Greg Character Map Worksheet Who is Greg?
Week 1 Assignment 1: Character Map
Name:
Date:
Instructions:
Read the first 10 pages. Look at the cartoons and the text . Fill in the boxes below to describe Greg Heffley.
Greg
Personality Traits
(How does he act? Is he nice? Mean? Shy?)
Relationships
(Who are his friends/family?)
How he feels
(Is he happy in middle school? Why?)
Cartoon Evidence
(What do the drawings show us?)
Word Bank (Use these to help you!)
Annoyed Ambitious Selfish Lazy Best Friend Middle School Journal Manny (Brother) Rodrick (Brother)
Wimpy Word Bank Reference Wimpy Word Bank
Your Guide to Literary Terms & Middle School Talk
Name:
Date:
VOICE
First-Person Narrator
When the main character (Greg) tells the story using "I," "me," and "my."
Example: "I'll be famous one day, but for now I'm stuck in middle school."
CRITICAL THINKING
Unreliable Narrator
A storyteller who doesn't tell the whole truth or is biased (only sees things their way).
Tip: Look at the pictures! Do they match what Greg says?
LIT DEVICE
Hyperbole
Exaggeration!
Making something sound way bigger or more extreme than it really is.
Example: "I've been waiting for a million years for the bell to ring."
LIT DEVICE
Irony
When the opposite of what you expect happens.
Situational: You try to be popular but end up being embarrassed.
Visual: Greg says he's an athlete, but the drawing shows him tired after one lap.
LIT DEVICE
Satire
Using humor or irony to mock (make fun of) something like social rules or groups.
Example: Making fun of how serious "cool kids" act to show how silly it is.
VOCAB
Leverage
Power you have over someone else, usually because you know a secret.
Diary context: Rodrick has leverage over Greg because of the "Secret."
Quick Check: Identify the Term!
Read the sentences below and match them to one of the terms above.
1
Greg says he is the "best person for the job," but the drawing shows him failing.
2
"My backpack weighs ten thousand pounds!"
3
Rodrick makes Greg do his laundry because he saw what happened last summer.
Diary Discovery Slides Diary Discovery
Week 1: Who is Greg Heffley?
Book 1
Lesson 1
Journal or Diary?
The "Diary"
Records daily feelings
Usually private
Greg says: "I don't have a diary!"
The "Journal"
Records events/ideas
For future "fans"
Greg says: "It's a journal."
Why do you think Greg is so sensitive about the word "Diary"?
Literary Term #1
First-Person Narrator
The storyteller is a character in the story. They use pronouns like "I," "me," "my," and "we."
"I'm stuck in middle school with a bunch of morons."
Greg Heffley
Personal & Subjective
Character Trait Hunt
Based on the first few pages, how would you describe Greg?
Ambitious
Lazy
Sarcastic
Judgmental
Evidence?
Let's find proof:
"The only reason I agreed to do this at all is because I figure later on when I'm rich and famous..."
What does this tell us about him?
Middle School Lingo
Moron
Noun / Slang
A very stupid person. (Greg's favorite word for classmates!)
Growth Spurt
Noun
When a person grows very tall very quickly during puberty.
Slinging
Verb
Carrying or hanging something (like a backpack) over one shoulder.
Complete the matching section on your worksheet now!
Middle School Lingo Worksheet Middle School Lingo
Week 1: Vocabulary Part 1
Name:
Date:
1 Word Matching
1. Moron
____
2. Journal
____
3. Underdog
____
4. Grown-up
____
5. Popular
____
A. A person expected to lose or fail.
B. An adult (parent, teacher, or neighbor).
C. A book for personal thoughts and daily events.
D. Informal (rude) word for "not smart."
E. Liked or admired by many people in school.
2 Sentence Practice
Write a complete sentence for each word. Show you know the meaning!
1. Underdog Hint: Think about Greg in middle school.
2. Journal Hint: Why does Greg write in one?
Language Note: Greg says "moron" often. In 8th grade English, we practice being respectful. Use "unwise" in professional writing!
Turn Over
Practice Continued...
Part 2 of 2
3. Popular Hint: How do kids become popular?
4. Grown-up Hint: Describe an adult in Greg's life.
5. Moron Hint: What is a silly mistake Greg made?
Master Level Bonus
Write one Master Sentence using two of your vocabulary words from today. Make it a good one!
Capitals
Punctuation
Spelling
Middle School Lingo Assignment • End
My First Entry Writing Template My First Entry
Week 1 Assignment 3: Narrative Writing
Name:
Date:
Writing Prompt:
Greg writes about his daily life in a journal . Now it is your turn! Imagine you are a character in the book. Write about your first day of school.
September
Sentence Starter 1: My first day of school was...
Sentence Starter 2: I saw a student who looked...
Sentence Starter 3: I felt nervous because...
Draw Your Cartoon
(Draw a stick figure of yourself here)
Vocabulary Check:
• Nervous: Worried or afraid
• Crowded: Too many people
• Excited: Very happy/feeling high energy
• Cafeteria: The room where you eat lunch
Unreliable Narrator Note Taker Can We Trust Greg?
Week 1 Assignment 2: Literary Terms
Name:
Date:
New Concept: Unreliable Narrator
An unreliable narrator is a storyteller who doesn't tell the whole truth. Greg thinks he is perfect, but we can see he makes mistakes. Sometimes he lies to the reader or even to himself!
The Truth Tracker
As you read, find two times when Greg says one thing, but you think the truth is different.
What Greg Says (The Text)
What is Actually True?
"I'm pretty much the most popular kid in school." (Page 6)
Greg is actually ranked #52 or #53. He is not the most popular yet!
