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.