Resources for teachers
Download a Common Core State Standards-aligned guide for The Eyes of Pharaoh with discussion questions; art, theater, and team projects; Persuasive Letter and Persuasive Speech projects; journal questions; Mind Maps, and a crossword puzzle.
A teacher has come up with a detailed set of lesson plans, for sale at Teachers Pay Teachers.
Author School Visits
IN-PERSON SCHOOL VISITS:
Audience: Ages 9 to adult, classrooms or conferences.
Programs: Workshop topics include Finding Ideas, Plot, Description, and Characters. They work best with 20-40 students, grades 3 through adult. The author can also do presentations on The Well of Sacrifice.
Finding Ideas: Look at where some published authors got their ideas. Then brainstorm your own ideas by looking at exciting or scary events in your life.
Plot: What makes a good story? You need conflict. Learn about the basic types of conflict, ask two questions that will help you increase drama, and apply the “rule of threes” to carry the conflict throughout your story.
Description: Learn to “show” your characters, setting and action through a series of fun writing exercises exploring all five senses.
Characters: Learn how character and plot influence each other. Explore how changes in character could improve your story, and then use a character chart to discover all about your character.
The author can also lead a discussion on the Maya, and can provide a variety of fun classroom projects relating to that culture.Presentations on The Well of Sacrifice cover such topics as how I got the idea, research, editing, and the publishing process. This works best with students who are familiar with the book (for ages 9 and up).
Recommendations
“I can’t tell you how much they liked your book. Joseph AND Tyler said today that your book was the first book they ever really finished reading. Tomorrow along with writing, they’ll work on the Mayan mural.” – Suzanne, Socorro, NM
“I LOVED your talk and kids are really, really loving the book again this year; 80 kids have read it so far.” – Kathryn, Salmon Bay School, Seattle, WA
“We have been using your book, The Well of Sacrifice, as one of our lit circle books this year. Your book has been a very popular one for the kids…all levels of reading ability, and strongly supports our social studies theme.” – Ruth, Tolt Middle School, Carnation, WA
“We had the pleasure of Chris Eboch’s presenting “Description–Make it Dazzling, not Dull”, for the King County Library System’s “Write On! 2002” Program. Participants were delighted with Miss Eboch’s well-structured format, informative narrative, effective exercises, and friendly, inviting style. By the class’s end, even the shy, somewhat reluctant-to-engage attendees felt comfortable enough to read their writings aloud. I highly recommend Chris Eboch as a teacher/presenter for events involving creative writing.” – Carol, Facilitator, Write On! 2002, North Bend, WA
“I often share with others some of the things you talked about in my class. You really gave us first hand account of writing historical fiction.” – Susan, University of Washington
Chris Eboch 