Feeding the 5000 illustration with a popcorn maker!

Today in Sparks we told the story of the feeding of the 5000 using our story stones...


It was very difficult to try and explain the concept of 5000 people to the 3-5 year olds so that they could then understand how amazing it was that Jesus could feed them with only 5 loaves and 2 fish so we tried something a little different to get the point across!


I've recently bought myself a popcorn maker and it seemed perfect for an illustration.

First I showed the children a small measure of popcorn kernels and all of them decided that there was certainly not enough there to feed everyone in the room.  It was less than a handful!!  We then put them in the popcorn maker and switched it on.  They were fascinated to see the popcorn start to fluff up and pour out of the chute.  Eventually we had a massive bowlful that fed all of us with loads left over!  It really helped them to understand the idea of Jesus making such a little provide for so many.  We then ate the popcorn and thanked God for our favourite foods and for the things he had given us!