1. TEACHER: Jennifer Coggio
GRADE/ CLASS: Third –fifth
SUBJECT: Social Studies and Literacy
OBJECTIVE: The students will be able to write a RAFT letter, taking the role of a
man who was just drafted for the Civil War.
PREVIOUS Read aloud: Maritcha, Unit on the Civil War, persuasive writing.
LESSONS:
MOTIVATION: Re-read the book Maritcha: pages 24- 28
NYS English Language Arts:
STANDARDS: Standard 1: Language for information and understanding.
Standard 2: Language for literary response and expression.
Standard 4: Language for social interaction.
Social Studies
Standard 1: History of the United States.
Standard 3: Geography.
Standard 4: Civics, citizenship and government.
PROCEDURE: 1. Teacher will model an example of writing in the role of another
person.
2. Teacher will re-read Maritcha. Pages 24-28
3. Teacher will review the business letter format.
4. Teacher will chart how it probably felt to be drafted during the
Civil War.
5. Children will write a business letter to the president explaining
why they should not be drafted, (see attached prompt).
6. Children should use persuasive writing in their letter.
7. Ask the children what they notice about each object.
8. Review the key terms.
CLOSING 1. Review the definitions of compare and contrast.
ACTIVITY: 2. Allow the students to share about the key terms.
ASSIGNMENT: Business Letter
ASSESSMENT: Teacher will assess the students based upon observation of the
students working and through evaluating the business letter.

2. What is RAFT?
Role of the writer – helps the writer decide on point of view and voice.
Audience for the piece of writing – reminds the writer that he must communicate ideas
to someone else; helps writer determine content and style.
Format of the material – helps the writer organize ideas and employ the conventions of
format, such as letters, interviews, and story problems.
Topic or subject of the piece of writing – helps the writer focus on main ideas.
R.A.F.T Prompt
You are a man whose name has appeared in the paper (role)
for the draft for the civil war. Write a business letter (format) to your president
(audience) explaining why you shouldn’t be drafted and swhy you don’t want to
fight the war. (topic)