have you gone to PD about classroom management and active learning strategies? I felt like I was really boring last year because I would just lecture to them (8th graders) for 20+ minutes and then pester them to quietly do their work for the rest of the period -- it was a losing battle every time.
after PD and reading the books they told us to, like Why Didn't I Learn This in College?, which I highly suggest, and watching some youtube videos about different activities and ways to engage the students, I feel like I have a better handle on how to get them to stay attentive and interested in the subject, while also enjoying the material and opportunities to work with their classmates collaboratively.
I also just read this thread yesterday about how to start a class effectively and refocus their energy
good luck!