Find a quote or describe an event:
Explain the "Real Truth":
Find another example:
Explain the "Real Truth":
Critical Thinking
Why does Greg tell these "little lies" in his journal?
#Truth #Bias #Perspective #WimpyKid
Simile Metaphor Mash Worksheet Simile vs. Metaphor
Week 1 Assignment 4: Making Comparisons
Name:
Date:
Simile
Comparing two things using the words "like" or "as."
"Middle school is like a prison."
Metaphor
Comparing two things by saying one thing IS another thing. (No "like" or "as").
"Middle school is a battlefield."
Part 1: Which is it?
Write S for Simile or M for Metaphor.
1
"Rowley is as slow as a turtle."
2
"The cafeteria food is poison."
3
"Greg’s backpack feels like a bag of bricks."
4
"My older brother Rodrick is a nightmare."
Vocabulary: Comparisons
Use the words in the box to complete the metaphors and similes about school.
Storm Lion Ice Puzzle
1. The hallway during class change is a ____________________.
2. My math homework is as hard to solve as a ____________________.
3. The Principal is as scary as a hungry ____________________.
4. When the teacher is angry, the room is as cold as ____________________.
Part 3: Draw Your Comparison
Finish this metaphor: "Middle school is a _________." Then draw it!
Draw here
Comparing My World Worksheet Comparing My World
Simile & Metaphor • Week 1 Assignment 4
Name:
Date:
The Simile
A simile compares two things using the words LIKE or AS.
"Greg is as skinny as a pencil."
The Metaphor
A metaphor compares two things by saying one thing IS the other.
"Middle school is a jungle."
Part 1: Vocabulary Connections
Skinny
Meaning: Very thin; not having much fat or muscle.
Vocab
Clumsy
Meaning: Moving in an awkward way; dropping things.
Vocab
A Foil
Meaning: A character who is the opposite of another.
Vocab
Part 2: Practice
1. Write a SIMILE about how Rowley eats his lunch. (Use "like" or "as")
2. Write a METAPHOR about the middle school hallway when it is crowded.
3. Look at Greg and Rodrick. Write a COMPARISON sentence about them.
Visual Metaphor
If Greg Heffley was an animal, what would he be? Draw him as that animal below.
Draw your visual metaphor here
"Greg is a _______________________ because _______________________________________."
Cheese Legend Reading Guide The Legend of the Cheese
Week 2 Assignment 1: Visual Reading Guide
Name:
Date:
Reading Focus: Social Rules
Read the pages about the Cheese Touch . Why are the kids so afraid of a piece of cheese?
1 Looking at the Drawings
Find the picture of the cheese on the basketball court. Describe how the cheese looks using three adjectives (describing words).
1. ____________
2. ____________
3. ____________
Hint: Is it clean? Is it fresh? Is it gross?
2 What are the "Rules" of the Cheese?
Explain what happens if someone touches the cheese. Use the words "contagious" and "protect."
New Vocabulary: Social Exclusion
Excluded (verb):
When you are not allowed to join a group.
Outcast (noun):
A person who is rejected by others.
Check for Understanding:
Is the student with the Cheese Touch included or excluded from playing with others?
Included
Excluded
Is there a "Cheese Touch" in your school? (Something that makes kids act silly or stay away from someone?) Social Hazard Slides Social Hazards
Week 2: Popularity & Hyperbole
The Cheese Touch
Social Hierarchy
Bottom 50%
Top 100
The Elite
Greg's Goal: Move UP.
In middle school, social status can change fast. One mistake (like the Cheese Touch) can ruin everything.
Discussion Question:
How does Greg try to climb the pyramid? Does it work?
Literary Device
HYPERBOLE
An extreme exaggeration used to make a point or be funny.
Normal Sentence
"The cheese is old and gross."
Hyperbole
"One touch will turn you into a social leper for the rest of your life!"
Is it Hyperbole?
"I've been waiting for Rowley for a million years ."
YES!
"Rowley is shorter than the other kids."
NO.
"If I have to do this, I'm going to die of embarrassment."
YES!
Why does Greg use hyperbole so much in his journal?
🧀
The Legend
Vocabulary Check
Allegory: A story that has a deeper meaning (often about society).Ostracize: To exclude someone from a group on purpose.Legend: A famous story from the past that may or may not be true.
Read the Cheese Legend Guide now!
Hyperbole Hunters Worksheet Hyperbole Hunters
Week 2 Assignment 2: Literary Devices
Name:
Date:
What is Hyperbole?
Hyperbole is when you exaggerate (make something sound much bigger or more dramatic than it really is) to show how you feel.
🍕
"I'm so hungry I could eat a thousand pizzas!" (This is hyperbole because no one can eat 1,000 pizzas).
Part 1: Is it Hyperbole?
Read the sentences below. Check (✔) the ones that are examples of hyperbole.
"The Cheese Touch is basically a death sentence ."
"I have five books in my backpack."
"I've been waiting for a million years in this lunch line."
"Middle school is full of morons ."
Part 2: Hyperbole in Your Life
Write your own hyperbole for each situation below.
Situation: You have a lot of homework.
Normal: I have a lot of homework.
Hyperbole:
Situation: The cafeteria food is bad.
Normal: This food is not good.
Hyperbole:
Situation: Your backpack is very heavy.
Normal: My bag is heavy.
Hyperbole:
"Greg uses hyperbole because everything feels huge in middle school!"
Social Hazard Creative Assignment The Ultimate Hazard
Week 2 Assignment 4: Creative Hyperbole
Name:
Date:
The Hyperbole Challenge
The "Cheese Touch" is a social legend based on hyperbole (extreme exaggeration). Now, you must invent a NEW social hazard for your school.
