A STUDY GUIDE by Christine evely

http://www.metromagazine.com.au

ISBN: 978-1-74295-024-2 http://www.theeducationshop.com.au

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Introduction

About the bookBeginning 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 <http://www.funbrain.com/journal/Journal.html?ThisJournalDay=1& ThisPage=1>.

- They can also visit the official website for the series of books at <http://www.wimpykid.com>.

Here you can encourage students to find out about more about the books in the series, the author and play some cool games.

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About the filmDiary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is a live-action comedy film, based on the book of the same name. It is a sequel to both the book and the film Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Thor Freudenthal, 2010). Like the first film, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (David Bowers, 2011) draws its style from the witty dialogue, humorous journal entries and cartoon-style illustrations of the books in the series. Zachary Gordon, Robert Capron, Devon Bostick, Rachael Harris, Steve Zahn, Connor and Owen Fielding, Karan Brar, Laine MacNeil, and Grayson Russell are all reprising their roles from the first film, Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

Once again the life of the main character, Greg Heffley, is the focus, and it is quite a saga, filled with a myriad of humorous incidents. This time they centre upon the way Greg deals with the fact that his older brother Rodrick ‘rules’ – all because he knows something about Greg that is way too embarrassing to be shared.

Like the first book in the series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is designed to look like a diary – no, according to Greg it’s a ‘journal’, and in this case it is filled with sketches and cartoons. The story is narrated by Greg through the pages of his diary, er, journal.

In this Wimpy Kid sequel, Greg Heffley, the kid who made ‘wimpy’ cool, not only begins year seven, but he and his brother Rodrick must learn how to deal with each other, as they cope with their parents’ misguided attempts to have them bond! In addition, it is important for Greg to impress Holly Hills …

However, as Greg’s diary soon reveals, his summer break began miserably when he joined the swim team (his father’s idea). To add to his misery his friend Rowley went away on yet another exciting summer vacation; and his three year old brother Manny, and his older brother Rodrick, are both continuing to drive him crazy! While Manny is very annoying, Rodrick RULES! Why? Because Rodrick knows about something REALLY embarrassing that happened to Greg during the summer. And he is just revelling in the chance to hold it over Greg’s head. Added to all this, Greg must still find ways to deal with the annoyances of school, homework, bullies, the consequences of his poor choices, and of course – parents - all the while desperate for Rodrick to keep quiet.

While it seems that there is no love lost between Greg and Rodrick, when the chips are down it is clear that they do care for one another, and in the end Greg must set aside his animosity towards his older brother to help him when he needs it.

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CREATE A PITCH AND A POSTER

Have each student develop a thirty-second ‘pitch’ with the funniest idea they can think of to include in a third book or film in the Wimpy Kid series, and then based on the pitch, create a large poster to advertise a third film in the series.

Cheese Touch and other Food Stories with a Twist

Jeff Kinney’s representations of childhood in Diary of a Wimpy Kid captivated readers and highlighted some of the absurdities of middle school life. One particularly popular incident was the ‘cheese touch’, which became a legendary 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 by the day.

Readers and viewers quickly learn that if there’s a thing that these middle schoolers dread, it’s accidentally touching the disgusting slice and being branded with the cheese touch’s nuclear cooties. The only way to get rid of the cheese touch is by touching some other unfortunate classmate – it’s like a game of tag, only grosser.

• As a class discuss why the ‘cheese touch’ may have also been incorporated into Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, and then consider what could be worse than the cheese touch?

using the book AnD film DiAry of A wimpy kiD: roDrick rules in the clAssroomFilled with hyperbole, both the book and the film will appeal to tweens and teens, who will recognise the problems that arise from time-to-time as they navigate their lives both at home and at school.

This study guide provides teachers and students from early primary to lower secondary levels with background information, a range of discussion questions and activities to support the curriculum areas of English, The Arts and SOSE/HISE.

book to filmLike Diary of a Wimpy Kid, this film has been adapted from a book that is part of an illustrated novel series. The se-ries has evolved from one on-screen form - popular online stories - into a series of books, then to another screen, this time the big screen, as a series of movies.

