rafts instructional technique
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
R.A.F.T.SGail Collins
March 10, 2008
Why use this strategy?
• Engages learner through analysis of information and synthesis
• Explains their role as a writer, their audience, various formats, and expected outcome
• Incorporate writing into the content areas
ROLE AUDIENCE FORMAT TOPIC
Worm Self Diary entry Today when the lid was taken off..
Strips of Newspaper
Worms Worms Why am I here and what are you doing?
Banana Other food waste Advice column
What to expect when you land in the bin. . .
Mrs. Collins Next year’s class
Free verse poem
One day a package of worms . . .
Role Audience Format TopicEarthworm Other worms Magazine
NewspaperClassifieds,advertisements,headlines,marriages…
Illustrator Young children Picture Book EarthwormsAuthor Middle school students 100 Questions
AlphabetBookFiction
Worms
Poet People who enjoyreading poetry
Villanelle,Pantoum,Sonnet, Haiku
Worms
Teacher Students Textbook InvertebratesCartoonist People who enjoy
reading cartoons/comicsComic book Earthworms
Environmentalist People interested inconservation/composting
How-To book Compost bin
RAFT (Role, Audience, Format, Topic)
ROLE AUDIENCE FORMAT TOPIC
Fraction Whole # Petition To be consdiered part of the family
Improper fraction
Mixed Numbers Reconciliation letter
We’re more alike than different
A simplified fraction
A non-simplified fraction
Public Service Announcement
A case for simplicity
GCF Common Factor Nursery rhyme I’m the greatest!
RAFT (Role, Audience, Format, Topic)ROLE AUDIENCE FORMAT TOPIC
Romeo Parents Everywhere
Advice What you need to know about teenagers
Juliet Self Diary entry Was Romeo really the right guy for me?
Friar Lawrence People of Mantua
Apology Letter I’ve let you down
Love The Capulets and Montagues
Collage of words and images
I am stronger than hate
Pretend you are an ant trying to convince a young boy not to step on you
Role: ant
Audience: young boy
Format: verbal plea
Topic: convincing the boy not to step on you
Pretend you are the earth and a young igneous rock has come to you complaining that he is tired of being an igneous rock. Your task, as the earth, is to explain to the rock how it will change over time.
ROLE AUDIENCE FORMAT TOPIC
EARTH IGNEOUS ROCK LETTER HOW IGNEOUS ROCKS CHANGE OVER TIME
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
• Role: A piece of sports equipment• Audience: An alien from space• Format:: Rules of the game• Topic: Your role in the game
• Role: Oreo cookie• Audience: Other oreo cookies• Format: Travel Brochure• Topic: Journey through the
digestive system
HEALTH/SCIENCE
Wilma Unlimited RAFT
Directions:
Select one of the following prompts. “The Role” refers to the character’s perspective that you will assume.The “Audience” refers to whom that character will be addressing his/her opinion; The “Format” refers to the form in which theopinion will be expressed. The “Topic” is just that – your topic!
Circle the Role that you plan to pursue, and clear it with your teacher before you begin working. Use the text to help you.
ROLE AUDIENCE FORMAT TOPIC
Wilma Self Diary Reflection on lifeachievements
Mother Wilma Poem or Song Aiming for the moon andlanding among the stars
Olympic Judge Olympic Participants Speech What makes for a greatathlete?
Brother or Sister Wilma Letter How I feel about you…
Graphic Artist Awards Ceremony Drawing of DreamsSymbolized in Medalawarded foraccomplishments
Dreams, Goals andAccomplishments
Reporter Newpaper Readers Article that answers Who?What? Where? When?Why?
Wilma Rudolph AwardedThree Medals
Social Studies
• Role:British Soldier Sent to New World
• Audience:Parliament• Format: Letter• Topic: Appeal to go home
FOREIGN LANGUAGEROLE AUDIENCE FORMAT TOPIC
Customer Hotel employee Letter Make a reservation for several nights including all details
Hotel Employee Customer Reply letter Confirm reservation details
Customer Hotel management complaint Demand compensation for problems and poor service
Parisian real estate agency
Prospective renters Real estate ad Describe details of apartments for rent
Students who want to study abroad
Study abroad organization
Application form for the program
Apply for a rigorous study abroad program
Students who stayed with a family
Family members Thank you note Thank the family for the home stay and telling them about your return home.
LANGUAGE ARTS
• Role: Comma• Audience: 8th graders• Format: Job Description• Topic: Use in Sentences
SCIENCE
• Role: Plant• Audience: Sun• Format: Thank you note• Topic: For the sun’s role in the plant’s
growth
Why use this strategy?
• Engages learner through analysis of information and synthesis
• Explains their role as a writer, their audience, various formats, and expected outcome
• Incorporate writing into the content areas
What’s so good about it?
• RAFT can be on same text but adjusted for skill level and rigor (readiness)
• You can pick the topic and format. The student picks the audience and role. (choice/interest)