Damage Control vs. Teaching!

I explained to my students about Damage Control. I told them it’s basically like trying to put out a forest fire with a garden hose. I let them know that their misbehavior was unacceptable; that I should be teaching and not doing damage control.

So, the next thing that I spoke to them about was teaching; that I am expect them to do work; that I am not there to babysit them.

I’ve already told them that teaching, not damage control, is what I am there to do. “We are going to learn,” I told them.

As the week progressed and the students got used to me, I did damage control less and less. I thank God for him putting people in my path who gave me advice on classroom management. Now, all I need help with is lesson planning. Anyone??? Help!