R.A.F.T. Writing Activity



Today, we tried something new (not the jicama that we had for snack either)!  We tried a variation of the R.A.F.T. writing strategy.  Traditionally, this is an activity done to get students to write an original piece of writing from a specific perspective, for a certain purpose, to a specific audience, and about a specific topic.  It is really great for practicing the word choice trait.  However, this is a spin (on pun intended) on the traditional version.

I turned it into a game.  Each letter in RAFT  (Role, Audience, Format, and Topic) has its own spinner with 8 different options on each.  This allows for lots of different variations in writing.  You could also use less spinners if you know that students must write about a specific topic of in a specific format.  There are options for students to choose their own elements too. 

After students spin the spinners, they use the brainstorming organizer to write down any ideas they have about how to combine the elements to create a piece of writing.  It was really neat to have the kids work together.  They came up with some creative ideas.

Today, the kids spun to find their elements, completed their organizers, and started their drafts.  They're off to a wonderful start.  I'm excited to see (and share) their final pieces. 



Everardo and Nayeli give the spinner a go and start their assignment.

 

Odalys and Emely take turns deciding their R.A.F.T. fate.  Great job working together, Ladies!

 

Alyssa, Kat, and Rey are busy organizing their thoughts. 

 

Melissa, Senia, and Camila make a great R.A.F.T. team!

This is a great way to introduce this strategy before having students choose all elements on their own. I use it as a writing center after students learn how to do it.  Click here to get your own set of materials.