Book excerpt: “They are just kids, it can’t be that bad”, this is what I told myself after accepting my first teaching job. But my first day in the classroom with a couple dozen of 8th graders gave me a reality check. I still remember that day like it was yesterday when I walked into that classroom, and that door closed behind me. As if they were trained, all their little head turned toward me and their eyes were analyzing every move I make. Physically I am pretty big man, about 6’2 over 280 pounds and I have never been so threaten in my life by a bunch of 12 -13 years old. I had just got hired at a new school on a career change. Not even in my wildest dream I taught I would be a teacher. Last time I had set foot into a classroom before that was back in college. It was a Monday, in January, a little after non, I was only suppose to sign some documents when one of the assistant principal called a gentlemen named Mr. Frank and said; Hey Mr. Frank, why don’t you show Mr. Christian his class. It was a very nice campus, very quiet and while walking I kept telling myself; it can’t be that bad, I just switch career from been a correctional officer, they are just kids. I had that mixed feeling, I was at the sane time hoping for the walk toward the classroom to last forever and at the same time I wanted to just see what I was up against and get it over with. We had just made a left and I heard; “here it is”. As he was turning that key into the doorknob I was trying pick through the half opened blinds to see them and it was about time to cross that line of no return. We walked in and Mr. Frank made his way to the front of the class and stated: Class meet Mr. Christian; your new teacher- Mr. Christian meet your class”. And he walked off and sat next to the sub that was in the classroom. I was standing, in front of them and they were just staring at me. I tried to introduce myself, and telling how it was a pleasure to meet them and that I was looking forward to working with them. Most of them acted as if they were actually listening, I don’t know if it’s because they were still studying me or what it was. There was that one boy in the back; little dark skin kid, with his socks matching his t-shirt, matching his backpack etc. Every sentence I started, he finished it with a comment, making the rest of the class laugh. I was hoping for someone to come to my rescue and make that boy disappear but that never happened. These five minutes seemed eternal, I had to end it myself by saying: “ Ok now I am going to let you continue working now, we will talk some more tomorrow.” I did not close my eyes that night, I was revising my speech, my action, I basically planned the entire day second by second. Well, comes tomorrow I realized that there are no such thing as typical day in middle school. I wish someone had told me not to loose my sleep over it. There is a specific reason why I shared my own story with you. I want to show you that I understand what you are going through. I have been in your shoes and I am sharing with you what helped me become a great classroom manager. I had to learn quickly how to manage a classroom in order to become to become successful. This book will teach you my 5 simple rules to great classroom management. Rule # 1: Build a lasting relationship. Rule # 2: Choose your battle. Rule # 3: Teach the whole child. Rule # 4 Occupy their mind. Rule # 5 Stay on the bridge.