• Whatdoyouthink?

Do you think a third Wimpy Kid film will be made? Why or why not?

Hold a class mini-debate:

Some people criticise films that are based on books because the filmmakers change elements of the story. Debate:

Filmmakers have the right to interpret a story any way they wish. Agree or Disagree.

TEACHING AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES

DiD you know?More than 70,000 people read Wimpy Kid stories online every day. Go to <http://www.funbrain.com/journal/ Journal.html?ThisJournalDay=260&ThisPage=1>.

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parts of the book and any events that provoked strong emotions such as pity, disgust or anger.

• Discuss as a class:

- Do you think you need to read Diary of a Wimpy Kid to be able to understand and enjoy Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules? Why do you think this?

- What things have made the Wimpy Kid series so popular?

- Why might Jeff Kinney have decided to use illustra-tions or sketches to create a journal series?

CARTOON IT

Have students create a cartoon or a cartoon strip that depicts a funny episode in their own lives, either at home or at school.

Jeff Kinney explains, ‘I wanted to create a character that was realistic. Many times in children’s literature, the pro-tagonist is really just a miniature adult. I wanted to come up with a kid who was relatable and far from perfect. I worked hard to avoid dumbing down the books, talking down to kids, and wanted to make sure the stories avoided lots of lessons learned.’

WIMPY REPORTS

Ask students to use Worksheet 3 to create a report card outlining reasons for the popularity of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules.

DEAR DIARY

Have students read the diary entry above and then, using their imaginations, use Worksheet 1 to sketch and brainstorm ideas about what has happened to the missing cheese, and write a short description of the worst possible idea – within reason!

OPENING LINES

Have students write really interesting opening sentences for a story about a toast wall on large strips of paper.

DEAR DIARY

Ask students to use Worksheet 2 to write a diary entry that relates to ‘the toast wall’?

Reading the book

• Read Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules to the class, and/or encourage students to read it themselves. It can be fun to seat students in a circle and take turns to each read one entry aloud. Students could be given the entry they will read in advance to allow time to rehearse their reading.

• While the book is being read, pause between diary entries to list characters and settings, key events and themes that emerge on a large class chart.

• When the book has been read, have students share with a partner, their favourite parts of the book, the funniest

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profile for each character that focuses on the appearance of the character.

Viewing the film trAilersA film trailer is a preview for a film that will soon be released. It is called a ‘trailer’ because these short films were origi-nally played after a feature film had finished screening in a cinema.

DiaRY of a WimpY KiD: RoDRicK Rules TRAILER

Use a large screen or interactive whiteboard to enable the class to view one of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid film trailers, available at <http://www.diaryofawimpykid-movie.com.au>

Make class notes recording what you find out this time about:

- settings- characters - problems encountered by characters- the story and the narrative drivers- the genre of the film- the twist at the end

• Discuss and brainstorm, as a class:

- What differences do you notice about the characters, settings and problems in this film compared with the first film?

- Why are film trailers generally now shown at the start of a cinema screening, rather than at the end, after the credits?

- What are all the different places people might see a trailer apart from on a cinema screen, for example television screens, billboard screens, online, mobile phone screens?

Watch the trailer where Greg sits in chocolate. Discuss with the class: When do you first know this scene will be funny? Does it make you laugh out loud? Why? What type of humour is used? Have students explain how an element

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.

http://childrensbooks.about.com/od/middleschool/ss/diary_wimpy_2.htm

vIDEO REvIEW

Have students work in pairs to create a video review of the book, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, and then take turns to share them with the class, and/or post them to a class wiki.