1. Name Your Hazard
(Example: The Broken Pencil Curse, The Lunchroom Doom)
The ____________________
2. The "Hyperbole" Rule
What happens if you touch it? (Exaggerate!)
Draw the Hazard!
Draw here
The Legend Grows
Write a short journal entry explaining how the hazard started. Use one phrasal verb (like found out, showed up, broke out ).
Monday
"You won't believe what happened today..."
Popularity Pyramid Activity The Popularity Pyramid
Week 2 Assignment 3: Social Dynamics
Name:
Date:
The Middle School Hierarchy
Greg is obsessed with being popular . He thinks middle school is like a pyramid where some kids are "higher" than others.
Top
Most Popular
Average Kids
Least Popular / Outcasts
Bottom
Where is Greg?
On page 6, Greg says he is ranked #52 or #53 . Draw an X on the pyramid where you think Greg is right now.
Why is he there?
Rowley's Spot
Greg is worried that Rowley will make him less popular. Do you think Rowley is above or below Greg?
Above
Below
Reflect: In the book, is it better to be popular or to have a best friend ? What does Greg think? What do you think?
Symbolism Alliteration Worksheet Symbols and Sounds
Week 2 Assignment 5: Symbolism & Alliteration
Name:
Date:
Concept 1: Symbolism
When an object represents a bigger idea.
🧀
The Cheese
In the book, the moldy cheese isn't just food. It is a symbol .
What does the Cheese represent in middle school? (Circle the best answer)
A. Fear of being alone
B. A delicious snack
C. High grades
D. Good luck
Explain why: ____________________________________________________________________
Concept 2: Alliteration
When words close together start with the SAME sound.
"Greg's Great Games!"
(All words start with the 'G' sound)
Task: Complete these Alliterations!
1. Rowley's ____________________ ____________________ (Think of R words: Really Radical, Red Robot...)
2. Manny's ____________________ ____________________ (Think of M words: Mad Monster, Messy Milk...)
3. Rodrick's ____________________ ____________________ (Think of R words: Rocking Rebel, Rude Rules...)
Vocabulary Spotlight
Exclusion: Keeping someone out of a group.
Hierarchy: A system where people are ranked one above another.
"Greg uses alliteration to make his insults sound catchier, and the Cheese is a symbol of social death."
Playground Living Worksheet Playground Living
Alliteration & Personification • Week 2 Assignment 4
Name:
Date:
Alliteration
When many words in a row start with the SAME SOUND .
"Greg got a great grade."
Personification
Giving HUMAN FEELINGS or actions to objects or animals.
"The cheese waited for its next victim."
Vocabulary: Playground Sounds & Sights
Rotting (adj)
Decaying; becoming bad or smelly (like the cheese).
Glisten (verb)
To shine with a sparkling light.
Screech (verb/noun)
A loud, harsh, piercing cry or sound.
Terrifying (adj)
Causing extreme fear.
Part 1: Alliteration Challenge
Create a sentence using alliteration for each character. Use words starting with the same letter!
GREG:
Example: Greg got green grapes...
ROWLEY:
MANNY:
Part 2: Making Objects Human
In the book, the Cheese is treated like a person or a monster. Choose an object from a school playground and give it human feelings or actions.
Object: The Basketball
Example: The basketball shivered when it saw the hoop.
Object: The Lunch Bell
Object: The Backpack
Draw your "living" backpack or bell here
Middle School Idioms Worksheet Idiom Intervention
Week 3: Advanced Figurative Language
Name:
Date:
Mastering Middle School Slang
Idioms are the "secret code" of English. To master them, you must understand the feeling behind the phrase, not just the literal words.
Part 1: The Context Challenge
DIFFICULTY: LEVEL 2
Stick out like a sore thumb Slack off Get off the hook Cut to the chase Last straw
Greg was supposed to be practicing for his piano recital, but he decided to ____________________________________ and play video games instead. Now he's in trouble.
When Rowley wore his Halloween costume to school on a regular Monday, he really started to ____________________________________ in the hallway.
Rodrick was about to get grounded, but he managed to ____________________________________ by blaming the mess on Manny.
"Don't give me the long story," Greg's dad said. "Just ____________________________________ and tell me who broke the window."
Greg has been annoying Rodrick all week, but when he accidentally spilled milk on Rodrick’s new drum, that was the ____________________________________.
Part 2: Analytical Breakdown
DIFFICULTY: LEVEL 3
Instead of drawing, explain the logical "bridge" between the literal image and how it applies to Greg's life.
Idiom: "Barking up the wrong tree"
Literal Meaning
Looking in the wrong place or accusing the wrong person.
Wimpy Kid Connection
How would Greg use this when Rodrick blames him for something Rowley did?
Idiom: "A bitter pill to swallow"
Literal Meaning
An unpleasant fact that is difficult to accept.
Wimpy Kid Connection
How does Greg feel when he realizes he's actually less popular than Rowley?
Part 3: Original Scenarios
DIFFICULTY: LEVEL 4
Choose ONE of the idioms below and write a 3-sentence diary entry from Greg's perspective using it correctly.
Under the weather Piece of cake On thin ice
Visual Truth Slides Visual Truth
Week 3: Deep Dive into Visual Irony & Idioms
Mastering the Secret Code
The Big Picture
In Diary of a Wimpy Kid , the story is told in two ways:
1. Greg's Written Words
2. Greg's Visual Sketches
To find the Truth, we must look at both!
Visual Literacy
The ability to "read" images and understand their hidden meaning.
Essential Term
VISUAL IRONY
When the WRITTEN TEXT says one thing, but the DRAWING shows the truth.
The Text Says:
"I am a natural leader. People look up to me."
