When a Classroom Meltdown Wasn’t About Defiance
Discover how a 4th-grade student’s daily classroom meltdowns were resolved using the RSP™ Method & Blueprint. Learn why behavior is data, regulation matters, and how small system shifts unlock student success
Welcome to Behavior Is Data
Hi, I’m Towanda Carrigan—Behavioral Strategist, Divine Leader, and founder of 2Wanda Brands.
This blog is my personal space to share insights, stories, and strategies that help us remember one truth:
All behavior is Data. Capacity is Mental Fitness. Self-love is Divine Purpose.
Whether you’re a direct support professional, caregiver, educator, or agency leader, this space is for you. Here, you’ll find reflections that bring clarity, strategies you can apply right away, and encouragement for the journey of care and leadership.
I’d love for you to join the conversation. Share your story, reflect on your “why,” and let’s keep building systems where every brain can thrive.
INTRODUCTION
Every day after recess, a 4th-grade student returned to class and had what looked like a “meltdown.” Teachers labeled it as defiance, refusal, or lack of discipline. But the truth is—what looks like behavior is often communication. And when we pause to decode it, solutions emerge that benefit everyone.
THE SCENARIO
This student already had an IEP for reading and attention. Still, despite academic supports, the same disruptive pattern repeated daily: returning from the playground triggered screaming, refusal to sit down, and sometimes tears. Staff responses ranged from redirection to discipline, but nothing changed.
THE RSP™ LENS
Using the RSP™ Framework, the team identified the real challenge: the transition from a loud, unstructured environment back into a structured learning space. The student wasn’t being “defiant”—they were dysregulated. Their nervous system simply wasn’t ready to shift gears that quickly.
THE SOLUTION
By creating a five-minute quiet transition space after recess, the entire afternoon shifted. The student used the space for calm activities before rejoining the class. The result? Productive afternoons, decreased disruptions, and an empowered student who could thrive.
THE INSIGHT
“Sometimes the problem isn’t the child—it’s the system. When we honor regulation, we unlock learning.”
At 2Wanda Brands, we believe: All behavior is Data. Capacity is Mental Fitness. Self-love is Divine Purpose.
