Differentiating instruction in the classroom can feel like an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be. One effective and engaging strategy is using RAFT assignments, which allow students to showcase their learning differently based on their unique abilities, interests, and learning styles. RAFT assignments are a flexible, creative, and easy-to-implement tool that can help you reach all of your students, no matter where they are in their learning journey.

What is a RAFT Assignment?

RAFT stands for Role, Audience, Format, and Topic. In this type of assignment, students choose (or are given) different roles, audiences, formats, and topics that allow them to approach the same content in a variety of ways.

• Role: Who is the writer or speaker? (e.g., a historical figure, a scientist, a fictional character)
• Audience: To whom are they speaking or writing? (e.g., classmates, a newspaper, a specific person)
• Format: How will they present the information? (e.g., a letter, a speech, a comic strip, a diary entry)
• Topic: What is the subject of the assignment? (e.g., an event, a concept, a theme)

By offering choices in these four categories, RAFT assignments allow students to demonstrate their understanding in a way that aligns with their strengths and interests.

How RAFT Assignments Differentiate Instruction

RAFT assignments naturally differentiate instruction by giving students autonomy over their learning. Here are several ways RAFT helps meet the diverse needs of students in your classroom:

1. Adjusting Difficulty Levels: You can provide different roles, audiences, formats, or topics based on students’ readiness levels. For example, a struggling student may write a simple postcard from a character in a book, while an advanced student could write a persuasive speech for that character to deliver at a town hall.
2. Addressing Multiple Learning Styles: Some students might excel in writing, while others may prefer drawing, speaking, or creating something visual. By offering different formats (e.g., a speech vs. a comic strip), RAFT allows students to express their understanding in the way that works best for them.
3. Appealing to Interests: Giving students a choice in their role or format allows them to explore topics that fascinate them, increasing engagement. For example, in a science unit, students interested in technology could assume the role of a future scientist explaining a new invention, while those who love animals could write as a biologist studying endangered species.
4. Encouraging Creativity: RAFT assignments encourage out-of-the-box thinking and creativity. Students who might struggle with traditional assessments often thrive when given the freedom to explore content in a creative way.

Examples of RAFT in Action

Here are a few examples of how RAFT assignments can be used in different subject areas to differentiate instruction:

• Social Studies:
  • Role: A soldier in the Civil War
  • Audience: Their family back home
  • Format: A letter
  • Topic: Describing life on the battlefield
  • Differentiation Tip: For struggling writers, provide sentence starters or a graphic organizer. For advanced students, challenge them to write from multiple perspectives, such as both a Union and Confederate soldier.
• Science:
  • Role: A meteorologist
  • Audience: Elementary school students
  • Format: A weather forecast
  • Topic: Explaining how hurricanes form
  • Differentiation Tip: Allow students to present their forecasts in different formats—writing, video, or even through a weather map infographic. For students who need more structure, provide a template.
• ELA (English Language Arts):
  • Role: A character from the novel they’re reading
  • Audience: The school principal
  • Format: A formal letter
  • Topic: Requesting help with a problem they’re facing in the story
  • Differentiation Tip: For students who struggle with formal writing, allow them to draft an outline first or provide sentence frames. For those who excel, encourage them to incorporate sophisticated language or multiple points of view.
• Math:
  • Role: An architect
  • Audience: A city planning committee
  • Format: A proposal
  • Topic: Designing a park using geometric shapes
  • Differentiation Tip: Offer students a range of format choices, such as creating a model, writing a proposal, or presenting the plan in a slideshow. Scaffold the assignment with clear criteria for those needing extra guidance.

Tips for Implementing RAFT Assignments in Your Classroom

Here are a few tips to help you implement RAFT assignments smoothly and effectively:

1. Start Small: If you’re new to RAFT assignments, start with just one or two choices in the role or format categories. As you and your students get more comfortable with the format, expand the options.
2. Provide Clear Instructions: While RAFT assignments are flexible, it’s essential to provide clear guidelines and expectations. Give students a rubric or checklist to ensure they meet the learning objectives.
3. Offer Choice: Even within a single RAFT assignment, offer multiple options for students to choose from. For example, provide three different roles, formats, and audiences, allowing students to select the combination that works best for them.
4. Use Templates: For students who struggle with open-ended tasks, provide templates or sentence starters to guide them through the assignment. This will help reduce frustration and give them a structure to follow.
5. Incorporate Peer Collaboration: Consider allowing students to work in pairs or small groups on RAFT assignments. Collaboration can help students generate ideas, reduce the workload, and foster creativity.
6. Vary the Subjects: Don’t limit RAFT to one subject! This strategy works well in any area, from science and math to ELA and social studies. Integrating RAFT assignments across different subjects keeps students engaged and helps them see the connections between different areas of learning.

Animal Adaptations RAFT Assignment

I used this RAFT assignment when teaching fourth-grade science.  It was the culminating project for our adaptations unit.  The students displayed their knowledge after learning the life science vocabulary words, reading passages, answering questions, and so much more!

RAFT assignments are a great tool for differentiating instruction because they offer flexibility, creativity, and choice. By tapping into students’ interests and learning styles, you can create meaningful learning experiences that meet every learner’s needs. Whether you’re teaching science, social studies, math, or English, RAFT assignments provide a way for students to demonstrate understanding in a way that excites and motivates them.

The best part? Once you see the success of RAFT in your classroom, you’ll find countless ways to implement it across your curriculum—and your students will thank you for it!