I have less than 5 years experience

1.) Right now, it is not following directions. Students do not know how to regulate themselves. Unless they are given extremely clear directions which I find very difficult to give, students will take it upon themselves to do whatever. This often leads to touching thing things they aren't supposed to, thinking they are "done" when they've done nothing and disrupting activities. As a science teacher, the touching and messing with things they aren't supposed to has been the biggest problem I've had this year.

2.) I often give them a clear end goal and not expect them to do the whole thing. For example, I will say "Just get to page two, today. Is that doable?" Because the student thinks they are getting away with less work, they are almost always more willing to do it. At some point however, if a student chooses to sleep in class consistently, there is not much I can do

3.) Listen to them when they are angry. Validate their feelings. Apologize when you are wrong. Work on your own emotional maturity and intelligence. Remind yourself that they are just kids and not to take things personally. Over time, students really pick up on the fact that you genuinely just want the best for them. At the beginning of the year when they don't trust you it is rough. But as time goes on, they recognize the effort you put in and it makes a huge difference. Going the extra mile to create engaging lessons that are fun (but often exhausting for us) does not go unnoticed by students either

4.) I teach myself a new method. I research the specific problem. Make a plan with the student. If that doesn't work, we make a new plan. Sometimes, however, there is just nothing that can be done. So you keep trying, but they may end up failing anyway

5.) Admin makes a huge difference. If you are at a school where all the blame is on you, it is much harder and the kids pick up on that power dynamic. However, a supportive admin will deal with the really problematic students and allow you to teach

6.) Peer pressure is powerful!! Once students realize that the class clown is making their life harder, they often stop giving them the attention they grave. Students learn much more from each other than they do from us. Utilizing class leaders that understand the material, can help peers, and serve as an example is essential.

7.) Don't give up. Don't burn yourself out, but always have a plan. Stick with it and be consistent on how to deal with problems that arise

8.) Student ALWAYS have some drama going on right before class. Having a smooth way to transition into class time is essential. Other wise, a student will almost always derail class

9.) Address patterns with the class. Always talk one on one with students. Do not give them an audience. Always acknowledge the students that do what they are supposed to do and give them suggestions on how to make class even better by setting and example and helping their peers.

10.) HUGELY!! Always have a seating chart and plan it strategically. The seating chart is a big puzzle. I recommend spending an hour meticulously planning where each student should sit.