Before watching the filmDiaRY of a WimpY KiD: RoDRicK Rules POSTER

As a class, examine the movie poster for Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, found at <http://www.movieposterdb.com/poster/14785e98>, and discuss what you think this film will be about. Ask students to provide examples from the poster to justify their ideas about the following aspects of the film:

o settingso characters o problems encountered by characterso the story and the narrative driverso thegenreofthefilmo the twist at the end

Have students complete Worksheet 5 to record their ideas.

DiaRY of a WimpY KiD: RoDRicK Rules WEBSITE

As a class, use an interactive whiteboard to visit the Diary of a Wimpy Kid Rodrick Rules website found at: <http://www.diaryofawimpykidmovie.com>

Examine the site and locate the images of each of the key characters that appear in this film. Roll your mouse across each one to compare the cartoon version with the live-action portrayal by an actor.

Focus on either the cartoon or the live-action versions and use Worksheet 6 or Worksheet 6a to write a character

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- Did you like the ending of the film? What do you think is the message of the ending?

- What is the overall message of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules?

• Working as a class, create a summary of the film’s plot. List each event as one sentence to create a plot ladder.

TOP SCENES

Ask students to use Worksheet 9 to list what they think are the top five most important scenes in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules. Have them share their lists with a partner and discuss the similarities and differences between them, and why this might be the case.

• Ask students to use Worksheet 10 to describe a scene that was really enjoyable in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules. Have them explain:

- Where the scene was set

- Who was in the scene and what happened

- Why the scene might have been included in the film?

- How the scene made them feel.

CHINESE WHISPERS

Have the class play Chinese Whispers. Discuss how the storyline in the film that focuses on Greg’s embarrassing secret is related to the traditional childhood game Chinese Whispers.

chArActerisAtion AnD ActingThe filmmakers believe they populated the school with kids who looked like real middle school students, kids with whom audiences would respond and relate.

• Do you agree? Why or why not. Give examples from the film to support your ideas.

Producer Nina Jacobson notes that ‘Greg is blissfully unaware of what a jerk he can be, and kids find that 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’?

- Do you agree that Greg is a jerk?

- Is his character refreshing and funny? Why or why not?

of slapstick is combined with ‘delicious’ forbidden humour, and audience anticipation, all brought together though clever pacing and timing.

Viewing the filmview the film in a cinema setting if possible. This provides the best opportunity for students to engage with the film in the way intended by the filmmakers: on a large screen, with clear sound and without interruption.

• Discuss the questions that follow with a class, and than ask each student to complete Worksheet 7.

- What do you like least or most about the film? Why?

- Which character did you like best or least? Why?

- What did you think was the funniest scene and why?

After watching the film

thinking About the opening sequence• Ask students to think about why the opening sequence

of both Wimpy Kid films might begin with the diary. How does this help to tie the films to the books? Consider, for example, the way the live action morphs into illustrations.

• Discuss what you learn about the relationship between Greg and his older brother in the opening sequence.

• Greg always seems keen to let the audience know that he writes in a journal, not a diary. What does he think is the diffeence between a diary and a journal?

• Discuss the questions that follow with a class, and than ask each student to complete Worksheet 8.

- Did you enjoy the film version of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules? Why or why not?

- What was your favourite scene? Explain why it was your favourite.

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Rodrick? Why do you think this? You could bring in age-appropriate heavy metal music for students to listen to, to assist them to draw conclusions. (Be sure to check the lyrics for suitability first.)

- Ask students to give some examples of heavy metal bands or musicians.

- Have them describe heavy metal music. What instru-ments, sounds and lyrics are associated with heavy metal?

- Discuss the images that people, especially older people, often associate with heavy metal music. Why are these links made?

- Why do you think heavy metal has been popular with many adolescents? What is it about the music that appeals to them? Is it still popular? Why or why not?

- Do you think labels on heavy metal music CDs should have parental warnings or advice?

HOLD A CLASS DEBATE:

Should young people be able to buy and listen to heavy metal music?

• Make a list of possible titles for the latest music by Rodrick’s band Löded Diper.