The Drawing Shows:
Greg hiding under a table while his friends look for him.
Idioms
The Language "Secret Code"
Definition:
An IDIOM is a group of words that has a special meaning.
You cannot understand it by looking at the literal (real) meaning of each word.
The Reality Gap
Literal Meaning
"A piece of cake"
A real slice of dessert sitting on a plate.
This is wrong!
Idiomatic Meaning
"A piece of cake"
Something that is very easy to do.
This is the secret!
Book Spotlight
Insert Rowley
The Idiom:
"Stick out like a sore thumb"
What it means:
To be very obvious or different from everyone else in a group.
Why Greg uses it:
"Rowley's clothes make him stick out like a sore thumb in the middle school hallway."
Why use them?
Personality
Greg uses idioms to sound like a real teenager. It builds his "unreliable" voice.
Emphasis
Idioms make a description much stronger than just using plain words.
Humor
Jeff Kinney often draws the literal meaning for a joke!
Your Turn!
Open your Middle School Idioms Worksheet. Let's practice breaking the secret code.
Get to Work!
Wimpy Wisdom Advice Column Ask an Expert
Week 3 Assignment 4: Perspective Writing
Name:
Date:
The Advice Column
Greg thinks he knows everything about middle school. Imagine you are Greg. Answer these questions from "newer" students using your Wimpy Wisdom . Use at least one idiom or phrasal verb .
Dear Greg,
"I'm really worried about the Cheese Touch . What should I do if someone tries to touch me with it?"
— Nervous in 6th Grade
Greg's Advice:
Dear Greg,
"Rowley keeps asking me to play , but I want to be cool and popular . What's the best way to climb the pyramid?"
— Future Celebrity
Greg's Advice:
Try to use these:
Slack off Catch a break Hang out Underdog
Visual Truth Slides Skeleton Visual Truth
Week 3: Deep Dive into Visual Irony & Idioms
Mastering the Secret Code
The Big Picture
In Diary of a Wimpy Kid , the story is told in two ways:
1. Greg's Written Words
2. Greg's Visual Sketches
To find the Truth, we must look at both!
Visual Literacy
The ability to "read" images and understand their hidden meaning.
Essential Term
VISUAL IRONY
When the WRITTEN TEXT says one thing, but the DRAWING shows the truth.
The Text Says:
"I am a natural leader. People look up to me."
The Drawing Shows:
Greg hiding under a lunch table while his classmates point and laugh.
Idioms
The Language "Secret Code"
Definition:
An IDIOM is a group of words that has a special meaning.
You cannot understand it by looking at the literal (real) meaning of each word.
The Reality Gap
Literal Meaning
"A piece of cake"
A real slice of dessert sitting on a plate.
This is wrong!
Idiomatic Meaning
"A piece of cake"
Something that is very easy to do.
This is the secret!
Book Spotlight
Visual Example
(Imagine Rowley wearing a bowtie and vest while everyone else wears t-shirts)
The Idiom:
"Stick out like a sore thumb"
What it means:
To be very obvious or different from everyone else in a group.
Why Greg uses it:
"Rowley's clothes make him stick out like a sore thumb in the middle school hallway."
Why use them?
Personality
Greg uses idioms to sound like a real teenager. It builds his "unreliable" voice.
Emphasis
Idioms make a description much stronger than just using plain words.
Humor
Jeff Kinney often draws the literal meaning for a joke!
Your Turn!
Open your Middle School Idioms Worksheet. Let's practice breaking the secret code.
Get to Work!
Phrasal Verb Fun Activity Action Words Challenge
Week 3 Assignment 3: Phrasal Verbs
Name:
Date:
New Concept: Phrasal Verbs
A phrasal verb is a verb + a small word (like up, out, on). They are very common in spoken English.
Example: "Hang out" means to spend time with friends.
Example: "Mess up" means to make a mistake.
Part 1: The Phrasal Verb Bank
Show up
Give up
Find out
Take off
1. Greg was afraid his parents would ____________________ about the secret party.
2. Rowley and Greg like to ____________________ at the local arcade.
3. Rodrick didn't want any of Greg's friends to ____________________ at his band practice.
4. Sometimes Greg wants to ____________________ on being popular because it is too hard.
Part 2: Which one is correct?
Greg's mom told him to clean _____ his room before the weekend.
UP
OUT
ON
Rodrick turned _____ the music so loud that the whole street could hear.
DOWN
UP
OFF
Write a short dialogue between Greg and Rowley. Use at least one phrasal verb from today!
Greg:
"Hey Rowley, do you want to..."
Rowley:
Drawing the Truth Worksheet Drawing the Truth
Week 3 Assignment 1: Visual Literacy
Name:
Date:
Visual Literacy
In *Diary of a Wimpy Kid*, the drawings often tell a different story than the words . This is how we know Greg is an unreliable narrator!
Part 1: The Gap
The Text Says:
"I was perfectly calm when I went to see the Principal."
The Drawing Shows:
Imagine a drawing of Greg shaking with sweat on his face.
What is the "Visual Truth"?
Part 2: Finding Clues
Authors use background details to show what is really happening. Look at any page in the book with a crowd of students.
1. Look at the other students' faces. Are they laughing with Greg or at Greg?
Laughing WITH
Laughing AT
How do you know? Describe their eyebrows or mouths:
2. Perspective Check: Does the drawing make Greg look big (powerful) or small (weak)?
Part 3: Draw Your Own Gap
Write a sentence that is "unreliable" (not completely true), and then draw the reality in the box.
My Unreliable Sentence: (Example: "I am a great basketball player.")
Draw the truth here!
