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By sj

If you can't pinpoint what he thought was evidence of lack of control, either ask him to explain and suggest or go to a veteran teacher you feel most comfortable with and ask her to come observe your writing time while you
do it just as you were doing it when he came in. Ask her to give you her opinion about classroom management (You don't have to tell her what your principal said)and then ask to observe her. I think most veteran teachers would be entirely flattered by this and not have any negative thoughts about you because you ask for help. At least this way you'd have a second opinion and maybe get

some help, too. You do have to develop your own style, but unfortunately in the real world you have to please your supervisors as well...so part of surviving is finding out what you have to do to make them happy. It's too bad your principal wasn't more sensitive to the natural insecurities that every new teacher feels and wasn't more constructive. If you can find a mentor or an old hen to take you under her wing you'll feel a lot safer, he'll think you are seeking help, and the old hen will probably love you for looking up to her (I know I would!) Good luck.