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 calm
• What to reflect on before responding to off-task behavior
• How routines, tone, and body language shape student response
• Why consistency and positive reinforcement matter more than consequences

This episode is perfect for:

• First-year teachers building classroom management skills
• Career changers and student teachers preparing for the first week of school
• Educators who want to stay calm, clear, and confident under pressure

Lets stay connected:

• Join the Thrive with Purpose Facebook community
• Follow Dr. LaToya Crockett on LinkedIn