Classroom Management

i would recommend you to watch this movie - 'to sir with love'. it's a very old movie (1967) but in my case, has motivated me as a teacher in an environment similar to you. try to use unconventional method. 'i teach you listen' in my opinion does not work well. try to organize a field trip to expose the student to the real environment. make them participate in class by letting them to tell their own experience. in my own words, try to make them useful. it will tough for the first two or three years but soon, you can see changes. good luck; and don't forget to watch the movie;-)

Music can calm them. I am not a teacher. I teach children to pray the Rosary. I give them time to play first. Discipline and paying attentention is hard for little children. They want to play and take life like a butterfly. They cannot concentrate long enough and some are not even interested to learn new things. Put them first in a good mood for learning. Some jokes to make them laugh. In college - my professors makes jokes to keep the discussion alive.

I also work in an urban setting and I think you really have to develop a relationship with the students first. They must know you're on their side and that everyday is a new chance for them to start over and improve themeselves. After you have their attention, you can find out what interests and motivates them. You must be firm, loving and consistant at all times. It's hard, but they need you.