What   is RAFT?
Why  does  it  work?

Videos 
RAFT stands for Role/Audience/Format/Topic.
  • Role of the writer
  • Audience for the writing
  • Format the writing will take
  • Topic covered in the writing

This is a more extended writing activity that expands on topics in students’ reading.

This strategy provides a method for students to think critically and creatively about the content they have studied.  RAFT writing can be used as a culminating writing assignment, for assessment purposes, or as a segue into a related unit of study.

Joan Rozzelle and Carol Scearce, authors of Power Tools for Adolescent Literacy describe the beneftis of the RAFT strategy.  "Although the writing that students create in RAFT is not a traditional essay, it still requires them to process information and ideas that the teacher wants them to learn--while allowing students to add personal touches and creativity to their learning" (2009). 
This video displays an educator describing and modeling the RAFT strategy.  She discusses the benefits and some tips to use in a classroom.  
In this video, three educators describe what the RAFT strategy is, as well as how to implement it into your classroom.  They do a good job modeling the strategy as well.  
How can I use this Strategy?
This strategy is a great tool to use in any classroom---- below is an example of the strategy being used in a math class!  One modification that helps many students is to assist them in making the choice of each category-- help them choose a Role, an Audience, a Format, and a Topic, or give them a list to choose from.  
Resources 
  • This website, by Reading Rockets has some great information, free printable resources, and differentiation ideas. 
  • Read Write Think provides some information and sample lesson ideas using the RAFT strategy HERE. 
Incorporate Writing  
This strategy is so closely tied with writing!  The whole point of the strategy is writing.  In specific, it reaches the standard CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2, which states, "Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content" (English Language Arts, n.d.).
Examples 
Resources 

Beers, K. (2003). When kids can't read, what teachers can do: A guide for teachers, 6-12. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.

English Language Arts Standards » Writing » Grade 6. (n.d.). Retrieved May 18, 2015, from http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/W/6/

 Nikas, J., & Scearce, C. (2009). Power tools for adolescent literacy: Strategies for learning. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree.