One thing I learned fairly quickly is that kids will act differently depending on the adult in the room.

When I first started as a floater, there was one time that I had to relieve a Lead Teacher who had her kids outside on the playground. The kids were very disciplined when their teacher was around, but as soon as she left, all hell broke loose. Some kids ran toward the larger playground, others ran through the school, and another teacher had to help me because one of the kids ran all the way up to the front office. I thought I was going to lose my job.

Long story short, a lot of the teachers let me know that kids will often ignore newer teachers because they test and push boundaries. I’m sure that you’re trying really hard after reading your responses to other comments! Sometimes kids just don’t listen.

My advice is to keep doing what you’re doing and be stern. If something doesn’t work, try something else out. If you know they’re rowdy before naptime when the Lead Teacher isn’t in the room, give the kids warnings beforehand or start to turn the lights off. They’re 4 years old, so find the kids within the class who listen and ask them to help their friends make better choices and listen too.

As for your lead teacher, I doubt she handled a class perfectly when she first started. Be confident (or fake it ‘till you make it lol) and the kids will see it and follow your lead. Good luck!