The RAFT writing activity we learnt in class was a very engaging activity and got my creative juices flowing. We first made spinners to choose the RAFT componenets of projectss, and then we looked at different images from a story to pick one as our setting, within in the image we looked at different elements such as the setting, and the characters. Next we used our spinners to choose:
- Role of the writer – Who is writing? A journalist? A plant? A scientist?
- Audience – Who are they writing to? A newspaper? A classroom? A world leader?
- Format – What form will the writing take? A letter? A diary entry? A wanted poster?
- Topic – What is the subject of the writing? What is the main idea or theme?
It was beautiful to see how each creation was different, even if people had wrote through the same perspectives. The RAFT activity can be intergrated through all curricula. I will be using RAFT in my classroom because it encourages creativity by students stepping into different roles, exploring unique perspectives, it enhances critical thinking by examining images, and using different formats of writing, it can also mirror authentic writing situautions, such as composing emails, news articles, and persuasive letters, in addition to all of this it supports differentiation in that RAFT allows for personalized learning because students can choose roles and formats if desired.
Cross Curricular RAFT
In a Social Studies class RAFT could be used at all grade levels, and encourage students to be active informed citizens.
Role- Political leader, Immigrant, Refugee, Resources (gas, oil), Animals, provinces, countries.
Audience- A family member, the government, a historical figure, future activists
Format- Speech, diary, poster, ad, poem, newspaper
Topic- Justice, equity, environmental issues, war, immigration
In a Science class RAFT can be used to gain a better understanding of the world around us by exploring different perspectives.
Role: A bee, a deer, a whale, a pine tree, a drop of water, a pair of lungs, a brain (different parts: occipital lobe interpretating visuals)
Audience: NASA, a geologost, a doctor, an archiologist, a farmer
Format: A letter, a report, a comic strip,
Topic: The water cycle, basic functions of body systems, newtons laws of motion
Math is a subject where can often feel frustrated or lost, by combining math with RAFT students can gain a deeper understanding of the subject.
Role: Fraction, division sign, shapes
Format: Speech, a diary entry, an advertisment, a debate
Audience: Other shapes, other operations, mathematicians, a data report
Topic: Statistics, why you should start saving now
Although RAFT is a writing activity it can be used in vast ways across all subjects. The RAFT strategy empowers students to think outside the box and craft compelling pieces of writing. By giving them structure while allowing for creativity, it transforms writing into an enjoyable and meaningful experience.
1) Demonstrate an Understanding of the Complexity of Teaching and Learning
Personal and Professional Preparation – Principle #4
The RAFT strategy highlights the complexity of teaching and learning by requiring educators to consider:
- Diverse learning needs: RAFT allows students to explore topics through different perspectives, making learning more engaging and accessible.
- Scaffolding and differentiation: It enables teachers to differentiate instruction, providing varying levels of challenge and support.
- Student engagement: By allowing choice in role, audience, format, and topic, RAFT increases motivation and connects learning to real-world applications.
By using RAFT, teachers recognize that learning is not a one-size-fits-all process, but instead requires flexibility, creativity, and responsiveness to students’ needs.
2) Practise Effective Communication Appropriate to the Context and Audience
Collaboration and Community Engagement – Principle #5
The RAFT strategy directly aligns with communication skills because students must:
- Identify their audience: Whether they are writing as a scientist to a government official or as a historical figure to a community, students learn how to adjust their tone, vocabulary, and style.
- Express ideas clearly: RAFT requires students to organize their thoughts and use appropriate language conventions, improving their writing and oral communication skills.
- Develop empathy and perspective-taking: By writing from different roles, students practice seeing the world from other viewpoints, enhancing critical thinking and social awareness.
This principle is essential for building connections with students and fostering a learning environment that values diverse voices.
3) Implement Pedagogically Context-Appropriate Sound Practices
Exploring and Enhancing Pedagogies – Principle #11
The RAFT strategy is an instructional practice that aligns with effective teaching strategies because it:
- Links assessment for/as/of learning: Teachers can use RAFT as a formative or summative assessment, tracking students’ comprehension and communication skills.
- Encourages personalized learning: Students can choose roles and formats that align with their strengths and interests, making learning relevant and meaningful.
- Engages all students: Whether a student prefers creative writing, formal reports, or storytelling, RAFT provides multiple pathways to demonstrate understanding.
By using RAFT, teachers implement engaging, differentiated, and assessment-driven instructional strategies that meet students where they are while challenging them to grow.
