If you meet their needs, they will meet yours. Have realistic expectations and let your self fail a few times at first so you can learn what makes them tick.

Concentrate on the group dynamic the first week and then zero in on the students that are not following along.

That being said, you can work hard on your relationships with the kids. You should maintain a professional attitude, do not respond in kind to any rude comments and be helpful when kids need you. Do not let them split up your relationship with the teacher. Always refer back to her rules.

Finally, when kids are being verbally nasty, just tell them what you want them to do in a calm voice. Remember, every rude comment is meant to lure you into being part of a distracting drama. It gives them all kinds of excuses for arguing and not following your directions. Any time you raise your voice or show anger, they have won that round.

A for instance. Two students are talking instead of working. Walk up close to them and quietly say, “Do you need help?” (Never, ever do this from across the room!) If they say, “No,” then say, “Please get to work, it is work time.” You have now said everything they need to know. Just keep repeating the same information and move close to them and say nothing more after 4 repetitions. Just point to their papers and move closer. Usually they will get tired of this whole thing, they have not created a drama and they will go to work.