A STUDY GUIDE by Christine Evely
http://www.metromagazine.com.au
ISBN: 978-1-74295-024-2 http://www.theeducationshop.com.au Introduction
About the book
Beginning life as a series of online cartoons, Diary of a Wimpy Kid topped the pop culture scene when Kinney’s first ‘novel in cartoons’ was published as a book in 2007. Spending almost three years on the New York Times’ children’s best-seller list, Diary of a Wimpy Kid has sold in excess of twenty-eight million copies and has been translated into more than thirty languages.
The sequel, Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Rodrick Rules does not disappoint readers eager to find out more about the trials and tribulations of its main character, Greg Heffley. As in the first book of this illustrated literary series Jeff Kinney’s por- trayal of Greg Heffley seems somewhat autobiographical.
The series continues to capture the imaginations of formerly reluctant readers and generates countless print and video reviews and social networking fan groups.
Did you know?
The books in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney have been described as semi-autobiographical journal/cartoon books.
They are available both online and as traditional hard-copy books that appeal to both competent and struggling readers.
- Students can log on to funbrain.com each day to read the online version
- They can also visit the official website for the series of books at
Here you can encourage students to find out about more SCREEN EDUCATION about the books in the series, the author and play some cool games.
2 In this Wimpy Kid sequel, Greg Heffley, the kid who made About the film ‘wimpy’ cool, not only begins year seven, but he and his brother Rodrick must learn how to deal with each other, as Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is a live-action comedy they cope with their parents’ misguided attempts to have film, based on the book of the same name. It is a sequel them bond! In addition, it is important for Greg to impress to both the book and the film Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Thor Holly Hills … Freudenthal, 2010). Like the first film, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (David Bowers, 2011) draws its style from the However, as Greg’s diary soon reveals, his summer break witty dialogue, humorous journal entries and cartoon-style began miserably when he joined the swim team (his father’s illustrations of the books in the series. Zachary Gordon, idea). To add to his misery his friend Rowley went away Robert Capron, Devon Bostick, Rachael Harris, Steve Zahn, on yet another exciting summer vacation; and his three Connor and Owen Fielding, Karan Brar, Laine MacNeil, and year old brother Manny, and his older brother Rodrick, are Grayson Russell are all reprising their roles from the first both continuing to drive him crazy! While Manny is very film,Diary of a Wimpy Kid. annoying, Rodrick RULES! Why? Because Rodrick knows about something REALLY embarrassing that happened Once again the life of the main character, Greg Heffley, to Greg during the summer. And he is just revelling in the is the focus, and it is quite a saga, filled with a myriad of chance to hold it over Greg’s head. Added to all this, Greg humorous incidents. This time they centre upon the way must still find ways to deal with the annoyances of school, Greg deals with the fact that his older brother Rodrick ‘rules’ homework, bullies, the consequences of his poor choices, – all because he knows something about Greg that is way and of course – parents - all the while desperate for Rodrick too embarrassing to be shared. to keep quiet.
Like the first book in the series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: While it seems that there is no love lost between Greg and Rodrick Rules is designed to look like a diary – no, Rodrick, when the chips are down it is clear that they do SCREEN EDUCATION according to Greg it’s a ‘journal’, and in this case it is filled care for one another, and in the end Greg must set aside with sketches and cartoons. The story is narrated by Greg his animosity towards his older brother to help him when he through the pages of his diary, er, journal. needs it.
