Diary of an Amazing Kid: Mini-Memoir Writing Camp
In this writing camp, young authors share their stories by crafting a creative memoir modeled after Jeff Kinney’s “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.”
Barbie Vargo, MAT
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(139)
What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Students will need to spend about 10-30 minutes outside of classroom completing their daily writing. Time required is dependent upon the author and intended memoir length.Assessment
Parents/guardians will receive personalized feedback for their learner at the conclusion of camp via Outschool's private chat feature.Class Experience
US Grade 3 - 6
What will students learn in this camp? In Diary of an Amazing Kid - Mini-Memoir Writing Camp, writers learn to take control of their stories. Relevant excerpts from Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series serve as models and inspiration for memoir writing. Games and exercises empower students with the experience and confidence for applying a variety of storytelling techniques to their work. The Writing Workshop model supports student-centered lessons with ample room for creativity. How is class structured?: Diary of an Amazing Kid - Mini-Memoir Writing Camp meets four times over the course of one week. Each lesson is approximately 50 minutes in length and is split into four equal sections. ① Story Share – Students share excerpts from their story and receive peer feedback using a collaborative, positive feedback model. ② Memoir Mini-Lesson – After being introduced to key concepts for writing a memoir, students brainstorm and draft their story’s plot. ③ Open Book Inspo – Looking at one of Jeff Kinney’s examples, students engage in a close reading and discussion of a relevant excerpt. A connected writing exercise strengthens understanding while providing students with an opportunity for applying new techniques. ④ The Write Time – Students apply learned techniques to craft their memoir. Teacher supports writers and answers questions. What is the course schedule? Lesson #1 - The Power of Perspective: Introduction + Author's Voice + Character Desire ➼ Explore the power of perspective with readings from Jeff Kinney's "Diary of a Wimpy Kid." ➼ Develop and strengthen an authentic author's voice though writing games and exercises. ➼ Explore the features of diary form before crafting an original introduction including the character’s desire. Lesson #2 - The Makings of a Memoir: Memory Map + Sensory Language + Rising Action ➼ Determine the makings of a memoir by examining and discussing relevant examples. ➼ Pinpoint the plot by completing a Memory Map. ➼ Draft a rising action with sensory language to captivate readers. Lesson #3 - Show vs. Tell: Dynamic Dialogue + Creating Tension + Cliffhanging Climax ➼ Deepen the story's memoir-ableness by incorporating dynamic dialogue that creates tension around the story’s problem. ➼ Explore ways to hook readers by examining Greg Heffley’s problems. ➼Craft a cliff-hanging climax using the “showing” strategy to zap readers into the scene. Lesson #4 - A Memoirable Ending: Figurative Language + Author’s Message + Reaching a Resolution ➼ Level-up your literary chops after exploring and drafting different examples of figurative language. ➼ Write a resolution that’ll teach your reader a lesson. ➼ Share and celebrate the diary entries from an amazing class during a final open mic drop party! Who is this class for?: If you’re a fan of the Wimpy Kid series this class is for you! This course is great for all writing levels and interest ranges. Writing enthusiasts will love expanding their author's toolkit through engaging with a variety of storytelling and literary techniques. Meanwhile, reluctant writers will build the skills and confidence for capturing their unique ideas onto paper. Our collaborative classroom community offers a funtastic atmosphere where we play with words and express ourselves creatively.
Learning Goals
Students will be able to...
⦾ explore relevant texts to identify a variety of literary techniques (figurative language, author's voice, diary form, plot devices, and more).
⦾ collaborate with classmates to participate in and complete shared writing activities.
⦾ develop an authentic author's voice while applying the features of diary form to tell an engaging, creative non-fiction story.
⦾ structure a memoir that engages audience and uses a range of storytelling techniques such as flash forward and cliffhanger.
⦾ participate in writing workshop through drafting, crafting, editing, and sharing original, creative works.
⦾ Give, receive, and apply constructive feedback using a positive, peer workshopping model.
Other Details
Supply List
Class workbook (posted in the announcements 24 hours or more prior to the start of the lesson) or a notebook and preferred writing utensils (pencil, crayons, colored pencils).
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Jeff Kinney's Diary of A Wimpy Kid Series
Joined May, 2020
4.9
139reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Welcome to my Outschool Teacher Profile! It's great to virtually meet you!
I'm Barbie Vargo, a 33 year old teacher and writer. I love educating others about my passions which include: writing, travel, mindfulness, creativity, and investigating the imagination.
I have taught online and in brick and mortar schools during my twelve year teaching career. A diverse range of experiences including writing curriculum, teaching English as a second language (ESL), training in and applying the Montessori method, and attending high quality professional development further qualify my instruction. During my time as a traditional classroom teacher, I implemented innovative teaching methods and attended leading edge education conferences such as SXSWedu. I have also worked as a travel writer, tour guide, and travel blogger. I participate in regular peer writing and editing groups and have been published in literary journals and on the web. All of these skills serve to provide me with the expertise to teach meaningful and engaging lessons here on Outschool.
As a life-long learner, I constantly strive to learn new things and inspire my students to do the same. At the University of Pittsburgh I studied English Writing and Communications (receiving Bachelor's degrees in both fields). I also hold a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Certificate in Children's Literature. My current endeavors seeks to bring mindful awareness and compassion to the education sector. As such, I am a certified Meditation Teacher and Neurolinguistic Programming Practitioner. My research based methodologies take a holistic approach to education while making meditation and emotional awareness approachable subjects.
I look forward to using my range of experiences to bring adventure and imagination to the classroom. I aim to enrich my students through creative expression, mindful communication, and open-minded exploration!
DISCOUNT ALERT: As the middle of five children, I totally understand the more the merrier...
Accordingly, when a second (or third, or fourth...) sibling is enrolled in the SAME section of any multi-day or one-time course, I offer a 30% discount via refund. The refund will be issued prior to the start of the first lesson. *** Please note discounts can NOT be applied for on-going courses.
Thank you :)Reviews
Live Group Class
$55
for 4 classes4x per week, 1 week
50 min
Completed by 33 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
2-8 learners per class
