Activity Overview
Example Theme and Support from Text
Belonging
- “I’ve been trying to be a lot more careful about my image ever since I got to middle school. But having Rowley around is definitely not helping.”
- “…I realized getting elected Treasurer could TOTALLY change my situation at school.”
- “So here’s what I’m thinking: This school year has been kind of a bust, but if I can get voted as Class Favorite, I’ll go out on a high note.”
Additional themes are courage, loyalty, friendship, and family.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from Diary of a Wimpy Kid you wish to include and replace the "Theme 1" text.
- Create an image for examples that represents this theme.
- Write a description of each of the examples.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified and described. | Some themes are correctly identified. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Examples of Theme(s) | All examples support the identified theme(s). | Most examples fit the identified theme(s). | Most examples do not fit the theme(s). |
| Illustrate Theme | Images clearly show connection with the theme(s). | Some images help to show the theme. | Images do not help in understanding the theme. |
Activity Overview
Example Theme and Support from Text
Belonging
- “I’ve been trying to be a lot more careful about my image ever since I got to middle school. But having Rowley around is definitely not helping.”
- “…I realized getting elected Treasurer could TOTALLY change my situation at school.”
- “So here’s what I’m thinking: This school year has been kind of a bust, but if I can get voted as Class Favorite, I’ll go out on a high note.”
Additional themes are courage, loyalty, friendship, and family.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from Diary of a Wimpy Kid you wish to include and replace the "Theme 1" text.
- Create an image for examples that represents this theme.
- Write a description of each of the examples.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified and described. | Some themes are correctly identified. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Examples of Theme(s) | All examples support the identified theme(s). | Most examples fit the identified theme(s). | Most examples do not fit the theme(s). |
| Illustrate Theme | Images clearly show connection with the theme(s). | Some images help to show the theme. | Images do not help in understanding the theme. |
How Tos about Themes of Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Plan a Theme Discussion Circle
Choose a central theme from Diary of a Wimpy Kid that your class will focus on for discussion. Invite students to sit in a circle and share examples from the book that relate to this theme. This encourages active listening and helps everyone see multiple perspectives on the same idea.
Guide students to support ideas with text evidence
Ask students to cite specific quotes or scenes from the book when discussing themes. This builds critical reading skills and helps students learn to back up their opinions with proof from the text.
Encourage personal connections to the theme
Prompt students to share real-life experiences or feelings that relate to the book's theme. This makes the discussion more meaningful and shows how literature connects to their own lives.
Use sentence starters for inclusive participation
Provide easy prompts like "I noticed..." or "This reminds me of..." to help all students join in. Sentence starters lower the barrier for participation, especially for shy or emerging readers.
Wrap up with a reflective exit ticket
Give each student a quick task to write or draw one thing they learned or felt during the discussion. Exit tickets are a simple way to assess understanding and encourage self-reflection.
Frequently Asked Questions about Themes of Diary of a Wimpy Kid
What are the main themes in Diary of a Wimpy Kid?
Diary of a Wimpy Kid explores major themes like belonging, friendship, family, loyalty, and courage. These themes help students connect with the characters and understand important life lessons.
How can I teach themes from Diary of a Wimpy Kid to my class?
Have students identify recurring themes and support them with text evidence. Using storyboards, students can illustrate examples, write short descriptions, and discuss how these themes relate to their own lives.
What is a simple activity to help students analyze themes in Diary of a Wimpy Kid?
Ask students to create a storyboard highlighting a theme, such as friendship or belonging, and include scenes from the book with brief descriptions. This visual approach encourages deeper understanding.
Why is understanding theme important when reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid?
Understanding theme helps students grasp the central message or moral of the story, allowing them to apply its lessons to their own experiences and develop critical thinking skills.
Can you give examples of belonging as a theme in Diary of a Wimpy Kid?
Examples include Greg’s desire to fit in at school, his worries about image, and his attempts to get elected as Class Favorite. These moments show his struggle to find acceptance and feel like he belongs.
More Storyboard That Activities
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
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