3 TEACHING AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Create a pitch and a poster Using the book and film Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules in the classroom Have each student develop a thirty-second ‘pitch’ with the funniest idea they can think of to include in a third book or Filled with hyperbole, both the book and the film will appeal film in the Wimpy Kid series, and then based on the pitch, to tweens and teens, who will recognise the problems that create a large poster to advertise a third film in the series. arise from time-to-time as they navigate their lives both at home and at school. Cheese Touch and other Food Stories with a Twist
This study guide provides teachers and students from Jeff Kinney’s representations of childhood in Diary of a early primary to lower secondary levels with background Wimpy Kid captivated readers and highlighted some of the information, a range of discussion questions and activities absurdities of middle school life. One particularly popular to support the curriculum areas of English, The Arts and incident was the ‘cheese touch’, which became a legendary SOSE/HISE. middle school story evoking horror, disgust and gossip. At Greg’s school, a mouldy piece of cheese mysteriously appeared in the schoolyard, growing more foul and powerful Book to film by the day. Like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, this film has been adapted from Readers and viewers quickly learn that if there’s a thing that a book that is part of an illustrated novel series. The se- these middle schoolers dread, it’s accidentally touching the ries has evolved from one on-screen form - popular online disgusting slice and being branded with the cheese touch’s stories - into a series of books, then to another screen, this nuclear cooties. The only way to get rid of the cheese touch time the big screen, as a series of movies. is by touching some other unfortunate classmate – it’s like a game of tag, only grosser. • What do you think? • As a class discuss why the ‘cheese touch’ may have Do you think a third Wimpy Kid film will be made? Why or also been incorporated into Diary of a Wimpy Kid: why not? Rodrick Rules, and then consider what could be worse than the cheese touch? Hold a class mini-debate:
Some people criticise films that are based on books SCREEN EDUCATION because the filmmakers change elements of the story. Did you know? Debate: More than 70,000 people read Wimpy Kid stories online every day. Go to
Have students read the diary entry above and then, • Discuss as a class: using their imaginations, use Worksheet 1 to sketch and brainstorm ideas about what has happened to the missing - Do you think you need to read Diary of a Wimpy Kid cheese, and write a short description of the worst possible to be able to understand and enjoy Diary of a Wimpy idea – within reason! Kid: Rodrick Rules? Why do you think this?
Opening lines - What things have made the Wimpy Kid series so popular? Have students write really interesting opening sentences for a story about a toast wall on large strips of paper. - Why might Jeff Kinney have decided to use illustra- tions or sketches to create a journal series? Dear Diary Cartoon it Ask students to use Worksheet 2 to write a diary entry that relates to ‘the toast wall’? Have students create a cartoon or a cartoon strip that depicts a funny episode in their own lives, either at home or Reading the book at school.
• Read Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules to the class, Jeff Kinney explains, ‘I wanted to create a character that and/or encourage students to read it themselves. It can was realistic. Many times in children’s literature, the pro- be fun to seat students in a circle and take turns to each tagonist is really just a miniature adult. I wanted to come up read one entry aloud. Students could be given the entry with a kid who was relatable and far from perfect. I worked they will read in advance to allow time to rehearse their hard to avoid dumbing down the books, talking down to reading. kids, and wanted to make sure the stories avoided lots of lessons learned.’ • While the book is being read, pause between diary entries to list characters and settings, key events and Wimpy Reports themes that emerge on a large class chart. SCREEN EDUCATION Ask students to use Worksheet 3 to create a report card • When the book has been read, have students share with outlining reasons for the popularity of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: a partner, their favourite parts of the book, the funniest Rodrick Rules.
5 Alternatively, have students use Worksheet 4 to draw and write about Jeff Kinney’s success in representing childhood. Ask them to use examples from their own lives to write a report that examines the following statement:
Jeff Kinney has captured exactly what it is like to be a kid.
IWB Book Reviews
As a class, and using the interactive whiteboard, go to the link below where you can read reviews of books from the Wimpy Kid series and then ask each student to write their own review of the book, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules. profile for each character that focuses on the appearance of http://childrensbooks.about.com/od/middleschool/ss/ the character. diary_wimpy_2.htm
Video Review Viewing the film trailers Have students work in pairs to create a video review of the A film trailer is a preview for a film that will soon be released. book, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, and then take It is called a ‘trailer’ because these short films were origi- turns to share them with the class, and/or post them to a nally played after a feature film had finished screening in a class wiki. cinema.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules Trailer
Before watching the film Use a large screen or interactive whiteboard to enable the class to view one of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid film trailers, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules Poster available at
As a class, examine the movie poster for Diary of a Wimpy Make class notes recording what you find out this time Kid: Rodrick Rules, found at
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules Website - Why are film trailers generally now shown at the start of a cinema screening, rather than at the end, after As a class, use an interactive whiteboard to visit the Diary of the credits? a Wimpy Kid Rodrick Rules website found at:
6 of slapstick is combined with ‘delicious’ forbidden humour, - Did you like the ending of the film? What do you think and audience anticipation, all brought together though is the message of the ending? clever pacing and timing. - What is the overall message of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules? Viewing the film • Working as a class, create a summary of the film’s plot. View the film in a cinema setting if possible. This provides List each event as one sentence to create a plot ladder. the best opportunity for students to engage with the film in the way intended by the filmmakers: on a large screen, with Top Scenes clear sound and without interruption. Ask students to use Worksheet 9 to list what they think are • Discuss the questions that follow with a class, and than the top five most important scenes in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: ask each student to complete Worksheet 7. Rodrick Rules. Have them share their lists with a partner and discuss the similarities and differences between them, and - What do you like least or most about the film? Why? why this might be the case.
