When I first started teaching, someone said to me “If you’re going to be a tyrant, be one in the first week.” I followed her advice. The first week or two, I set down the ground rules, show the students that I am not afraid to enforce them and crack down on the talkers!! After that, I can loosen the bonds a little bit. My students eventually find out that I have a great sense of humour!!
My father had a complete set of the Biggles books when he was a kid. When he left home, my grandmother threw them all out. My dad regrets that now, because that collection is going for $5000 US online!!
I remember doing that!!