• Discuss as a class, then ask students to complete Worksheet 14:

- 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 out different activities?

- 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 questions to guide the discussion:

- What adjective would describe Rodrick?

- Is Rodrick a likeable character? Is he a believable character? Why or why not?

- Would you like to have an older brother like Rodrick? Why or why not?

CASTING

Ask students to complete Worksheet 11 to describe the type of character portrayed in Rodrick. Have students discuss and list the physical and personal qualities of the actor (Devon Bostick) that help him to portray the role effectively. They might also consider also how the costumes and dialogue selected by the filmmaker help the actor to portray Rodrick.

COMPARE AND CONTRAST

As a class, discuss and explain how the attributes of both characters, Greg and Rodrick, underpin the narrative. Have students use Worksheet 12 ‘Greg vs Rodrick’ to compare and contrast the two characters.

Alternatively, using Worksheet 13 have students use rich adjectives to describe the appearance and personality and several verbs to describe the behaviour of key characters in Diary of a Wimpy Kid Rodrick Rules. Complete the chart on the worksheet to ranking the likeabiity of each character, and beside each character write a sentence to justify your ranking.

Ask students to identify their favourite character, explain why he or she is their favourite and then, with a partner, role-play a short scene involving the character.

• Rodrick plays in a heavy metal band. Why do you think the author of the book and the filmmaker decided to have Rodrick play in a heavy metal band? What do you think the choice of the band is intended to tell you about

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- If you were Rodrick’s parents, what consequences would you impose upon him for disobeying and having people over for a party while you were away?

CAUSE AND EFFECT

Discuss: What is one of the problems Greg had in the film? Use the flowchart on Worksheet 17 to show what caused the problem, than add further effects that happened in relation to this problem. Was the problem resolved? Why or why not?

HOT-SEAT JEFF KINNEY

Ask each student to write one question they would really like to ask Jeff Kinney. Place all the questions in a covered box, and then distribute them randomly to each student. In pairs, have students take turns to be in the hot-seat taking the role of Jeff Kinney. When their partner asks a question, they must comes up with an answer, preferably a humourous one.

Discuss the childhood rhyme that has the words: No more teachers, no more books, no more teachers’ dirty looks! What does it mean? Who sings it and why? Compare the ideas in the rhyme with the lyrics of the song, ‘School’s out for Summer’ by Alice Cooper.

Work in groups of three to write your own lyrics for a song that could be performed by Löded Diper announcing the end of the school year, and predicting what you will do for the holiday period.

proDuction style AnD DesignKinney’s mix of cartoons and prose is delivered in a diary format through Greg’s signature voice.

SCENE IT!

Use the mouldy cheese storyboard provided on Worksheet 1 to create a new scene for the film in cartoon form, showing a very embarrassing moment for Rodrick that the audience would find very funny.

Alternatively, have students use the mouldy cheese storyboard worksheet to show their worst possible holiday or their worst possible day at school.

RULE YOURSELF!

Work in pairs to take a portrait photo and print it out on A4 paper. Paste it onto a large piece of paper and create a humorous body using line drawings.

Write labels and slogans around your body to remind yourself about all your positive qualities.

- What were some of the 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?

- Have you ever had to do activities that you are really good at? Did it affect the way other people viewed or treated you? How? How did you cope with this?

- Should people who are outstanding in certain areas, pretend they are less good, or find ways to be less noticed for their talent? Why or why not?

• Discuss as a class: If you were to go skating, what songs would you like to hear playing at the rink while you were skating? Would you choose heavy metal? Why or why not? Create a class graph to find out the most popular songs.

Have each student identify something they can do well, and then use Worksheet 15 to create a ‘Most Improved’ award for themselves.

Ask each student to write their own set of personal goals using Worksheet 16.

Family relationships

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 Greg’s day-to-day worries and struggles. The theme of being in the middle continues to be important. Greg is stuck in every kid’s nightmare – he is the middle child caught between a mean older brother and a three-year-old devious sibling.