- Which character did you like best or least? Why? • Ask students to use Worksheet 10 to describe a scene that was really enjoyable in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: - What did you think was the funniest scene and why? Rodrick Rules. Have them explain:
- Where the scene was set After watching the film - Who was in the scene and what happened - Why the scene might have been included in the film? Thinking about the opening sequence - How the scene made them feel. • Ask students to think about why the opening sequence of both Wimpy Kid films might begin with the diary. How Chinese Whispers does this help to tie the films to the books? Consider, for example, the way the live action morphs into Have the class play Chinese Whispers. Discuss how the illustrations. storyline in the film that focuses on Greg’s embarrassing secret is related to the traditional childhood game Chinese • Discuss what you learn about the relationship between Whispers. Greg and his older brother in the opening sequence.
• Greg always seems keen to let the audience know that Characterisation and acting he writes in a journal, not a diary. What does he think is the diffeence between a diary and a journal? The filmmakers believe they populated the school with kids who looked like real middle school students, kids with • Discuss the questions that follow with a class, and than whom audiences would respond and relate. ask each student to complete Worksheet 8. • Do you agree? Why or why not. Give examples from the - Did you enjoy the film version of Diary of a Wimpy film to support your ideas. Kid: Rodrick Rules? Why or why not? Producer Nina Jacobson notes that ‘Greg is blissfully - What was your favourite scene? Explain why it was unaware of what a jerk he can be, and kids find that your favourite. refreshing and entertaining.’
• Consider the character of Greg, particularly his lack of self-awareness, using these questions to guide a class discussion:
- What does it mean to be a ‘jerk’? SCREEN EDUCATION - Do you agree that Greg is a jerk?
- Is his character refreshing and funny? Why or why not?
7 - Do you think Greg should actually be described as ‘wimpy’? Why or why not?
- If you could pick one adjective to describe Greg, what would it be?
- Is Greg a likeable character? Is he a believable character? Why or why not?
Rodrick is depicted as the evil older brother. The book and the film also satirise him – for example, quite blatantly by naming his band, Löded Diper (complete with ‘rock’ diacritic marks). In addition, the band plays very poor music.
• As a class, discuss the character of Rodrick, using these Rodrick? Why do you think this? You could bring in age- questions to guide the discussion: appropriate heavy metal music for students to listen to, to assist them to draw conclusions. (Be sure to check - What adjective would describe Rodrick? the lyrics for suitability first.)
- Is Rodrick a likeable character? Is he a believable - Ask students to give some examples of heavy metal character? Why or why not? bands or musicians.
- Would you like to have an older brother like Rodrick? - Have them describe heavy metal music. What instru- Why or why not? ments, sounds and lyrics are associated with heavy metal? Casting - Discuss the images that people, especially older people, Ask students to complete Worksheet 11 to describe the often associate with heavy metal music. Why are these type of character portrayed in Rodrick. Have students links made? discuss and list the physical and personal qualities of the actor (Devon Bostick) that help him to portray the role - Why do you think heavy metal has been popular with effectively. They might also consider also how the costumes many adolescents? What is it about the music that and dialogue selected by the filmmaker help the actor to appeals to them? Is it still popular? Why or why not? portray Rodrick. - Do you think labels on heavy metal music CDs should Compare and contrast have parental warnings or advice?
As a class, discuss and explain how the attributes of both Hold a class debate: characters, Greg and Rodrick, underpin the narrative. Have students use Worksheet 12 ‘Greg vs Rodrick’ to compare Should young people be able to buy and listen to heavy and contrast the two characters. metal music?
Alternatively, using Worksheet 13 have students use rich • Make a list of possible titles for the latest music by adjectives to describe the appearance and personality and Rodrick’s band Löded Diper. several verbs to describe the behaviour of key characters in Diary of a Wimpy Kid Rodrick Rules. Complete the chart • Discuss as a class, then ask students to complete on the worksheet to ranking the likeabiity of each character, Worksheet 14: and beside each character write a sentence to justify your ranking. - What goals does Greg’s Dad have for him?
Ask students to identify their favourite character, explain - Do you think these are appropriate goals for Greg? why he or she is their favourite and then, with a partner, Why or why not? role-play a short scene involving the character. - What goals do you think Greg should have? Why do • Rodrick plays in a heavy metal band. Why do you think you think these are appropriate? the author of the book and the filmmaker decided to SCREEN EDUCATION have Rodrick play in a heavy metal band? What do you - Why might parents want their kids to try out different think the choice of the band is intended to tell you about activities?
