Using R.A.F.T. framework

Bird’s Eye View of History

Two years 4th grade teacher

Eden Elementary—rural area

Teach all subjects but science

My passion is social studies and all things about Wisconsin.

My Info…

1. “Drawing on facts in the textbook, students can create imaginative texts like the following:The autobiography of an equationAn exchange of emails between the

mitochondria and the cell nucleusA resume for Albert EinsteinA telephone conversation between Jack and

Bobby Kennedy during the Cuban missile crisis”

Daniels, H., Zemelman, S., Steinke, N. (2007). Content –Area Writing. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.

Expert Classroom Tips

2. “As literature is introduced throughout the day, consider taking a few moments to pause and guide students in thinking not just about the topic, but also about the POINT that is being made.”

3. “Books … can help students understand that a story can be told from many sides.”

Dorfman, L., Cappelli, R., (2007). Mentor Texts. Cambridge, MA: Stenhouse

Mentor Text Tip

4. “Our students often feel confused about a teacher’s expectations when it comes to writing assignments. R.A.F.T.S. prompts help clarify a writing assignment’s expectations and get your students engaged in a completely different way.”

http://writingfix.com/wac/WAC_Docs/Whats_RAFTS.pdf

N. Nevada Writing Project Tip

Role AudienceWho am I?

What is my personality?

How do I react and show my viewpoint? 

Who is going to read it?

What is the goal/purpose?

What emotional reaction do I want the reader to have? 

Format TopicDiaryLetter/speechMemoirDinner table

conversationMotivational speechRecruitment speechEmotional essay

Teacher’s goal is helpful!Given listBroad category—

subtopics

Our goal: Role play with summarizing/sequenceBattleMarchingCamp life

What would you have to know to get started?

Why write in this way rather than a traditional report?

Is writing in this format (vs. traditional report) more or less likely to generate student discussion?

http://writingfix.com/wac/Writing_Across_Curriculum_RAFTS_Soc_Studies.htm

5. As Teachers, Ask Yourself…

Role play write

Focus writing to the appropriate audience

Using writing to show content comprehension

Our Learning Goals:

Diary of a Worm http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKDEI_lXWL

A

Role: wormAudience: self or readers of diaryFormat: diary/journal entryTopic: school day of a worm

Recall from Reading

It rained all day yesterday and into the morning. My friend and I snuck out to the sidewalk where it was dry. I saw a red bird flying towards us. I yelled at my friend, but it was too late. AHHH!

I saw my friend flying away in the bird’s beak. I knew he wouldn’t be able to wiggle free. I bet he became a bird’s breakfast.

That early bird got his worm! I didn’t know how to tell his family. I hope it won’t rain for a while.

June 22

Think of a few roles

What emotion do you feel?

Who do you want to hear your perspective?

What event can you portray?

As I read “The Legend of Old Abe”

Get out: Pen/pencilHighlighterR.A.F.T. graphic organizer

Brainstorm Time!

Role Audience

Format Topic

Highlight your choice under:RoleAudienceFormatTopic

Make sure to write correct events from the storyCheck with the book if you need to

Choice Time!

What’s your Role:_______________________________

What’s your Audience:___________________________

What’s your Format:_____________________________

What’s your Topic:______________________________

Writing Assignment

Let your writing juices flow.

Remember to use facts and actual events in your writing.

Share with a neighbor when done.

Writing Time

Conferences

Partner checks

Encourage to look at other books for more information

Share with reading buddies (2nd graders)

Timeframe: few days

Read, Write, Think – great ideas

To Be Continued…

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Questions

Concerns

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