Lesson Sequence Guide for RAFTS

Example
1. Select a write to learn goal for a
specific content area
Students will demonstrate their knowledge of the
effects of a volcanic eruption.
2. Select a text to use as an incentive
for ideas surrounding the given
content are.
Red Alert article
3. Define RAFT: role, audience, format,
topic
Role: a volunteer at a disaster relief organization
Audience: the public affected by the volcanic
eruptions
Format: Public Service Announcement
Topic: effects of a volcano
Goal: Students need to incorporate the information
from research on volcanos in a public service
announcement that informs the public of the possible
outcomes of a volcano.
Students complete a multi-flow chart to synthesize
information from the article about effects of a
volcanic eruption on a village.
4. Explain how students can research
content
Students will work in partners to highlight important
facts from an article on volcanos. They will ask one
another questions about relief organizations to guide
research on what a village would need from an
organization after a disaster. These needs will be
recorded in a circle map. See Appendix A
5. Give students tools to be successful
with writing format (prewriting)
Teacher will provide examples of public service
announcements. Using the PSA sample, the teacher
will guide students through a discussion of the
features found in the style and content of the text.
See appendix B
Using a circle map, the teacher will record a list of
features that need to be included in their PSA as
students identify the responses.
See appendix C
6. Model how to infuse the content
and the writing format
Teacher will guide students through writing a sample
PSA. She will model her thinking by announcing each
feature enhances the PSA and how to use the
information from her multi-flow chart to create the
announcement.
See Appendix D
7. Allow students time to write (rough
draft)
Students use Thinking Maps to construct their rough
drafts. Students may work with partners and have
quiet discussion about their work if needed.
8. Create rubric with students allow
for self-evaluations and changes
(revisions)
Whole group, teacher will guide students through the
process of creating a rubric for self and peer
evaluations.
See Appendix E
9. Buddy edit (editing)

Students use the class created rubric to edit a
partners PSA. The teacher will be available to
facilitate as needed.
10. Share revisions (publishing)

Students use the feedback on the self and peer
evaluations to make revisions and compose a final
draft.


Appendix A

Appendix B



Appendix C
























Features of
Public Service
Announcements
Double space the PSA
content
Include name of
organization and
mailing address with
contact information
below
PSA is simple and
clear to inform the
public
At the bottom
include how public
can benefit from
organization
Information on
organization is
included at bottom
Tone is formal
Appendix D:
Public Service Announcement

From: Volcano Relief Organization
568 Tropic Storm Lane
Manila, Philippines 38920

Contact: Ronda Fillip
Phone: (888)403-1511
For Use: February 23, 2000

This is a Public Service Announcement to inform the public of a shelter for those that may be affected by
the impending volcanic eruption. Scientists have found evidence the Mayon Volcano will erupt in the
near future. Villages can expect direct lava flow, ash clouds, and...

Appendix E
Improve It Almost There Got It
PSA includes facts
about a volcanic
eruption

PSA includes facts
about the effects of an
eruption on a village

PSA is written in a
concise manner

Tone of the content is
formal

PSA is informative and
offers a service to the
public related to a
volcanic disaster

PSA has been proofread
for errors