It is inherently difficult for a teacher, other than the official classroom teacher, to garner the respect that a class has for their own teacher. That being said, there are a few things you can try. You do not need to emulate the exact same teaching style as your CT to be effective at classroom management. You simply need to find out what the students in the class like most and then make it clear that you control their access to it. It is important that you do this in a positive way. Once you determine what incentives you would like to offer, such as extra computer time or a trip to the library etc. you can implement a positive behavior plan in which you put the names of all the "on task" students in a special box or hat after every single lesson. It is a good idea to do this after every lesson at first so that the students can become familiar with it and experience the gratification of the reward rather early on. The time between incentives can be gradually lengthened as the behavior improves. Draw five names out of the hat/box to receive five or ten minutes of time doing something special. Lunch with the teacher can also work wonders :-) Good luck!

I think it is hard to go into a classroom and try to take over and manage it. I think that you should have used your own style and made it fun for the students. They are in first grade and they need a discipline/management system that will work for them and make them work for you. I was in Kindergarten for my first internship and my CT had a "beehavior" chart with bee's that she would put on green, yellow, and red depending on their behavior. If the students stayed on green all week, they would get a prize from the treasure chest. If they were on red, they would get a phone call home or a write up. This really seemed to work for the kids.

This is not a uncommon issue to have. It is something that many of us have faced in internships. The main thing you have to remember is to make sure that you are giving the students every reason to respect you. You should carry yourself in a way so that the students think of you as a second teacher in their class. It is important that you are confident when you are in front of the classroom. Also if your CTs style of teaching is not working for you then mix it up. You have to do what works for you and what makes you the most effective teacher you can be. If you can think of a reward system that is better for you then ask your CT if you can incorporate it into the classroom. One of the most important things about being a teacher is flexibility. If something is not working for you, change it.

I love the suggestion of a positive behavior plan. That will work for probably 80% of your students. For the students it does not not work with: I have a lot of success with short direct sentences. I have very clear expectations. When we sent on the carpet, I clearly state the behavior I expect. If someone starts to act up, I let them know that the behavior is not acceptable because I expect them to follow my expectation. I am firm but friendly. I try to remember that part of my job as an early childhood teacher is teaching students proper behavior and what is expected of them at a school. Most children like to know exactly what is expected of them and respond well to the structure. Stay consistent and their behavior will too!

Even at the first grade level, many of them view anyone besides their main teacher as someone they don't need to listen to. I have this issue in pre-k. I have 3 or 4 students who can be very rude to my paraprofessional, even though we work as equals in the classroom. Find your own reward/discipline system and incorporate it into your CT's. That way, you are using her system but also modifying based on what works for you. Make sure the students see that you are in control when the CT isn't teaching.

I would integrate as much of your CT's class management strategies as possible. Try to follow the same routines that they are used to. It's still your CT's classroom and students do best when they stick to the same routine. This could be why they are acting out when someone else is teaching, it isn't part of their routine. If you continue to teach lessons and be a presence in the classroom they may get used to you being there and be more respectful.