8 - What were some of the problems Greg had with - If you were Rodrick’s parents, what consequences swimming? Why did he have these problems? would you impose upon him for disobeying and having people over for a party while you were away? - Have you ever had to do activities that you didn’t enjoy? How did you cope? Do you sometimes find Cause and effect that once you give things a go they are not so bad after all? Discuss: What is one of the problems Greg had in the film? Use the flowchart onWorksheet 17 to show what caused - Have you ever had to do activities that you are really the problem, than add further effects that happened in good at? Did it affect the way other people viewed or relation to this problem. Was the problem resolved? Why or treated you? How? How did you cope with this? why not?
- Should people who are outstanding in certain areas, Hot-seat Jeff Kinney pretend they are less good, or find ways to be less noticed for their talent? Why or why not? Ask each student to write one question they would really like to ask Jeff Kinney. Place all the questions in a covered box, • Discuss as a class: If you were to go skating, what and then distribute them randomly to each student. In pairs, songs would you like to hear playing at the rink while have students take turns to be in the hot-seat taking the role you were skating? Would you choose heavy metal? Why of Jeff Kinney. When their partner asks a question, they must or why not? Create a class graph to find out the most comes up with an answer, preferably a humourous one. popular songs. Discuss the childhood rhyme that has the words: No more Have each student identify something they can do well, and teachers, no more books, no more teachers’ dirty looks! then use Worksheet 15 to create a ‘Most Improved’ award What does it mean? Who sings it and why? Compare the for themselves. ideas in the rhyme with the lyrics of the song, ‘School’s out for Summer’ by Alice Cooper. Ask each student to write their own set of personal goals using Worksheet 16. Work in groups of three to write your own lyrics for a song that could be performed by Löded Diper announcing the Family relationships end of the school year, and predicting what you will do for the holiday period. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules presents hilarious snippets of Greg’s less than ideal (in his eyes) home life. While his parents are well-meaning, they have no idea about Production style and design Greg’s day-to-day worries and struggles. The theme of being in the middle continues to be important. Greg is stuck Kinney’s mix of cartoons and prose is delivered in a diary in every kid’s nightmare – he is the middle child caught format through Greg’s signature voice. between a mean older brother and a three-year-old devious sibling. Scene it!
• Have students work with a partner to list advantages Use the mouldy cheese storyboard provided on Worksheet and disadvantages of being the middle child in a family. 1 to create a new scene for the film in cartoon form, showing a very embarrassing moment for Rodrick that the Share and develop possible solutions for each of the audience would find very funny. disadvantages. Alternatively, have students use the mouldy cheese Greg and Rodrick must work together, despite their brotherly storyboard worksheet to show their worst possible holiday differences. Their mum has a plan to make this happen – or their worst possible day at school. ‘Mum Bucks’! Ask each student to create a voucher to show what they would trade in for any ‘Mum Bucks’ they earn. Rule yourself!
• While their parents are away, Rodrick holds a party in Work in pairs to take a portrait photo and print it out on their home. As a class, discuss: A4 paper. Paste it onto a large piece of paper and create a humorous body using line drawings. - What sorts of things could go wrong, that would be funny, but not too dangerous, at a teenage party? Write labels and slogans around your body to remind SCREEN EDUCATION yourself about all your positive qualities.
9 Cartoons rule! • National Association of Comics Art Educators Encourage students with an interest in comics to visit the following site for instructions to help them to create a short
Students can also visit these websites for guidance to help • Teacher Vision you to draw a variety of cartoons:
•
Videos and an interview in which Jeff Kinney discusses the widespread appeal of his book. SCREEN EDUCATION
10 Worksheet 1 Your name here Brainstorming
Sketch Brainstorm notes SCREEN EDUCATION
11 Worksheet 2 Your name here My diary
Dear Diary,
Yours sincerely, SCREEN EDUCATION
12 Worksheet 3 Your name here Report card
Jeff Kinney has created a very popular cartoon-style novel series written in the form of a journal.
Jeff’s books are popular because:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5. SCREEN EDUCATION
13 Worksheet 4 Your name here What do you think?
Jeff Kinney has captured exactly what it is like to be a kid.
Draw three examples of how Jeff Kinney shows what it is like to be a kid. Why or why not
Is this like your life?
