Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Greg Heffley's Journalby Jeff Kinney
This semi-autobiographical journal/cartoon book by Jeff Kinney in the guise of seventh-grader Greg Heffley is available online, and in hard-copy. Students can follow the hilarious trials and tribulations of Greg by logging in daily. This book is "an excellent choice for reluctant readers, but more experienced readers will also find much to enjoy and relate to in one seventh grader's view of the everyday trials and tribulations of middle school." according to a review by the School Library Journal Review. More books in the series are available now!
Students will enjoy reading this interview, which will give them a sense of what makes Jeff Kinney tick. Afterward, have them write their reactions to the interview. They could answer questions such as these: What did you learn that surprised you? Did reading the interview help you understand the story better? How? What would you like to ask Mr. Kinney?
Analyze Greg Heffley and the other characters in his journal using the Character Chart.
Use the Title, Character, Problem graphic organizer to summarize one of Greg's problems and related events.
Write a song about Greg. Choose a song you know and like, then create new lyrics about Greg's life. Grab some of your classmates to perform the song karaoke-style, or create a music video for the new tune.
Create a mock TV talk show with your classmates. One person can be the host and the other people can play the roles of Greg, his Mom, his Dad, Rodrick, Manny, or one of Greg's friends or schoolmates. The host can ask questions related to the book as well as ones that go beyond what you have read about Greg.
Predict Greg's future! Imagine what Greg will be like when he is 35. What kind of job will he have? Will he get married? What will he be like as a father?
Start your own journal in the style of Greg Heffley. You may want to illustrate it or decorate it with photos or cutouts from magazines. You can use clip-art from your computer.
All About Journals
Here you'll find lots of helpful information about journals writing journals, reading journals, guidelines, topics, and more.
The following rubrics can all be useful with journal-writing assignments.
Scoring Rubric: Narrative Based on Personal Experiences
Scoring Rubric: Fictional Narrative
Scoring Rubric: Expression