Differentiating Instruction using the

RAFT Method

Nicole M. Velazquez & Ashley Digirolamo

© 2009
 RAFT Defined

 RAFT is an instructional strategy.

 The strategy’s focus is on developing writing
and reading skills.
 Focus is on the Big Ideas.
 Allows for student creativity.
 Pre-assessment is needed to develop effective
RAFT activities in the classroom.
 Can be implemented in all subject areas.
 What Does RAFT Stand For?

• R – Role
• A - Audience
• F – Format
• T – Topic
 Keywords

Instructional Strategies
Differentiated Instruction
Learning Styles
Interests
RAFT
 Description

• Encourages students to think outside

of the box.
• Allows for student input on roles,
audience, format, and topic.
• Focus is on big ideas of unit of study.
• RAFTs make learning fun, motivating,
and exciting for students.
Setting up RAFTs in Your Classroom

RAFTs can be done as an individual, partner,

or group activity.
When designing a RAFT activity the teacher
should:
Pre-assess students
Know student likes & dislikes
Relate activity to personal experience to facilitate
connections
Should reflect differentiation
Focus on “Big Ideas”
 Setup Continued

The teacher should plan for instruction of

RAFTs by outlining the following:
• What you want students to know
• What you want students to understand
• What you want students to be able to
 Surviving RAFTs

Know the “Big Ideas” you want your students to know

from the unit under study.
Stay actively engaged with students, act as a facilitator,
offer support, and encouragement.
Consistently assess students to ensure RAFT prompts
are effectively engaging learners.
Focus on student interests to facilitate connections.
Relate RAFT roles, audience, format, and topics to
personal experiences of students.
Have a rubric prepared to assess product outcomes.
KNOW YOUR STUDENTS!
 Resources

• http://www.augie.edu/dept/educ/andrews/R
• This website contains a number
resources for RAFTS, including several
links to other websites dedicated to
RAFT prompts.

• Rating: 3 The site could be organized better and links updated.

 Resources Continued

• http://web.westbloomfield.k12.mi.us/roosev
• Wonderful website dedicated to RAFT
activities with prompts, resources, and
additional information.

• Rating: 4 This site is easy to read, navigate, and provides valuable information on
RAFT writing strategy.
 Resources Continued

• Additional reading can be found at:

Billmeyer, R., & Barton, M. (1998). Teaching reading in the content
areas: If not me, then who? (2nd ed.). Aurora, CO: McREL.

Happy Rafting!