Little Bits of TLC

By Heather Volchko

Welcome to Little Bits of TLC hosted by Heather Volchko, the founder of Threshold Learning Consultancy and The TLC Network. In each episode, you’ll be challenged, entertained, and equipped - all in ju... more

· Education

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about Little Bits of TLC:

How many episodes does Little Bits of TLC have?

The podcast currently has 133 episodes available.

Little Bits of TLC episodes:

December 02, 2024 Forging Connections: Student Success Found in Engagement
In this episode, Heather talks with Candace, a master at reaching students who seem unreachable. They explore what active engagement really looks like—beyond just compliance—and how sometimes the most unexpected strategies unlock the biggest growth. From standing on his head to earn cashews, to walking vocabulary lessons and Pokémon-themed math problems, Candace shares how listening closely and adjusting creatively can turn even the most reluctant learners into active participants.
This conversation highlights the power of building trust through responsiveness, using feedback as encouragement, and celebrating the small wins that often go unnoticed. It’s a reminder that real engagement starts with noticing, adapting, and believing in what each student brings to the table.

Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!
Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.
Join Our Newsletter
Stay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!
Follow Us on Social Media
Connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!
Subscribe to Our Podcast
Enjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!
Support Our Mission
Love what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.
Send Us Your Feedback
Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at [email protected] — we’d love to hear from you!
...more
27min
November 25, 2024 Clever Configurations: Utilizing Advantages of Flexible Grouping
In this episode, Heather talks with Ann, an early learning instructional coach, about how flexible grouping can unlock student growth when it’s done with purpose. Ann shares how she used both homogeneous and heterogeneous groupings across subjects—and how the real value came from knowing her students well enough to make thoughtful decisions about who should work together, when, and why.
They explore what flexible grouping looks like beyond popsicle sticks and random pairings: using peer models, regrouping based on skill need, and leaning into group dynamics to promote both academic and social success. The key takeaway? Grouping students isn’t just a strategy—it’s a responsive, ongoing process that, when done well, helps students learn with and from each other.

Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!
Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.
Join Our Newsletter
Stay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!
Follow Us on Social Media
Connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!
Subscribe to Our Podcast
Enjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!
Support Our Mission
Love what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.
Send Us Your Feedback
Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at [email protected] — we’d love to hear from you!
...more
22min
November 18, 2024 Open up Opportunity: Using Explicit Instruction for Understanding
In this episode, Heather and Alex compare how explicit instruction shows up in general and special education classrooms—and why it works for all students, not just those with IEPs. They reflect on how clear routines, strong objectives, and step-by-step teaching benefit not just academic progress but classroom stability and student confidence.
From helping students anticipate what’s coming next to setting up a class that runs smoothly even when things go off-script, they talk about the real, everyday value of explicit instruction. Whether you're teaching foundational skills or co-planning with a colleague, this approach helps everyone stay on the same page—students included.

Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!
Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.
Join Our Newsletter
Stay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!
Follow Us on Social Media
Connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!
Subscribe to Our Podcast
Enjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!
Support Our Mission
Love what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.
Send Us Your Feedback
Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at [email protected] — we’d love to hear from you!
...more
23min
November 11, 2024 Strength in Scaffolding: Structured Approach to Well-Rounded Learning
In this episode, Heather and Mary talk about what it really takes to support students with wide-ranging needs—especially in secondary settings. They explore how scaffolded supports aren’t just about tools or strategies, but about knowing your learners, collaborating across roles, and being willing to adjust on the fly.
Mary shares how she helps teachers balance content demands with real student needs, using everything from neuropsych evaluations to backroom resources. Together, they reflect on the importance of co-teaching, professional development, and shared ownership in building classrooms where scaffolding leads to growth—not just for students, but for educators too.

Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!
Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.
Join Our Newsletter
Stay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!
Follow Us on Social Media
Connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!
Subscribe to Our Podcast
Enjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!
Support Our Mission
Love what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.
Send Us Your Feedback
Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at [email protected] — we’d love to hear from you!
...more
24min
November 04, 2024 Think about Thinking: Teaching Metacognitive Strategies
In this episode, Heather sits down with Lathyrelle, a school psychologist, to talk about how we help students build the thinking skills they need to be successful—and independent—in school and life. From mindfulness and memory to self-regulation and feedback, they unpack what it really looks like to teach students how to think about their thinking.
This isn’t about adding one more thing to your plate. It’s about recognizing the moments where strategies already fit—and showing students how to slow down, reflect, and make better choices with the tools we give them. Lathyrelle shares real examples from her work, including how a classroom “calm corner” went from chaos to community, and how fifth graders learned to advocate for each other through self-awareness and emotional regulation.
They also dig into the often-overlooked connection between feedback and metacognition—how students have to be taught how to receive and use feedback, especially when they’ve had years of hearing only the negative. The conversation is full of small shifts that make a big impact, like modeling your own thought process, giving students voice and choice in their tools, and being intentional with the way we speak and respond.
If you’ve ever wondered how to support students in becoming more self-aware, more independent, and more equipped to manage themselves, this episode is a great place to start.

Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!
Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.
Join Our Newsletter
Stay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!
Follow Us on Social Media
Connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!
Subscribe to Our Podcast
Enjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!
Support Our Mission
Love what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.
Send Us Your Feedback
Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at [email protected] — we’d love to hear from you!
...more
34min
October 28, 2024 Tailored Teaching in Action: Accommodations and Modifications are not the Enemy
Adapting curriculum tasks and materials isn’t just about meeting legal requirements—it’s about unlocking access to learning for every student. In this episode, we explore how teachers can make intentional changes to what students use (materials) and what they do (tasks) so that each learner can meaningfully engage with grade-level goals. From highlighting key information and simplifying directions to offering student choice and using tools like graphic organizers, guided notes, and mnemonics, we share strategies that work for learners at all levels—not just those who need extra support, but also those who are ready to be challenged. We also talk about how creativity and data-driven decision-making can help educators balance curriculum demands with the flexibility students need to succeed.

Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!
Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.
Join Our Newsletter
Stay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!
Follow Us on Social Media
Connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!
Subscribe to Our Podcast
Enjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!
Support Our Mission
Love what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.
Send Us Your Feedback
Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at [email protected] — we’d love to hear from you!
...more
32min
October 21, 2024 Plan with Purpose: Systematic Tailored Teaching
In this episode, Heather and Alex unpack what it really means to design instruction with purpose. Coming from two very different settings—Heather in schools, Alex in funded in-school behavioral support—they explore how roles, restrictions, and realities shape what “systematic” instruction looks like in practice.
Alex shares how he builds goals within the boundaries of funder guidelines, often needing to avoid academic targets and find creative ways to support student learning through collaboration with teachers. His go-to strategy? Teacher training and shared implementation. Heather contrasts that with her experience, where school teams are expected to take full ownership of a student’s growth—whatever it takes—and build plans that connect the dots from where a student is to where they need to be.
They talk openly about the friction that can come from unclear roles, mixed expectations, and ethical boundaries—and how strong relationships and honest communication can help teams find their rhythm. The conversation highlights the importance of seeing both the art and the science in instruction: using data and sequencing intentionally, but also knowing when to lean into the mess with students and build something meaningful together.

Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!
Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.
Join Our Newsletter
Stay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!
Follow Us on Social Media
Connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!
Subscribe to Our Podcast
Enjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!
Support Our Mission
Love what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.
Send Us Your Feedback
Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at [email protected] — we’d love to hear from you!
...more
33min
October 14, 2024 Setting the Pace: Setting and Prioritizing Learning goals for Every Student
In this episode, Heather is joined by Marla to talk about the real-life work behind identifying and prioritizing long- and short-term goals for students. They unpack what this actually looks like across school, home, and clinic settings—and why it’s not just about fixing what’s broken today.
Marla shares how she approaches planning with teachers, families, and other providers to figure out what matters most right now, what can wait, and how it all adds up to meaningful long-term growth. They talk about what happens when we skip this step and just start reacting—when short-term goals turn into whack-a-mole tasks that wear everyone down and lead nowhere fast.
This conversation highlights the importance of clarity, collaboration, and pacing. From brushing teeth to independent living goals, from calming a classroom to preparing a student for adulthood, they show how planning with purpose helps teams stay grounded and students feel successful. It’s about more than IEP boxes—it’s about doing right by our kids and the people who support them.

Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!
Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.
Join Our Newsletter
Stay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!
Follow Us on Social Media
Connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!
Subscribe to Our Podcast
Enjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!
Support Our Mission
Love what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.
Send Us Your Feedback
Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at [email protected] — we’d love to hear from you!
...more
29min
October 07, 2024 What’s the Function: Using FBAs to guide Behavior Supports
In this episode, Heather is joined by Lathyrelle, a school psychologist who brings years of experience helping teams understand what behavior plans should actually look like in practice. Together, they walk through what makes a functional behavioral assessment (FBA) meaningful—not just checking boxes, but truly understanding the student behind the behavior.
Lathyrelle breaks down how a comprehensive FBA pulls in the student’s full story: academic history, home life, medical background, relationships, and real-time observations. She explains why the “why” behind behavior matters just as much as the behavior itself, and how digging into context can prevent teams from making the wrong call based on limited data. They talk about how to build a behavior intervention plan (BIP) that actually works—one that teaches skills, adjusts environments, and gets all adults on the same page.
This conversation is a reminder that FBAs aren’t just forms—they’re tools to help us understand and support students more deeply. When we bring in the full context, include the student in the process, and stay open to ongoing change, we set the stage for lasting growth.

Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!
Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.
Join Our Newsletter
Stay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!
Follow Us on Social Media
Connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!
Subscribe to Our Podcast
Enjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!
Support Our Mission
Love what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.
Send Us Your Feedback
Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at [email protected] — we’d love to hear from you!
...more
30min
September 30, 2024 Set the Tone: Establish Social Expectations
In this episode, Heather is joined by Waddell, a school social worker who believes social work belongs far beyond the therapy office. Together, they talk about what it really looks like to teach social behaviors in ways that make sense for individual students—not just based on a curriculum, but rooted in context, lived experiences, and real conversations.
They explore how teaching social skills often means throwing out the script and getting creative—using chess to build patience, classroom examples to explore nuance, and cultural context to make lessons relevant. Waddell emphasizes that every student brings their own logic, background, and identity into the room, and if we’re not flexible enough to meet them where they are, we’re missing the point.
The episode also touches on a tension in the field: how to affirm students as they are while also helping them navigate social expectations. Heather and Waddell offer a perspective that honors both authenticity and growth, reminding us that real social instruction isn’t about molding students to fit one standard, but helping them build the skills to engage meaningfully in the world around them—in their own way.

Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!
Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.
Join Our Newsletter
Stay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!
Follow Us on Social Media
Connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!
Subscribe to Our Podcast
Enjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!
Support Our Mission
Love what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.
Send Us Your Feedback
Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at [email protected] — we’d love to hear from you!
...more
29min

FAQs about Little Bits of TLC:

How many episodes does Little Bits of TLC have?

The podcast currently has 133 episodes available.