Why or why not? SCREEN EDUCATION
14 Worksheet 5 Your name here Movie poster
Examine and sketch the movie poster for Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules.
sketch here
What do you think this film will be about?
Why do you think this will be the content? SCREEN EDUCATION
15 Worksheet 6 Your name here Character profile
Character Appearance – Costume Age & gender Action physical features SCREEN EDUCATION
16 Worksheet 6a Your name here Character analysis
Greg vs Rodrick Make notes to show how Greg and Rodrick are polar opposites. List their similarities below the chart.
Characteristics or features Greg Rodrick
Physical appearance
Clothing
Personal qualities, for example, honesty, loyalty
Actions
Relationships with others
similarities SCREEN EDUCATION
17 SCREEN EDUCATION our name here name Your
What did you think was the funniest scene and why was it the funniest? was and why scene the funniest think was you did What Which character did you like best or least? Why? least? or best like did you Which character What do you like least or most about the book and/or the film? Why? the film? about the book and/or or most least like do you What Write a review of the book or the film, or compare the book and the film. the book and compare or the film, or of the book a review Write watch the film or do both! the watch , Kid a Wimpy of Diary Read Worksheet 7 Worksheet SCREEN EDUCATION our name here name Your
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules? a Wimpy of the film, Diary of message the overall is What Draw your favourite scene and explain why it was your favourite. your it was why explain and scene favourite your Draw ? Why or why not? or why Kid: Rodrick Rules? Why a Wimpy film, Diary of the enjoy Did you
After watching the film the watching After Worksheet 8 Worksheet Worksheet 9 Your name here Scene by scene
List the five scenes you consider to be most important in the film, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules.
Scenes Describe or draw the scene Why is it important? 1 2 3 4 5
Share your list with a partner. Are your lists similar or different? Why? SCREEN EDUCATION
20 Worksheet 10 Your name here Scene by scene
Draw or describe one scene you really enjoyed in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules. Where was the scene set? Who was in the scene and what happened?
Why do you think this scene was included in the film?
How did this scene make you feel? SCREEN EDUCATION
21 Worksheet 11 Your name here Character profile
Character’s name:
Age: Gender:
Physical appearance: Costume:
Action (something the character does): Dialogue (Something the character says):
What is the manner of the language? (For example, type of vocabulary, tone, accent, any accompanying gestures, body language, facial expressions) SCREEN EDUCATION
22 Worksheet 12 Your name here Character analysis
Character Appearance – Costume Dialogue Action physical features
Greg
Fregley
Patty
Rodrick
Angie SCREEN EDUCATION
23 Worksheet 13 Your name here Character analysis
Use rich, interesting adjectives to describe your favourite character’s appearance and their personality; and several verbs to indicate the behaviour or action they engage in. Include other facts about the character that you think are important.
Like or dislike? Choose two more important characters.
Decide whether you like or dislike each character. Give the character a rating, and then write a reason for your decision.
Character 2: Character 1: name: name: like dislike like dislike REASON: REASON:
RATING OUT OF TEN:
RATING OUT OF TEN: 1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9...10 SCREEN EDUCATION 1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9...10
24 Worksheet 14 Your name here Think and write
What goals does Greg’s dad have for him?
Do you think these are appropriate goals for Greg? Why or why not?
What goals do you think Greg should have? Why do you think these are appropriate?
Why might parents want their kids to try different activities?
What were some problems Greg had with swimming? Why did he have these problems?
Have you ever had to do activities that you didn’t enjoy? How did you cope? Do you sometimes find that once you give things a go they are not so bad after all? SCREEN EDUCATION
25 Worksheet 15 Your name here Most Improved Award
This is to certify that
......
Deserves a most improved award in the area of
......
Signed......
Date:...... SCREEN EDUCATION
26 Worksheet 15 Your name here My goals
My main goal for today is
My main goal for this week is
My main goal for the term is
My main goal for the year is
Three things I’d like to achieve in my life are: 1.
2.
3. SCREEN EDUCATION
27 Worksheet 16 Your name here Cause and effect
What is one of the problems Greg had in the film Diary of a Wimpy Kid?
Use the flowchart to show what caused the problem, then add any further effects that happened in relation to this problem. Add more events on the back if necessary.
Was the problem resolved? Why or why not? SCREEN EDUCATION
28 This study guide was produced by ATOM. (© ATOM 2011) ISBN: 978-1-74295-024-2 [email protected] For more information on Screen Education magazine, or to download other study guides for assessment, visit