Personification Doodles Worksheet Giving Life to Doodles
Week 3 Assignment 5: Personification
Name:
Date:
New Concept: Personification
Personification is when you give human qualities (like talking, feeling, or wearing clothes) to an object or an animal .
Example: In Greg’s drawings, he might draw a sandwich with a face that looks angry. The sandwich is being personified!
Part 1: Is it Human?
Look at the sentences below. What human quality is the object given?
"The alarm clock screamed at Greg to wake up."
Human Quality: ____________________
"The moldy cheese waited for a victim."
Human Quality: ____________________
"Greg’s diary begged him to write in it."
Human Quality: ____________________
Review & Callback
As we finish Book 1, Greg says he is "done" with Rowley. Use Personification to describe how their friendship feels right now.
"Their friendship died and is buried under the basketball court."
This personifies "Friendship" as if it were a person.
Try one yourself: Personify the "Cheese Touch" as if it were a person at school.
"The Cheese Touch __________________________________________________________________"
Part 3: Personification Doodle
Draw Rodrick’s drums. Give them a face and a human feeling. (Are they tired? Happy? Angry?)
Draw the personified drums here
Visual Truth Slides Skeleton Visual Truth
Week 3: Deep Dive into Visual Irony & Idioms
Mastering the Secret Code
The Big Picture
In Diary of a Wimpy Kid , the story is told in two ways:
1. Greg's Written Words
2. Greg's Visual Sketches
To find the Truth, we must look at both!
Visual Literacy
The ability to "read" images and understand their hidden meaning.
Essential Term
VISUAL IRONY
When the WRITTEN TEXT says one thing, but the DRAWING shows the truth.
The Text Says:
"I am a natural leader. People look up to me."
The Drawing Shows:
Greg hiding under a lunch table while his classmates point and laugh.
Idioms
The Language "Secret Code"
Definition:
An IDIOM is a group of words that has a special meaning.
You cannot understand it by looking at the literal (real) meaning of each word.
The Reality Gap
Literal Meaning
"A piece of cake"
A real slice of dessert sitting on a plate.
This is wrong!
Idiomatic Meaning
"A piece of cake"
Something that is very easy to do.
This is the secret!
Book Spotlight
Visual Analysis
Notice how Rowley is the only student wearing a formal vest and bowtie in the hallway.
The Idiom:
"Stick out like a sore thumb"
What it means:
To be very obvious or different from everyone else.
Example:
"Rowley's clothes make him stick out like a sore thumb in the middle school hallway."
Why use them?
Personality
Greg uses idioms to sound like a real teenager. It builds his "unreliable" voice.
Emphasis
Idioms make a description much stronger than just using plain, boring words.
Humor
Jeff Kinney often draws the literal meaning for a joke!
Your Turn!
Open your Middle School Idioms Worksheet. Let's practice breaking the secret code.
Get to Work!
Wimpy Master Slides Wimpy Mastery
Week 6: The Final Chapter
Unit Review & Final Project
Plot Resolution
The "Secret" Discovery
Think back: Rodrick had leverage because of Greg's secret. What happened when the secret finally came out?
Climax:
The most intense, exciting, or important point of the story.
Irony Strikes Again!
"The more Greg tried to hide it, the more people wanted to know."
Was the secret as bad as Greg thought? Or was he using Hyperbole ?
Term Challenge
Hyperbole
"I waited a billion years!"
Satire
Making fun of the "Cool Kids."
Visual Irony
Text says "I'm fit," picture shows him tired.
Unreliable Narrator
Greg only tells his side of the truth.
Your Turn to Write!
You will create your own Journal Entry .
Apply everything you learned:
Write in 1st Person ("I", "Me").
Use 1 piece of Hyperbole.
Use 1 Idiom or Phrasal Verb.
Include a drawing with Visual Irony .
Project Rubric:
Creativity
Grammar (Past Tense)
Use of Literary Devices
Congratulations!
You have completed the Wimpy Kid Chronicles.
Book 1 Read
Book 2 Read
Mastery Achieved
Ready for the Final Test?
Final Mastery Test Worksheet Final Mastery Test
Wimpy Kid Chronicles • Unit Assessment
Name:
Date:
Part 1: Vocabulary Check
1. Hierarchy _______
2. Leverage _______
3. Unreliable _______
4. Exclusion _______
A. Power used to control someone else.
B. A ranking system (like social levels at school).
C. Keeping someone out of a group on purpose.
D. Cannot be trusted to tell the whole truth.
Part 2: Identify the Device
Write the letter of the device next to the sentence.
"The secret was a ticking time bomb." __
"Rowley was as happy as a clam." __
"Manny’s messy morning." __
The Cheese symbol of loneliness. __
A. Simile
B. Metaphor
C. Alliteration
D. Symbolism
Part 3: Advanced Concepts
1. Foreshadowing: How does Greg's secret in the beginning hint at the ending?
2. Oxymoron: Why is "Löded Diper" a good example of an oxymoron?
3. Satire: What is the author making fun of in Rodrick’s band?
Part 4: Visual Irony
Explain the "Gap" between Greg's words and the author's drawings. Use the term Visual Irony .
Wimpy Mastery Review Worksheet Wimpy Mastery Review
Week 6 Assignment 1: Unit Recap
Name:
Date:
Literary Device Mega-Check
1. Simile: Comparing with "like" or "as".
2. Metaphor: Saying one thing IS another.
3. Alliteration: Same starting sounds.
4. Hyperbole: Extreme exaggeration.
5. Personification: Giving human traits to objects.
6. Foreshadowing: A hint about the future.
7. Symbolism: Object representing an idea.
8. Oxymoron: Two opposite words together.
Part 1: Identify the Device
"The secret was a ticking time bomb in Greg's head."
