Yesterday afternoon was my second session working with kids; another primary school group.
I'd got my patter worked out a bit more and when I called my firesteel a "Dragon's Sneeze" it caught their imagination!
I used the same format as last time, me showing them a simple sawdust/hay nest with a charcloth "egg" in it, along with a message about always watching your fire and making sure you put it out properly.
I also learned not to take anything for granted in terms of their abilities, as a couple of them really struggled to get sparks with the firesteel. I was working with them collectively, but only lighting one fire at a time, and as luck would have it the young lad who was struggling most was the first one of the group to try it. As I was not going to let him fail, the rest of the group had to sit and wait for him (which they did), and when he finally cracked it I think I was as pleased as he was.
I definitely chose the right activity for young children; it needs a little bit of technique but can be mastered and is rewarding when they do it.
I've been very lucky so far; great weather and two great groups of kids. Watch out for my later posts after encountering bolshy teenagers (as I will do some time).