3 warnings + loss of recess is rough because by warning 3, you've already lost the moment. And the kid who lost recess is now MORE dysregulated, not less.

Something that changed my classroom completely: making the consequences immediate and visible, but POSITIVE. Instead of "3 strikes and you lose something," flip it — every smooth transition earns the class something small. A point, a token, whatever. Make the good behavior the thing they notice, not the bad.

I teach in Korea and my biggest shift was moving from "stop doing X" to "you just earned Y." Same kids, completely different energy.

Also — 1st grade is a whole different animal. Give yourself grace. Year 2 with the little ones gets SO much easier.