• Have students work with a partner to list advantages and disadvantages of being the middle child in a family.

Share and develop possible solutions for each of the disadvantages.

Greg and Rodrick must work together, despite their brotherly differences. Their mum has a plan to make this happen – ‘Mum Bucks’! Ask each student to create a voucher to show what they would trade in for any ‘Mum Bucks’ they earn.

• While their parents are away, Rodrick holds a party in their home. As a class, discuss:

- What sorts of things could go wrong, that would be funny, but not too dangerous, at a teenage party?

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• National Association of Comics Art Educators

<http://www.teachingcomics.org/>

Contains teaching ideas, lesson plans and handouts for teaching about comics, as well as information about creat-ing and using comics in the classroom.

• Teacher Vision

<http://www.teachervision.fen.com/childrens-book/diaries/28677.html?detoured=1>

lesson plAns, printAble sheets AnD other resources.Christine Evely writes educational materials for teachers and students across the curriculum and works part-time as an Education Programmer for the Australian Centre for the Moving Image.

CARTOONS RULE!

Encourage students with an interest in comics to visit the following site for instructions to help them to create a short comic exploring a funny food story:

<http://www.teachingcomics.org/attachments/132_MakingAMinicomics.pdf>

Students can also visit these websites for guidance to help you to draw a variety of cartoons:

• <http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-draw -cartoons.htm>

• <http://www.how-to-draw-cartoons-online.com/>

References and resources• Borders Media: Jeff Kinney

<http://www.bordersmedia.com/liveat01/kinney>

videos and an interview in which Jeff Kinney discusses the widespread appeal of his book.

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sketch brainstorm notes

your name hereWorksheet 1Brainstorming

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Dear Diary,

yours sincerely,

Worksheet 2 your name here

My diary

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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.

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Worksheet 4 your name here

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?

What do you think?

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your name hereWorksheet 5Examine 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?

Movie poster

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your name hereWorksheet 6

Character Appearance – physical features

Costume Age & gender Action

Character profile

Greg vs RodrickMake 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

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Character analysis

your name hereWorksheet 6a

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Read Diary of a Wimpy Kid, watch the film or do both!

your name hereWorksheet 7

Write a review of the book or the film, or compare the book and the film.

What do you like least or most about the book and/or the film? Why?

Which character did you like best or least? Why?

What did you think was the funniest scene and why was it the funniest?

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After watching the film

your name hereWorksheet 8

Did you enjoy the film, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules? Why or why not?

Draw your favourite scene and explain why it was your favourite.

What is the overall message of the film, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules?

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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?

Share your list with a partner. Are your lists similar or different? Why?

your name hereWorksheet 9

1

2

3

4

5

Scene by scene

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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?

your name hereWorksheet 10Scene by scene

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your name hereWorksheet 11Character profile

Character’s name:

Physical appearance:

Action (something the character does):

What is the manner of the language? (For example, type of vocabulary, tone, accent, any accompanying gestures, body language, facial expressions)

Costume:

Dialogue (Something the character says):

Age: Gender:

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your name hereWorksheet 12Character analysis

Character Appearance – physical features

Costume Dialogue Action

Greg

Fregley

Patty

Rodrick

Angie

chArActer 1:nAme:

reAson:

rAting out of ten:

like

1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9...10

Dislike

nAme:

reAson:

rAting out of ten:

like

1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9...10

Dislike

chArActer 2:

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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.

your name hereWorksheet 13Character analysis

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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?

your name hereWorksheet 14Think and write

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your name hereWorksheet 15Most Improved Award

This is to certify that

.....................................................................

Deserves a most improved award in the area of

.....................................................................

Signed............................................................

Date:...........................................

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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.

your name hereWorksheet 15My goals

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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?

your name hereWorksheet 16Cause and effect

This study guide was produced by ATOM. (© ATOM 2011) ISBN: 978-1-74295-024-2 editor@atom.org.au

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