First, reflective statements shed important light on the form and content of students’ written work. Second, they help students become aware of their preferred approaches to writing, and enable them to take risks to try new and more productive strategies on a particular task. Third, when revising, students may examine their reflections on their earlier process of writing and consider alternative processes or approaches. Fourth, reflective writing produces an intimacy between students and teachers that enables teachers to respond to and encourage students’ growth in writing skills. Lastly, the reflective statements give teachers insights into students’ thinking and development not normally accessible otherwise.