This is a challenging scenario. It would be great for you to know at what stage of ESOL they are. If this is their first, second, or even third year of learning English as a second language, although they speak English well, they may not be ready to communicate fully in English yet. At this stage of language acquisition, they feel more comfortable talking in their native language. I am a native Spanish speaker and also a World Languages teacher, and familiar with the stages of language acquisition having gone through this myself as a middle school student. I would recommend designating times for your students to interact socially, in a group setting as they learn through cooperative groups where they can interact about what they are learning in your class. At the same time, I would recommend that you establish a procedure with the entire class, that when you have class discussions, or peer work with students that don't speak the ELLs native language, all students use English because it is kind to include all in the conversation.

Yes, definitely let them continue to speak Spanish in the classroom. As a way to include English speakers, you could have the Spanish speakers teach them some Spanish words and phrases so they can be included too.

I think it is perfectly okay to allow them to do so. If that is the language they are most comfortable with they should be allowed to speak it. The classroom may be overwhelming for them with many things beyond their control so them speaking Spanish is also a way for them to maintain normalcy and a sense of control.

I remember when I came to the USA and I had my ESOL class, must of us were Spanish speakers and two Korean girls. The teacher was very hard on us about speaking in Spanish during class time, but my classmate did not care about it. All I can say is that the more your students practice english, the faster they will get to being fluent at it. I personally sticked to practicing and listening to the teacher because I wanted to be able to communicate in English as soon as I could.

I think it is okay for the students to interact with each other and speak their native language. It is important to let other languages be apart of the classroom to show the student's different diversity and a comfortable environment. I believe that during some points in the classroom to maybe just have English being spoken and practiced by the students.

Yes, absolutely allow students to continue speaking Spanish if you say something to them and don't allow it they are not going to be conformable in the classroom anymore. Just remind them that there is no talking during instructions and should finish their work before they have "free time".

Maybe you can repeat again the classroom expectations, that they need to use English when they are talking because it is a practice for them. I am sure they will understand.

I say that it is appropriate for the student to speak Spanish but as the teacher i guest that you but in boundaries and rule for when they can speak Spanish for both cultural reasons but for them to be better versed in English afterwards.

I believe that they should be able to freely express themselves, so you should let them continue speaking Spanish.