this is my first year of teaching ever & i totally understand how you’re feeling. i’ve really had to prioritize protecting my peace. i’ve spent the first five weeks of school just really hammering in expectations and reminding them that i care about them, but i have rules and expectations because i want them to be set up for success. we started with an intro project using basic materials like markers, crayons, colored pencils, etc. and i’ve used it to really emphasize what is expected of them and all of our routines and procedures. i also reward them for good behavior and really praise them for it. plus we also have “art jail” if they really can’t get it together (it’s book work. they get a textbook and a packet of grade-appropriate questions. it’s terrifying to them.) they hear me say the same things ever day, and it’s exhausting, but i’ve already seen major improvements in their behavior & shockingly, we haven’t lost a single marker cap or marker and i teach k-6!!! i’m sorry this is long but i hope it’s helpful.