________________
"Löded Diper" (A name with opposite meanings)
________________
"Greg’s g rueling g ym g ames."
________________
The Cheese representing social exclusion.
________________
Vocabulary Review
Complete the sentences with: Leverage, Unreliable, Satire, Irony.
1. Rodrick has ____________________ over Greg because he saw him at the retirement home.
2. Greg is an ____________________ narrator because he doesn't tell the whole truth.
3. The author uses ____________________ to make fun of Rodrick's band.
4. It is ____________________ that the video of Greg's mom makes the band famous.
Which literary device was the most helpful for understanding Greg's feelings? Why?
Final Mastery Test Answer Key Teacher Answer Key
Wimpy Kid Chronicles • Final Mastery Test
ELL UNIT
Part 1: Vocabulary Match
1. Outcast: B (Someone rejected by the group)
2. Leverage: A (Power over someone else)
3. Contagious: D (Spreads easily)
4. Confess: C (To tell the truth about a mistake)
Part 2: Literary Devices
1
"Million years" line — HYPERBOLE
2
Talent Show Video — IRONY (Situational)
3
'Löded Diper' name — SATIRE
Part 3: Visual Literacy
Correct Answer:
"To show the 'Visual Truth' that Greg doesn't say."
Teacher Note: Encourage students to explain that Greg is an unreliable narrator who often lies to himself or the reader.
Part 4: Short Response
Sample Answer:
"Rodrick has leverage because he knows a secret about Greg from the summer. He uses this secret to make Greg do his homework and chores so that Rodrick doesn't tell anyone."
Grading Scale (Total: 25 Points)
Part 1: 8 pts
Part 2: 9 pts
Part 3: 3 pts
Part 4: 5 pts
Final Entry Project Worksheet My Wimpy Story
Week 6 Assignment 3: Final Project
Name:
Date:
The Final Mission
It is time to write your own journal entry . You must write about one funny thing that happened to you at school or at home.
✔ Use 1 Hyperbole
✔ Use 1 Phrasal Verb
✔ Draw 1 Cartoon
Today's Date:
Start your story here:
The "Visual Truth" Cartoon
Draw a cartoon that shows how you really felt in your story!
Draw your stick-figure self here
Finished Text
Finished Cartoon
Best Effort
Löded Diper Slides Löded Diper
"It's spelled like that on purpose!"
Week 5: Satire & Rock
The Band
Expectation
Rodrick wants to be a famous rock star. He thinks the band is cool, edgy, and ready for a record deal.
Reality
They practice in a garage, their name is misspelled, and they aren't actually very good at playing instruments.
Literary Term #3
SATIRE
The use of humor, irony, or exaggeration to mock (make fun of) people's stupidity or social rules.
The author uses Rodrick's band to satirize "tough" rock stars who think they are cooler than they really are.
Situational Irony
Rodrick tries to be a "rebel" and ignore his parents' rules...
But he has to ask his mom for a ride to the gig and gas money.
Vocabulary Check
Gimmick
A trick or device intended to attract attention or business.
Stereotype
A widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person.
Discussion:
What "rock star" stereotypes does Rodrick follow? Does he successfully break them?
Complete your Satire Spotlight worksheet!
Löded Satire Assignment Löded Satire
Week 5: 9th Grade Literary Analysis
Student: ____________________
Date: ____________________
The Satire Toolkit
Satire is using humor to show that something—like a person's behavior or a social rule—is silly or flawed. It focuses on the Reality Gap.
Funny Imitation
Copying a specific style (like a rock band) to make fun of it.
Sharp Contrast
Showing a "cool" idea next to a "boring" reality to highlight the difference.
LÖDED DIPER
A Case Study in Satire
Part 1: The Reality Gap
Analyze the **Sharp Contrast** between what Rodrick wants to be and what is actually true.
Perception (The Goal)
The "Hard Rock" Aesthetic
• Spelling the name incorrectly to look "dangerous."
• Wearing dark clothes and making angry faces.
• Thinking his band name sounds powerful.
Reality (The Truth)
The Suburban Reality
Part 2: The Unexpected Joke
Rodrick uses a Heavy Metal Umlaut (the dots over the 'ö') to look like a serious band. Explain why it is funny (unexpected) to use a "tough" symbol on a word about a baby's dirty diaper:
EXPLANATION:
Part 3: Satirical Design Plan
Visual Project
Instead of drawing, you will pitch a satirical concert poster design for Löded Diper. Your goal is to show how silly the band is by using the tools we learned.
Visual Element 1: Imitation
Describe one "hard rock" detail you would include to make the band look like they are trying too hard to be cool.
Visual Element 2: Sharp Contrast
Describe a "boring" or "normal" detail you would place in the background to show the reality of Rodrick's life.
The Satirical Slogan
Write a funny concert slogan that uses an unexpected joke about the band.
Analytical Reflection:
Why does your design plan count as satire ? How does it make fun of Rodrick's "tough" image?
Wimpy Kid Chronicles "Satire is a mirror where we see everyone's face but our own." Grade Level: 09 (ELL)
Perfect Disaster Worksheet Perfect Disaster
Oxymorons • Unit 4 Lesson 3
Name:
Date:
What is an Oxymoron?
An oxymoron is a phrase where two words with Opposite meanings are used together.
Example 1
"Seriously Funny"
Serious + Funny
Example 2
"Original Copy"
Original + Copy
1 Build an Oxymoron
Match the words to create oxymorons. Draw a line to connect them!
1. Open
2. Pretty
3. Act
4. Virtual
5. Small
A. Reality
B. Natural
C. Secret
D. Ugly
E. Crowd
Turn the page for Wimpy Oxymorons • Part 2 →
2 Wimpy Oxymorons
Fill in the blanks using the word bank below.
