During my Latvian lessons I use approach when direct approach is present - which helped back in my days when I was learning Estonian language at the University of Tartu. Direct approach is done entirely in the language that is being learnt, BUT there might be an exceptions and tackling along with translanguaging on which I recently finished my research. Research was about how learning language A, can be done through language B, reason is quite simple - I work at the Tartu International School whereas students are from all over the world, some of my Latvian students are coming from mixed families and I noticed that Latvian language vocabulary, grammar etc can be taught through other language. 

Main point is - there is always for solution if you look for it! 

I consider myself as curious language teacher, in my opinion that is what keeps language alive is for us to be curious about it!