Today I delivered a new workshop for the first time (having seen it only once) about Ancient Egypt.

First I talk about archaeology in general and Egypt in particular.

Then we divide the children into two groups - the scribes go to one end of the room with their teacher to make reed pens and copy symbols to make charms, and to look at, discuss and draw a variety of Egyptian objcts.

The priests (we females have had to take a step down and become honorary men for this) come with me to the other end of the room (or into an Ibu - sacred tent by the Nile)to embalm a Pharoah (40 days in the space of 20 minutes) while I try to remember Duamutef, Qebensebuef, Hapi and Umseti and their functions, as well as the composition and use of Natron, and the placing and purpose of a whole raft of amulets. Our Pharoah is a childsize fabric dummy with a velcroed slit up his abdomen with felt organs inside which the "priests" will remove, before binding him in linen bandages.

Then we swap over.

Finally there is a summary of what we have learned, questions and answers and a selection of grave goods chosen by the children.

It all went surprisingly well despite the group having 25% of children with special educational needs including one with aspergers.

After this, the children and their teachers go to look at the Egyptian exhibition. (Very good - I thoroughly recommend a vist to Scunthorpe Museum to see it this summer and enjoy the hands on stuff with or without the children) Meanwhile I clear up.

Today I had to rush off to do a previsit on the Walled Garden for some teachers at Normanby Hall (telling them what to expect when they bring their class), then back to Scunthorpe to do another previsit on Egyptians.

It was very, very hot in the museum and very hot in the garden. I'm not good at heat.