Mel's Mouthful Reviews Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel

I have to admit that when The Wimpy Kid books first arrived in the bookstores, I told my children that there was no way they were going to read them. It just looked "dodgy".

"Dodgy" is a word we use often in our house:

* when the children see someone suspicious across the road they tell me "there is someone dodgy on the other side of the road Mom, lock the door" - which pretty much covers almost anyone who walks past our house after we recently did a Stranger Danger study unit.

* sometimes the children refer to their food as being "dodgy" - though this is normally when Dad makes food unsupervised. In fact I remember one weekend where I went to attend a workshop and Chad crying and saying "What are we going to eat? We're going to starve."

* things are "dodgy" when it's unidentifiable, uncertain, a little suspicious looking, dirty, strange or just plain odd.

So The Diary of a Wimpy Kid was a dodgy book because I didn't want my kids using the word wimp or even consider someone a wimp because of who they are or what they do. Little did I know that this is not at all what these books are like. In fact this book is often hysterically and uncomfortably close to the truth about family life. An embarrassing mom and dad, a weird younger brother who does all the wrong things at the wrong time, an overbearing bossy brother and the challenges of peer pressure and school.

I must admit that I first watched The Diary of a Wimpy Kid on the big screen and I loved it - and so did my 71 year old mother (though I probably shouldn't put her age in here, she says it's not polite to mention a ladies age. I wish my boys knew that, as they still haven't stopped telling everyone they meet how old I am.  They also enjoy telling people very proudly that their dad is 2 years younger than their mother.) And so when Penguin Books South Africa gave me a copy of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel, I was thrilled. Of course I had to wait for all three boys to finish reading the book first, before they would even let me get my hands on it.

This time Greg is at middle school and he's on the hunt for a dance partner for the dreaded Valentine's Day dance with hysterical consequences. Eventually he decides to partner with his best friend Rowley Jefferson to secure a date for himself. We all know the feeling of trying to find the right date for such an important event. Taking a date equivocates with value. It seems all else fades in the pursuit a a partner - initially its all about the perfect girl till eventually it is reduced to anyone who is willing. This is the 7th in the series and with his usual skill at humour Jeff Kinney had me snickering and giggling.

It was highly entertaining and because the book has so many illustrations it really was a quick read - I don't think I took longer than an hour.

This book really is suitable for beginner readers and up (or should I just say 40 and get it out there). It's also a great tool to encourage journalling. My children enjoy journalling and every time they finish one of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid  books- they grab hold of their journal and start to avidly write and draw. Also the fact that there are so many illustrations, definitely appeals to my youngest "because it has pictures and the writing is not too small"

And I know that some of you are grumbling as you read this saying: "but my child doesn't like to read, I can't even get him to take books out of the library - well never fear - Mel is near (sounds like a superhero tag line that could work - if I only had a cape!) - if he doesn't like to read why not try the audio version - after listening to this on audio first, books will follow.

If you have any Wimpy Kid fans you can even watch Jeff Kinney(the author)present a cartoon class on drawing Greg. And in fact if you browse a bit there is loads of You Tube videos to watch and share with your Wimpy Kid enthusiasts. And for even more enjoyment, if you haven't had enough already, there is even an official Wimpy Kid website: http://www.wimpykid.com/

We would like to thank Penguin Books South Africa for giving us this book to review.  We did not get paid for this review, and all the thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are entirely ours.

How often do you journal with your kids?

Journaling is something I am really passionate about.  I make every effort I can to get my children to journal as much as possible.  It has become part of our daily routine.  With homeschooling starting tomorrow after a short break, we will most likely write about our favourite holiday activity.

I don't think there are any hard or fast rules about journaling but these are some of the guidelines I use as to how often I journal:

1.  As often as I can (yep a really simple one I know but it's true)

2.  I settle them first thing in the morning - by giving them the chance to express their thoughts.  

3.  After any big event - holidays, birthdays, excursions, visits by friends, camps

4.  Sometimes not for a week - I put this in so that you realise that I don't get it right either and some days are just crazy busy.  

5.  As often as possible without it becoming a chore, burden or something they hate.  They might occasionally moan but once they get into it they really enjoy it.

Though I make this as part of our school routine, I have found my children writing in their journals during holidays unprompted.  It becomes second nature to them eventually.

Happy Journaling

 

 

Journaling 101: 10 reasons why we journal?

