You do not have to consider yourself "the bad guy," for doing what is best for your students. Rules, laws, and boundaries are all a apart of life, and we end up being grateful for them as they provide us with guidelines, a sense of security, and can even save lives. The same thing goes for the classroom. Nailing down some boundaries with consequences if they are not followed, and posting classroom rules may seem difficult at first, but these attributes teach respect on both ends. If you are worried about "being the bad guy," I would suggest making the rules reciprocated. For instance, "I will listen when you speak, and you will listen when I speak". Furthermore, another positive association you could make with stern rules is a reward system.

You are their teacher not their friend and sometimes we might have to be the "bad guy". As teachers we have to make our presence known to our students and establish the authoritative figure in the classroom. I don't like raising my voice at my kids either but in some instances you have to and that respect is established from the first day of school and the way you manage your classroom.

The reason why this happened is because of what’s called the “snowball effect.” Essentially, things were not set in place beforehand to make sure that the students don’t get too comfortable with portraying bad behaviors. Now that you are past the preventative phase, there is not much else you can do but be “the bad guy.” You will have to make changes to the classroom which will affect how they view, use, choose, and respect the class, which is entirely different than what they were used to and they likely won’t appreciate that.

As others have mentioned, teachers sometimes have to be the "bad guy", but also on the other hand some become needlessly harsh to establish this sense of authority beyond what is needed to manage the classroom. It will be less in your techniques to establish order, and more in your attitude. With the fact you're worried about it, I doubt you'll have to worry about coming off as the "bad guy". Instead, try and get the class in a rhythm. When you clap your hands, ask them to sit down. Maybe make a game or have a small reward out of it. If a student is speaking when you're speaking, simply be quiet and stare at them to show they're the ones being uncool.

I think you hit the nail on the head with the age group. Its hard when working with students of this age group. I think I would start by just holding all misbehaviors accountable.

You are the adult and the authority for that room. You are not there to be their friend and you may have to be the bad guy occasionally. Start with one child and slowly work through the rest, as more of them become compliant and start following directions, the others will begin to follow.

I would suggest trying to start implementing procedures. When the students want in, you could have instructions on the board detailing the task they should start when they walk in. Slowly but surely the students will start transitioning to the procedures as long as you stay consistent with it.

I suggest not only implementing consequences but also enforcing them. Sometimes we might feel that we are being harsh on students and start to become more lenient and let some things slip. Once students see this they will start to push boundaries. I think your students will see your seriousness once you start to take action with consequences.

Doing what's best to get your student the education they deserve is more important than how they view you. Kids ae very short sighted and it's a teacher's job to determine if their action are positively or negatively contributing to the classroom environment over the long term. As you discipline the ringleaders of the misbehavior, the rest of the class will fall in line.

Enforce classroom rules and procedures. Be very stern with the children and enforce "punishments" such as reduced recess time, no "fun friday" things of that nature. Create incentives for good behavior so that the bad behavior stops. Going over rules and including incentives might work. Ask for other teachers' advice as well.

One of the key factors of having students respect you is having a rules chart. Students can help create the chart so they know what behaviors are accepted and what wont be. There can also be a discipline char where it says what bad behavior will not be accepted and the punishment to follow. You need to address bad behavior right away and have a no tolerance for bad behavior zone and kids will learn.

Create some form of prize system or goal by the end of the week. Anytime they talk or get out of their seat point get taken away but if they are good then they can get point added. This could be a way to encourage good behavior because there is a reason to behave well.

I would suggest having a heart to heart with the students and establish around 5 rules for them to follow. Mention consequences to the students and follow through with them if needed. You may need to be the "bad guy" for a moment or two before you gain their respect and then you can ease up a tad.

You must make your presence known.

As an educator, it is not your job to be a student’s friend. It’s the cliche remark we may have heard from a teacher before, or a parent. Boundaries are important to maintain, and doing this does not make you the “bad guy”. Being authoritative and being mean are different things. Just do not be mean.