Randi Rovetto: Blog #3

Tell us about your series. What do you like or dislike? Who would like this series? What resources are available related to this series. How could you use it in a classroom?

I am completely invested in my series book. Diary of Wimpy Kid has reminded me of what it is like to be an elementary/middle school student again. I was first introduced to the series when my brother was reading them for school. My favorite memory of him reading was when he would stop mid-sentence to giggle. Of course, as an older sister who takes education very seriously, I automatically assumed he was distracted by something else and not reading like he was supposed to. After minutes went by, my brother finally convinced me that it was the actual book that was so intriguing to him. Knowing my brother, I assumed all the funny words revolved around “poop” and “butts.” To my liking, I was completely wrong. Not that I am taking the time to sit down and read the series, I can see why my brother found the books to be so funny… because I do too! I would occasionally giggle and laugh out loud at something silly the main character, Greg, was doing. Now my brother and I have the wonderful opportunity to discuss each book and share what moments we enjoyed reading the most :)

I really like the way the books are written. The series is not a selection of short stories and does not contain some epic adventure a middle schooler stumbled upon. Instead, the book contains “journal” (not diary) entries of a typical kid and his daily endeavors. I really like the content not only because it makes me reflect of my experiences when I was that age, but because it gives me a good sense of understanding of the students I will eventually teach.

The character set up is great. The same characters are visible throughout each book, we the addition of some new characters along the way. I really like this because it allows you to really get to know each character and watch them grow as the series develops. I think the characters are a great representation of middle school student – you have the kid trying to fit in, the popular girl, the girl that’s a bully, the super smart kid, the kid that’s your best friend but sometimes you don’t want to admit it because he is super embarrassing – typical middle school. I like the main character Greg. He is in that stage in life where he wants to be super popular, thinks he will eventually become someone famous, and he really only thinks about himself. He comes up with weird, silly ideas on how to accomplish his small goal of the moment.

Lastly, I can not wait to introduce this series to my middle school students. I think it would encourage students to begin writing their own journal once they see how funny and informal they can make theirs. The pictures will only draw them in even more. I think it would be cool to introduce the books in the beginning of the school year so students (1) have time to read the entire series… 10 books and (2) can use the same format for bellworks or quick writes.