Topic: RAFT Writing: The Four Freshman

Students will read The Four Freshman, about four high school students
who were arrested for their beliefs about the Civil Rights Movement.
Students are to put themselves in the freshmens shoes and write a
letter to their parents. The purpose of the letter is to let parents know
that [you] are not going off to college, because you have been arrested
and why you beliefs are so firm.
Objective(s)/Goal(s)
Given a reference text, the student will indicate their understanding of
the Civil Rights Movement by writing an informal letter with 85%
accuracy.
Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and
teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues, building on others'
ideas and expressing their own clearly.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.4
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including
figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word
choice on meaning and tone.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.1
Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly
as well as inferences drawn from the text.
Rationale
The purpose of this lesson is for students to write an informal response
citing relevant evidence from texts and other reputable sources to form
a coherent writing piece.
Anticipatory Set
(Give students this scenario): You have been accepted to the college of
your dreams and there is a protest brewing in your neighborhood. You
too, oppose the unfair laws and practices that have been enacted on
you, because of the color of your skin. You attend the rally without your
parents knowing and you are arrested. You are now sitting in jail
because of your beliefs. You can only write a letter to your parents,
explaining to them why you are in jail and that you wont be going to
college. What would you tell them? Would you still have your firm
beliefs? Are you angry? Sad? Confused?

Procedure
Introduction:
Share anticipatory set with students.
Allow students to briefly reflect on their emotions
Provide students with The Four Freshman Reading
Tell students they will be writing a letter to their parents.
Body:
(Model)
Show letter sample that students will be expected to write
Model to students reading and writing skills, pausing to highlight
or note important parts of the text. Do the first page together
(Modify amount of pages as needed for individual student
needs).
(Guided Practice)
Initiate a conversation about The Four Freshman. What
surprised you? How would you feel? Place student responses on
the SmartBoard . Allow time for students to talk amongst
themselves in small groups.
Provide students with letter outline of key items to include in
their letter
(Independent Practice)
Allow students to spend remainder of time drafting their letter to
parents, circulate as needed.
Closure:
Ask students to reflect. Are [your] beliefs as strong as the four
freshmen? Why or why not? Allow time for verbal student responses.
Scaffolding
Create mini-lesson with graphic organizer for students to expand
and organize thoughts.
Divide students into debate groups based on cited beliefs from
their letter.