Deafening Silence Awfully Good Lazy Professional Organized Chaos
Scenario A
Rodrick sleeps all day but wants everyone to think he is a serious, hard-working rock star.
Rodrick is a:
Scenario B
When Greg's mom catches him in a lie, she just looks at him without saying a word. It feels very loud.
There was a:
Scenario C
Rowley does a magic trick that is technically terrible, but it makes everyone in the class laugh and cheer.
The trick was:
Creative Task
Create Your Own
Choose one oxymoron and write 2-3 sentences about your life.
Capitals
Punctuation
Opposites
Löded Satire Assignment Löded Satire
Week 5: 9th Grade Literary Analysis
Student: ____________________
Date: ____________________
The Satire Toolkit
Satire is using humor to show that something—like a person's behavior or a social rule—is silly or flawed. It focuses on the Reality Gap .
Funny Imitation
Copying a specific style (like a rock band) to make fun of it or show how silly it is.
Sharp Contrast
Showing a "cool" idea right next to a "boring" reality to highlight the difference.
Löded Diper
Case Study 5.1: Analyzing the Parody
Part 1: The Reality Gap
Analyze the Sharp Contrast between what Rodrick wants to be and what is actually true.
Perception (The Goal)
The "Hard Rock" Look
Spelling the name incorrectly to look "dangerous."
Wearing dark clothes and making angry faces.
Thinking the band name sounds powerful and edgy.
Reality (The Truth)
The Suburban Life
Part 2: The Unexpected Joke
Rodrick uses an Umlaut (the dots over the 'ö') to look like a serious metal band. Why is it funny to use a "tough" symbol on a word about a baby's dirty diaper?
Your Explanation:
Part 3: Satirical Design Plan
Visual Pitch
Instead of drawing, you will pitch a satirical concert poster design for Löded Diper. Show how silly the band is by using the toolkit.
Visual Element 1: Imitation
Describe one "hard rock" detail you would include to make the band look like they are trying too hard to be cool.
Visual Element 2: Sharp Contrast
Describe a "boring" or "normal" detail you would place in the background to show the reality of Rodrick's life.
The Satirical Slogan
Write a funny concert slogan that uses an unexpected joke about the band's name or reality.
Final Analysis
Why does your design plan count as satire ? How does it highlight the "Reality Gap"?
Wimpy Kid Chronicles "Satire is a mirror where we see everyone's face but our own." Unit 5: 9th Grade ELL
Secret Party Evidence Worksheet The Evidence Trail
Week 5 Assignment 3: Critical Thinking
Name:
Date:
The Mystery of the Photo
Greg and Rodrick tried very hard to hide the party. But evidence (proof) always comes out! Let's analyze how they got caught.
Part 1: The Photo Discovery
On page 165, the parents find a photo. This is the turning point of the secret.
What did Rodrick think happened?
"We cleaned the whole house. They will never know."
What actually happened?
The parents found a photo of the party on their digital camera.
Why is this ironic? (Choose the best answer)
Because Rodrick is a bad photographer.
Because they cleaned the house, but forgot about the digital proof.
Because the parents arrived home early.
Vocabulary: Hiding the Truth
Match the word to its meaning for ELL students.
1. Evidence _______
2. Confess _______
3. Suspect _______
A. To tell the truth about doing something wrong.
B. To think that someone did something wrong.
C. Signs or objects that show something is true.
Draw the "Proof"
Imagine the parents found one more piece of evidence. Draw it here! (Example: a lost shoe, a spill, a CD)
Draw here
Band Practice Irony Worksheet Band Practice Irony
Week 5 Assignment 2: Situational Irony
Name:
Date:
Review: Situational Irony
Remember: Situational Irony is when the result is the opposite of what we expect. In the band chapters, many funny things happen because of irony.
Part 1: The Band's "Hard Work"
The Situation:
Rodrick tells his parents the band is practicing very hard for the Talent Show in the garage.
The Reality (The Irony):
Look at the cartoons on page 112. What are the band members actually doing?
Eating snacks/Watching TV
Playing their instruments
The Talent Show Plan:
Rodrick thinks the Talent Show will make everyone realize he is a cool rock star .
The Irony:
The performance is a disaster, but his mom's "dancing" makes the video go viral. Does Rodrick become famous for being "cool"?
Irony Vocabulary
A. Expectation ______
B. Reality ______
C. Disaster ______
1. What actually happens.
2. A complete failure or mess.
3. What you think will happen.
Write one sentence about a time something IRONIC happened to you at school.
(Example: I brought an umbrella to school, and then it didn't rain at all!)
Rodrick Rules Slides Rodrick Rules
Week 4: Sibling Rivals & Secrets
Book 2: The Sequel
Rodrick Heffley
Rodrick isn't like Greg. He has different goals.
Loves heavy metal music.
Hates school work.
Expert at annoying Greg.
Knows the Secret.
The Antagonist?
An antagonist is a character who opposes (goes against) the main character.
Is Rodrick a "villain" or just a mean brother?
Literary Device
SITUATIONAL IRONY
When the opposite of what everyone expects actually happens.
Example from the Book
Greg tries to hide a secret to look cool, but the way he hides it makes him look even worse.
Power Dynamics
Leverage
Leverage is power you have over someone because you know something they don't want others to know.
Secret = Leverage
"Rodrick's got me right where he wants me."
Because Rodrick has leverage, Greg has to:
- Do Rodrick's chores.
- Keep quiet when Rodrick is mean.
- Follow "Rodrick's Rules."
THE SECRET
"If anyone ever finds out what happened to me last summer, I'm going to have to move to a different state."
