What to Do When Students Test the Rules

In this episode of The Inspired Educator: Empowering New Teachers to Thrive, Dr. LaToya Crockett shares honest and practical advice on what to do when students start testing the rules. Whether it’s off-task behavior, ignoring directions, or pushing limits, these moments are part of every teacher’s journey but they don’t have to shake your confidence.LaToya walks you through why students test boundaries and how you can respond with clarity, consistency, and calm, without raising your voice or second-guessing yourself. She also shares real examples from her kindergarten classroom and simple strategies new teachers can start using immediately.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why testing behavior is developmentally appropriate (and expected)How to shift your mindset from frustration to calmWhat to reflect on before responding to off-task behaviorHow routines, tone, and body language shape student responseWhy consistency and positive reinforcement matter more than consequencesThis episode is perfect for:First-year teachers building classroom management skillsCareer changers and student teachers preparing for the first week of schoolEducators who want to stay calm, clear, and confident under pressureLets stay connected:Join the Thrive with Purpose Facebook communityFollow Dr. LaToya Crockett on LinkedIn