RAFT
Definition and Purpose
RAFT’s can be used to create project topics and other assignments to enhance children’s comprehension of stories that they are reading and information that they are learning. RAFT is an acronym for role, audience, format and topic. Teachers consider these four dimensions as they design projects:
Role. Children take on the role of a person or the voice of a group of people for the purpose of this project. Sometimes children will take on the role of a character in a book and other times they will remain themselves.
Audience. The audience is referred to as the person or people who will read or view the project. This includes classmates, teachers, parents or community members.
Format. The format is the genre or activity that children will create. Potential formats could include: letters, brochures, cartoons, journals, posters or speeches.
Topic. The topic is the subject of the project, it may be an issue related to the book, an essential question or something of personal interest.
The use of projects like this help children to process ideas and information in different ways as they take on various viewpoints and complete projects directed towards specific audiences. It also creates imaginative thinking skills.
RAFT is an effective way to differentiate information by providing tiered assignments to students. The projects can be completed using the same text, however the project can be adjusted according to the children’s achievement level, and English proficiency level of interests.
Steps
1.The first step is for the teacher to establish a purpose. Teachers will consider how this activity can enhance student comprehension of a book they have been reading in class of a particular unit they are studying.
2. Teachers will then prepare a RAFT chart of possible projects by brainstorming roles, choosing audiences, identifying genres and other formats for projects and listing topics.
3. Children will read and discuss a book or learn about a particular topic before they begin to create RAFT projects.
4. Children will either choose a project from the RAFT chart or the teacher will assign the same project for groups of children.
5. Children will prepare their projects and get feedback from the teacher as they work.
6. Children will share their projects to small groups or to the whole class and other appropriate audiences.
Application and Examples
A RAFT chart can be easily adapted for any text or unit of study. For example, after reading the story Red Riding Hood, the students could take on the role of the wolf to offer his side of the story.
RAFT’s can be used to create project topics and other assignments to enhance children’s comprehension of stories that they are reading and information that they are learning. RAFT is an acronym for role, audience, format and topic. Teachers consider these four dimensions as they design projects:
Role. Children take on the role of a person or the voice of a group of people for the purpose of this project. Sometimes children will take on the role of a character in a book and other times they will remain themselves.
Audience. The audience is referred to as the person or people who will read or view the project. This includes classmates, teachers, parents or community members.
Format. The format is the genre or activity that children will create. Potential formats could include: letters, brochures, cartoons, journals, posters or speeches.
Topic. The topic is the subject of the project, it may be an issue related to the book, an essential question or something of personal interest.
The use of projects like this help children to process ideas and information in different ways as they take on various viewpoints and complete projects directed towards specific audiences. It also creates imaginative thinking skills.
RAFT is an effective way to differentiate information by providing tiered assignments to students. The projects can be completed using the same text, however the project can be adjusted according to the children’s achievement level, and English proficiency level of interests.
Steps
1.The first step is for the teacher to establish a purpose. Teachers will consider how this activity can enhance student comprehension of a book they have been reading in class of a particular unit they are studying.
2. Teachers will then prepare a RAFT chart of possible projects by brainstorming roles, choosing audiences, identifying genres and other formats for projects and listing topics.
3. Children will read and discuss a book or learn about a particular topic before they begin to create RAFT projects.
4. Children will either choose a project from the RAFT chart or the teacher will assign the same project for groups of children.
5. Children will prepare their projects and get feedback from the teacher as they work.
6. Children will share their projects to small groups or to the whole class and other appropriate audiences.
Application and Examples
A RAFT chart can be easily adapted for any text or unit of study. For example, after reading the story Red Riding Hood, the students could take on the role of the wolf to offer his side of the story.