I have a very similar situation and it is my first year. Seriously our situations sound spot on. Have also been told to praise positive behaviour and ignore negative, but it doesn’t always seem successful. It is especially hard because he is also incredibly defiant and says no to me often which is making me look bad in front of the others.

Sometimes strategies like praise and giving him “breaks” (ie: deliver something to a teacher) work. Often they seem hit or miss. I was trying to deliver lessons Friday and he was making faces at others, talking out (at times inappropriate), and whistling on and off. I am also working with 10 year olds and the other kids are starting to look quite confused / frustrated from the distractions. I am also trying to “lay down the law” this first part of school and set really important rules and expectations for these kids, but can’t do any of that with this other child. I am worried it’s going to effect my overall classroom environment and management.

I feel so defeated and it’s only been the first week. I cried two recesses and cried all night Friday.

I feel you and I hear you, and if I come up with anything / a breakthrough, I’ll share here for sure.