What do you think happened? Write 1 sentence in your journal!
The Secret Predictor Worksheet The Secret Predictor
Week 4 Assignment 4: Making Inferences
Name:
Date:
Reading Between the Lines
In *Rodrick Rules*, Greg is terrified of a secret . An inference is a guess you make based on clues in the book.
Part 1: The Evidence Board
Look for these clues in the first 50 pages of Book 2. What do they tell us about the secret?
Clue #1: The Location
"It happened at the retirement home where Grandpa lives."
My Inference:
Clue #2: The Witness
"Rodrick was the only one who saw it happen."
My Inference:
Part 2: My Final Prediction
Based on the clues, what do you think Greg's embarrassing secret is? Be specific!
I predict that...
Why would this secret give Rodrick "Leverage"?
Draw a "Top Secret" file folder that represents Greg's fear: Secret Leverage Worksheet The Secret Leverage
Week 4 Assignment 2: Irony & Power
Name:
Date:
New Word: Leverage
Leverage is when you have power over someone because you know something about them. In *Rodrick Rules*, Rodrick uses Greg's secret to make Greg do whatever he wants.
Scenario Analysis
The Secret:
"Rodrick knows about the incident in the retirement home locker room."
The Result:
Greg does Rodrick's chores.
Greg does Rodrick's homework.
Greg keeps quiet about Rodrick's party.
Power Balance
Who has the leverage in this relationship?
_________________
Wait... That's Irony!
Situational Irony is when what happens is the opposite of what you expected.
Think about the ending:
Greg is terrified that his secret will make him an "outcast" (someone no one likes).
What actually happened?
(Hint: Did the kids think he was cool or weird?)
Check for Understanding
If I study for 10 hours and then fail the test, is that situational irony ?
Yes
No
Foreshadowing Oxymoron Worksheet Secrets and Small Words
Week 4 Assignment 6: Foreshadowing & Oxymoron
Name:
Date:
Concept 1: Foreshadowing
When the author gives a hint about something that will happen later.
At the beginning of *Rodrick Rules*, Greg says:
"If anyone ever finds out what happened to me last summer, I’m going to have to move to a different state."
The Hint:
This is foreshadowing because it tells the reader that a big secret will be revealed later in the story.
How does this hint make you feel as a reader? (Check all that apply)
Curious
Bored
Worried for Greg
Excited
Concept 2: Oxymoron
When two words that have OPPOSITE meanings are put together.
Classic Example
"Jumbo Shrimp"
(Jumbo = Big, Shrimp = Small)
Band Example
"Löded Diper"
(Löded = Full/Heavy, Diper = ...Well, you know)
Match the opposite words to make an oxymoron:
1. Living
2. Only
3. Act
A. Choice
B. Dead
C. Natural
Vocabulary: Rivalry
Rodrick uses the secret as leverage to control Greg. What does this mean? (Choose the best definition for ELLs)
"Having power over someone because you know their secret."
"Being a good friend and keeping a secret safe."
Sibling Showdown Worksheet Sibling Showdown
Week 4 Assignment 1: Book 2 Intro
Name:
Date:
Sibling Dynamics
In *Rodrick Rules*, we meet Greg's older brother. How are they different?
Feature
Greg
Rodrick
School Level
Middle School
High School
Hobbies
Video games, being famous
Drums, sleeping, band
Biggest Problem
1. Who has more power?
Rodrick knows a secret about Greg. How does this change their relationship?
2. Family Rules
Greg's parents have different rules for Rodrick. Describe one rule that seems unfair to Greg.
Brotherly Conflict Word Bank
Annoying Unfair Secret Bully Jealous Tension
Secret Party Sequencing Worksheet The Secret Party
Week 3 Assignment 3: Sequencing & Verbs
Name:
Date:
What Happened First?
In *Rodrick Rules*, Rodrick has a secret party while his parents are away. Put the events in the correct order (1-5).
?
Rodrick and Greg clean the house very fast before their parents come home.
?
The parents leave the house and go away for the weekend.
?
Rodrick locks Greg in the basement so he can have the party.
?
The parents find a picture of the party on the camera.
?
Rodrick invites all his high school friends over for the party.
Past Tense Practice
Greg writes in his journal about things that already happened. Change these verbs to the past tense.
1. Hide ___________
2. Tell ___________
3. Find ___________
4. Lock ___________
5. Clean ___________
6. Invite ___________
Why did Greg help Rodrick clean the house? Use the word "because."
Signs of Trouble Worksheet Signs of Trouble
Foreshadowing & Symbolism • Week 3 Assignment 4
Name:
Date:
Foreshadowing
A HINT about what will happen later in the story.
"Greg felt like today was going to be a bad day." (This hints that a bad event is coming!)
Symbolism
When an OBJECT represents a big IDEA .
"The Cheese is a symbol of being an outcast."
Vocabulary: The Language of Mystery
Ominous (adj)
Feeling that something bad is going to happen.
Represent (verb)
To stand for or mean something else.
Suspense (noun)
A feeling of excitement or worry about what will happen.
Identity (noun)
Who a person is; the things that make a person unique.
Part 1: Foreshadowing Hunt
In *Rodrick Rules*, Greg mentions a "secret" many times before we know what it is. This is foreshadowing! How does Greg feel when he thinks about the secret?
Nervous
Sweaty
Terrified
Why does the author wait until the end to tell the secret?
Part 2: What does it mean?
Match the object from the story to the big idea it represents (symbolism).
1. The Diary/Journal
____
2. The Cheese
____
3. The Video Camera
____
A. Fear of being an outcast.
B. The truth coming out (evidence).
C. Greg's private thoughts & identity.
Foreshadowing & Symbolism Complete
