This article takes the idea of multiple language use in classroom settings, also known as pedagogical translanguaging, as its starting point and a) proposes a framework that illustrates to teachers the power of pedagogical translanguaging, b) highlights its strengths drawing on empirical classroom data (namely, learner performance data, teacher and learner interview data), c) investigates factors that can hinder the effective use of pedagogical translanguaging in mainstream classrooms, and d) proposes classroom practices that encourage the use of translanguaging in educational contexts where teachers are largely monolingual, that is speak only the language of mainstream instruction.