Podcast Episode
Give Kids Time in Text: How to Bring Literacy Into Every Lesson

About this episode
Welcome to Digital Learning Today. In this episode, Jeff Bradbury explores the strategic systems that shape the future of education, focusing on Instructional Coaching, Artificial Intelligence, Professional Learning, and the latest Educational Technology Trends.
In this episode, Jeff Bradbury interviews Caroline Davidson from World Book about literacy, content knowledge, and innovative tools like Classmate to support teachers and students. They explore strategies for integrating literacy across content areas and supporting diverse learners.
Become a High-Impact Leader:
This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards."
Strategic Vision for Digital Learning:Learn how to create a district-wide vision that aligns digital learning with your educational goals, transforming how standards-based instruction is designed and supported.Curriculum Design and Implementation:Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels.Effective Instructional Coaching:Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage.
Purchase your copy of “Impact Standards” on Amazon today!
In This Episode …
The process of creating an encyclopedia and updating contentThe importance of literacy as a gatekeeper to knowledgeHow to support students with varying literacy levelsThe launch and purpose of World Book's Classmate platformStrategies for integrating literacy into content areas
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest07:08 Supporting students with prior knowledge and content familiarity08:01 Understanding the difference between literacy and content knowledge09:27 The importance of practice and explicit instruction in literacy10:58 Cognitive load and prior knowledge in reading comprehension12:10 Supporting new students and diverse learners13:29 Introduction to World Book's Classmate platform14:41 How Classmate supports literacy and content knowledge15:14 Literacy as a gatekeeper to knowledge16:36 Assessing student literacy and decoding skills18:10 Supporting teachers without an ELA background19:32 Supporting literacy in non-ELA content areas21:17 Getting started with Classmate for teachers22:11 Using Classmate to enhance content and literacy23:41 Embedding literacy supports with AI tools24:15 The role of instructional coaching in literacy support25:17 Making literacy part of classroom culture26:40 Advice for teachers starting the school year28:21 Resources to learn more about World Book and Classmate28:52 Lightning round: book recommendations and classroom routines
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
https://classmate.worldbook.com/
About our Guest: Caroline Davidson
Caroline Davidson is the Associate Manager of Learning Design at World Book, where she shapes educational resources that support meaningful learning. A former classroom teacher, she spent years working with students in grades 4–6 and holds endorsements in Reading K–12 and Mathematics K–8.
She earned her M.A. in Differentiated Instruction, bringing both hands-on teaching experience and academic expertise to her work in creating effective, learner-centered content.
Meet ClassMate by World Book
Meet ClassMate by World Book — the reading and learning platform built for and trusted by middle school teachers!
For over 100 years, World Book has inspired curiosity and built reliable knowledge. ClassMate carries that legacy forward.
Unlike AI tools built on the open web, ClassMate works exclusively within World Book's expert-written, editorially reviewed content library. Teachers create engaging classroom activities quickly and with confidence.
The result: students build knowledge, strengthen literacy, and think critically, while educators spend more time teaching.
Links of Interest
https://classmate.worldbook.com/https://www.facebook.com/WorldBook/https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-book/https://www.instagram.com/worldbookinc/
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Check Out Additional TeacherCast Programming
Digital Learning Today:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-learning-today/id546631310Ask the Tech Coach:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-tech-coach/id1067586243The Jeff Bradbury Showhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jeff-bradbury-show/id519685828
Book Jeff for your Next Event
Jeff Bradbury (ISTE “20 to Watch” Award Winner and ISTE Certified Educator) is available for keynote speaking, workshop facilitation, and live event broadcasting. With expertise in educational technology and professional development, Jeff brings engaging content and practical strategies to conferences and professional learning events.
Visit Jeff’s Website:https://jeffreybradbury.comContact Jeff Directly:https://jeffreybradbury.com/contact/
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