native language for some explanations, a specific section of the lesson (beginning or end) in the native language...? All advice gratefully received!