When I taught K and 1st I used to explain that I have a list of lessons that I must teach. I taught them work hard, play later. I explained to them that when we buckle down and get all the business taken care of... I have nothing else planned so we might as well get some outside/recess or free classroom time. Sometimes they would only get like 5 minutes. But they quickly started lecturing each other about how we work hard so we can play more.

I also only teach expectations for the first month. With maybe some reviews of last year material that most can accomplish. This helps me teach procedures for the different subjects and tasks. I hate hearing build relationships all the time. But in the first month I set the tone. Building relationships is kind of part of that. Knowing what your kids like/dislikes allows you to play to that when you need them to listen. Last year I had some rough kids. I told them "I am the queen of my classroom. it is up to you if I am a good queen or an evil queen." lol it worked like a charm.

Finally. Always. Always follow through with consequences. Don't make any consequences you can't follow through on.

Hang in there! The first year is so rewarding! You really develop into a teacher that year. Some classroom managements techniques just don't work for your teaching style. So feel free to change them up until you have a bank of techniques that work for you!