Metacognitive Post: And Then There Were None

Claire Coleman

September 17, 2014

          From my first draft to my last, many things changed. In my first draft, I didn't have enough commentary so I added a bunch but also changed punctuation, capitalization, spelling, etc. Also, I couldn't decide how I wanted to map out my first paragraph. At first I started writing and answering all the required questions, but I didn't like how it sounded and I didn't like how I put it together. I ended up creating it into a story but still answering all the questions at the same time. 

         Honestly, I think the most effective form of support that helped my create my final draft of my essay was the peer review checklist. I think this was helpful because it was feedback from someone who is also writing the same thing, knows the requirements and what other classmates thoughts are about writing. Along with peer editing, I also like adult feedback (I always give my dad things to check) because they are good with checking your grammar, spelling and knowing if things sound good together. I didn't put adult feedback as my number one favorite source of help because adults may know the grammar piece of essays, but they don't know the requirement part. I think meeting the requirements of a project is important. Saying this, the written feedback on my timed writing was very helpful too. I like knowing what I do wrong so I can improve it on a following activity. Continuing this year, peer editing and teacher feedback will definently help me in writing essays. I always have a parent check my writing! 

          I believe I am a pretty good writer but defiantly have room to improve. One goal of mine this year is to change and switch up how my writing sounds. I think I always use the same words and my writing always sounds similar just with a different topic. I also think my grammar skills are not too good; I am especially not good at placing commas.