To students, this may show a lack of decisiveness. Find a strategy you like and stick with it. Busy and Challenged Busy students are far less likely to exhibit disruptive behavior. When building your foundation, you may be able to draw from students' and other teachers' past classroom experiences. Ask students to make suggestions about what should be expected of them and how misbehavior should be addressed.
Students are often more responsive to rules they helped create.
Creating an environment in which students know and follow the rules is challenging, but not impossible. With a little patience and perseverance, you can lay a foundation for respect and positive behavior in your classroom that lasts all year. For further online resources, see TeacherVision Recommended Resources on Student Behavior. Positive Classroom Management, 2nd Edition . Edwards, Clifford H. Classroom Management and Discipline, 3rd Edition .