We journal often.  And I have boys. Yes that's right and they love it.  They may be kinesthetic-bounce-in-their-chairs-never-sit-still-boys but they really enjoy journaling.  I might struggle to get them to write - in the old school ways of creative writing - but somehow journaling works differently and is seen differently by them.  They enjoy writing in them and they love reading their previous entries even more. 

1. It's fun

It is, and my children love me reading what they have written.  I make sure that it stays fun and I don't correct what they write.  I just read for enjoyment and because I do this, they love bringing it to me to read.  I can see them watching my face as I do, to see my reactions.

2.  Teaches writing skills

Not overnight but it does.  The biggest challenge with any child in developing writing skills is to actually get them to write.  I know the rest will come over time, but for the moment I just want them to write.

3.  Consolidating experiences

Some of our writing exercises have been about excursions or adventures and so they get the opportunity to consolidate and express their experiences.  It's interesting to me what they focus on - it's often the thing I least expect them to remember or be interested in.  It also gives them an opportunity for written narration because of this.

4.  It's not just about writing it's about creative expression

There is art, list making, collages, photos - but it's all about them and it's all varied. I love the fact that journaling is like art.  It can be done in so many ways, it's personal and no two pages look the same.  Journalling is a platform of creativity in so many ways.

5.  Giving children the opportunity to express their feelings on difficult issues

Given the opportunity - children are very honest writers.(this comes with a warning - they can be brutally honest) but I think its good.  Especially if you suspect that they are dealing with something in their lives, choosing a subject to write about wisely, gives them the opportunity to talk through some of the things they are wrestling with.

6.  Develop a love for writing

I love writing.  Am I a good writer?  I would say I am so so but that doesn't stop me from doing it.  I believe that reading and writing go hand in hand and it happens when they are passionate about it and love it.  There is nothing in their heads that say - no you can't do ti!

7.  Put into practice the theory of grammar and language

Journaling allows children to put into practise so much of what they have learnt. Having said this - I do not correct grammar and spelling in their journals.  I do however make a note and try and cover some of those issues with them, when we do any other English work

8.  Memory Moments

Such precious memories to them, to me, to the family can be found between the pages of their journals and I hope that one day they will be able to read back and remember all the good things they did.

9.  Getting to know my child

I know this is a semi-selfish reason but sometimes they write things that bring tears to my eyes, make me laugh, reveal an aspect of who they are that I didn't know (Can you believe that its possible? But they constantly show me a different facet of their personalities and boy are they complex).  I think they also get to find out who they are too.

10.  A Writing Portfolio

 Because I give the children such a variety of topics, they eventually end up with a writing portfolio which showcases what they can do. Bearing in mind that it is a journal and they probably won't always deliver top of the range work - I think there will be so much to choose from that you will be spoilt for choice.  We have included items like: writing their own menus, letter writing, descriptive writing, lists, poetry - the list is endless.

I hope that I have maybe motivated or encouraged you to start journaling or to persevere in it. It might not come naturally to you because you don't or didn't journal but keep on with it!  It's worth every minute and every bit of effort you put in!

Happy Journaling!

Journaling 101: How to Journal: Create a Personal Profile

So you've bought your children their journals and they have decorated, covered or prepared it because of course your read my previous article and journaling - and you were inspired and excited and want to develop your children's talents and giftings.    And you are all ready to go and waiting for the next article.  Been a bit slow in coming I know but with all our excursions around Cape Town and wanting to blog about it before I forgot everything (yes I know - doesn't say much for my short term memory).  So this journaling article was put on the back burner.

 

 Create a Personal Profile

This is a always a great place to start.  A surprising way even to discover a little more about your own child.  I have always found my children's journals a delight as I constantly find out new things about them every time they journal.
 

* Preschoolers and Kindergarten:   Write their name and surname in big bold colours.  You can do a pencil outline and let them write over it.  You could also get them to cut the letters out of a magazine and stick over the letters.  Add a photo, or get them to draw a picture of themselves.  I always loved my children's first pictures of themselves, and its amazing to see how this changes over time.

 To make it more fun:

1.  Let them do a hand and foot print on the page

2.  Take a photo and go and develop it with them, little ones LOVE photos of themselves

*  For the beginner and intermediate writers:   Let them write about things they like - dislikes, favourite colours, best friends, their best movie. They can even add their own drawings or magazine cut outs of these if they can't write well.  To help them you could even create a mini page for them to do this.  They may also need headings or words to guide them.

