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The Getaway (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 12)



Last updated Thursday, March 25, 2021

Author: Jeff Kinney
Date of Publication: 2017
ISBN: 1419725459
Grade Level: 4th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jan. 2020

Synopsis: Greg Heffley and his family are getting out of town. With the cold weather and the stress of the approaching holiday season, the Heffleys decide to escape to a tropical island resort for some much-needed rest and relaxation. A few days in paradise should do wonders for Greg and his frazzled family. But the Heffleys soon discover that paradise isn't everything it's cracked up to be. Sun poisoning, stomach troubles, and venomous critters all threaten to ruin the family's vacation. Can their trip be saved, or will this island getaway end in disaster?

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Based on the title/cover, what do you think the story will be about?
•  What do you know about "getaways?" What do people usually do during one or why might they want to take one?What do they usually involve?
•  Have you been on a plane before? Do you like it? If not, would you want to be on a plane?
•  What is your dream vacation?

Vocabulary

•  kissy-faced - an overt display of affection
•  honeymoon - trip taken by newlyweds to celebrate their marriage
•  anniversary - the annually recurring date of a past event (for example, a wedding)
•  resort - a destination for vacations or recreation
•  getaway - a quick, informal trip
•  luggage - suitcases and bags for traveling
•  terminal - the end (or beginning) of a transportation route
•  hogging - keeping or using something selfishly
•  coveyer belt - a continuous moving band used for driving objects from one place to another (example: grocery store checkout)

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Where are Greg and his family going this Christmas? Why is this place important for his parents?
•  How did Greg and his family manage to not miss the flight?
•  What were some things that happened to Greg on his flight?
•  What were some animals, insects, reptiles at the resort?

Craft ideas:
•  Create a map of YOUR "Paradise"! Include different activities, food services, spa, gym etc.! Be as creative and as detailed as you would like!
•  Greg head cut-outs! Draw/trace an outline of Greg's head to attach to a popsicle stick. They can be large enough to double as a mask!
•  Draw a picture of your dream vacation. OR Draw a picture of you and your family on a plane.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/january-2020-mysteries-new-adventures/

Special activities:
•  Word search

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!