ditto

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ditto
By J/IA

I agree with the above post. I've been teaching for 11 years and I am a totally different teacher than I was those first few years. It amazes me all the time what a difference experience makes. Even changing to a new grade
alters your perception of a whole year--it is exciting, but it is so much more work that first time through. I am in a new district, new grade this year and it is extremely trying at times, especially trying to balance home with work. I remind myself on an ongoing basis that I can just take a deep breath and let go of much of the stress. I have taught in 3 buildings under 4 administrators,

and that too makes a HUGE difference, as well as the teachers on your team.

That said, it is essential that you have clearly established procedures for behavior. In my class we use a "refocus" procedure (Rick Dahlgren) that focuses on the room being a place of focused work. We have fun, but at appropriate times. Students who are off-task get one reminder, then are sent to a refocus desk, where they time in and out, do some written reflection. It puts the work on their shoulders and is an excellent and easy way to document the time they are wasting. I'd prefer a students waste time alone than drag 4 or 5 other kids down with them. That plan also includes lots of other procedures for pretty much everything that goes on, especially transitional times. Procedures are taught, practiced, and retaught as needed.

Sorry so long. Good luck.
PS If in your heart after all our input you still doubt your commitment to teaching, of course you need to go with that. No one should be in a job they hate--try a transfer!