To make it more fun:

1.  All about me robot

2.  All about me mini book

3.  Student Questionnaire

*  Older children: They have been chosen to win a prize and one of their friends or family members have to stand up and tell the audience who they are, what their achievements are and what makes them remarkable - What would they say?  This also a wonderful opportunity to give some very positive input into your children's lives.  They may struggle as its always harder to say nice things about ourselves than of others but you can prompt them with their strengths.  In fact this would be a good activity for you moms!  You could even ask your children to help you and give you input.  If you dare!

To make it more fun:

1.  Let your child sit in front of a mirror and do a self portrait

2.  An autobiography worksheet - this might help with some guidelines

On a last note:

The key to developing a love for journaling is start as young as possible ( no they don't need to be able to write when you start).  The focus is not perfection but developing a joy for writing, or doodling or drawing in a familiar book.

The second key is approaching your choice of topics in a creative out of the box sort of way.  Expecting children to just write a page is a big ask until they are comfortable with journaling. The way to do that is to give them topics that are inspiring and interesting.

Happy Journaling!

Journaling 101: How to Journal: Get Ready

One thing my children love doing is journaling.  Yes my 3 boys love journaling, it's not just for girls!  There is often a misconception that only girls like to journal or write in their diaries.  But even the most resistant writers will love journaling if approached in the right way.

What is a Journal?

A diary, day book, memoirs, a biography.  It's a collection of writing or a daily record of events (Wikipedia), and in this case it is private in nature. 

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Why Journal ?

*  Writing in a journal improves a child's reading and writing skills, spelling is put into practice and explored.

*  Children learn to observe their environment and express it in a way that is most meaningful to them whether in words or pictures or both.

*  It inspires creativity if approached in the right way.

*  Journaling can be therapeutic as children are given the chance to work through emotions, thoughts, struggles and important events.

*  As they work through these issues, they develop problem solving skills thereby enabling them to cope with life's pressures.

*  Self discovery and exploration - as children write they will begin a journey of discovering of who they are, what they like and what they believe.

*  A keepsake for your child or for you.  I love reading through their older journals. You can see how much they have grown up and how their thought processes have changed.

How Important is the Choice of Journal?

Does it really matter what a journal looks like?

You need to do what you can afford.  Buy a pretty diary, buy a notebook and let them decorate it themselves. Make one. Let them be creative.  Sew a cover in material or stick soccer stickers all over the cover.  Whatever will inspire them.

The more input they have about the way their journal looks, the more chance that they will take ownership.  I gave my children the option of putting one of their photos of themselves on the cover and each one chose that option.  Children seem to be fascinated with photos of themselves especially younger children.

Get Funky Stationary or Even Make Your Own 

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 My children love new stationary.  If its new they want to use it. The fact that it comes in a different package just seems to automatically place the new stationary on the most wanted list.

Get some special journal writing stationary that only comes out during journaling time.  Multiple colour pens, new felt tip pens, stickers, sticky paper, pencils with fuzzy creatures dangling from the top.  Whatever will make them just want to use their new writing tools in their new journal.

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And if you budget is tight/ or even if its not.  Buy regular stationary like pens and pencils and get them to decorate them or you could surprise them with your own designs.  Again its all about ownership.

How Long Should They Journal For?

 Keep it short, especially for the little ones.  I would aim for about 15 minutes for the younger children and anything from 30 minutes to 45 minutes for the older ones. Don't let journaling become a chore.  If you see that they are loving it then let them carry on for longer, believe me there will be days where they might only manage 5 minutes.  No day has to be the same.

When Should My Children Journal?

 My children normally journal in the morning but sometimes its good to let them journal just before supper, especially after an eventful day when the day is still fresh in their minds.  Of course this is if you journal at home.Our children have even journalled while we have travelled a long distance in the car making notes of what they saw along the way.

Don't feel compelled to do it every day.  After all, there are some days that my life is so boring I kind of wonder why I even bothered getting out of bed.

Teenagers and Journaling

Teenagers don't like you to read their diaries.  My suggestion is to give them the liberty of 2 journals.  Let them keep one for their own use which is not used for assessment purposes.  The other alternative is to let them use one but leave them to initiate sharing what they have written and only read an entry by invitation.


So this should get you started.  I will be running a weekly post on journal writing, how to journal and how to prepare your child for journaling.  So get started! Your enthusiasm will be contagious.  If you are excited about it, they will be too.  And while you at it, why not prepare your own journal?  Children always learn best by example!


Feel free to post any comments, questions or ideas on journaling.    And as you prepare your journals why not submit photos of your children's (or your own) journals and I will include them in next week's post.