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The miracle of the loaves and fishes: A fun and easy loaves and fishes craft!
The story of Jesus feeding the five thousand with just five loaves and two fishes is just one of many beloved miracles in the bible. Bringing bible stories to life through hands-on activities is one of the most effective ways to help children internalize spiritual lessons.
The story of Jesus feeding the 5,000-often called the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes-is a Sunday school staple. It teaches us about God’s abundance, the importance of sharing, and a simple truth that no gift is too small when placed in the hands of Jesus.
This paper plate craft is designed for little hands, using the paper plate to recreate the “basket” that held the boy’s original lunch. You can make this creative Jesus Feeds 5,000 activity on a rainy afternoon at home or include it as a bible craft in Sunday class or homeschool lesson.
Found in all four Gospels, this miracle begins with a young boy who offers a humble meal: five small barley loaves and two small fish. The disciples saw an impossible dilemma; however, Jesus saw an opportunity for a miracle. By the time everyone had eaten their fill, there were twelve baskets of leftovers!
Ready to make this adorable loaves and fishes printable craft. You can make it with some items you probably already have laying around at home! Such as unbleached parchment paper (usually used for baking) and paper plates!
This loaves and fishes craft activity features brown parchment paper gives the “basket” an authentic, rustic smooth texture.
Also, if you are unfamiliar with printables, be sure to check out our guide to printables.
Here are the things you will need to gather to make this loaves and fishes craft!
Jesus Feeds 5,000 Craft Supplies:
Printable loaves and fish template
Paper plate
Brown (unbleached) Parchment paper
Glitter (optional)
Loaves and Fishes Craft Instructions:
Prepare the Basket: Cut a paper plate in half.
Create the Contents: Download and print the templates linked here on white cardstock paper. Color and cut the images out.
Glue the fishes and loaves image you cut out to the front of the Jesus cutout where you see the word “glue”. Be sure to adjust accordingly so you do not cover his face too much.
Pull the top pieces of bread forward a bit and glue those down as well.
Now glue Jesus and the loaves and fishes to the top half of the paper plate.
Cut a section of brown parchment paper to use.
Turn the paper plate over to the back and hold the parchment paper against the paper plate and cut around the edge, the same shape of the paper plate. (You could trace the whole outline of the paper plate with a marker then cut it if that is easier too).
Take your piece you just cut out and lay it on the front of the paper plate.
Fold the top down to where you like and staple the edges to the paper plate.
Glue Jesus’ hands on each side on top of the staples. This hides them.
Decorate the Finished Miracle: Glue the “Jesus Feeds the 5,000” tagline to the front of the basket.
Accessorize with Glitter which is optional.
But seriously, who doesn’t love glitter.
It makes everything sparkle!
Now that you’ve seen my shimmering fish, here are my glittery loaves.
Engaging with the kids
While the children are coloring and gluing, use the time to talk to them about the heart behind the story. Maybe ask them, “how do you think the boy felt giving his lunch away?” Remind them that Jesus can take our small acts of kindness and generosity and he can do big things with them.
Point out that Jesus gave thanks before the food multiplied. We can practice being thankful even before we see the solution to a problem. We know that we can depend on God.
Now discuss the twelve baskets of leftovers. God doesn’t just provide the bare minimum; he provides plenty.
As the glue dries, make a comparison. Explain that they are like the boy in the story. Whether it’s sharing a toy, saying a kind word, or helping a friend, their “five loaves and two fish” are exactly what Jesus needs. Small offerings to Jesus can have enormous impact. The real miracle is what Jesus does in our heart when we choose to love him enough to give him even the smallest of things, and we can be sure he will multiply everything we give, for our good and for the good of others.
What I love is about this craft is; it isn’t just something to hang on the fridge when finished with the activity, it’s a tangible reminder that with God, all things are possible!
Conclusion
If you do this printable loaves and fishes craft activity with your kids, I would absolutely love to see your finished project! I’ll bet it’s the cutest! Head over to my etsy and share your creative photos and please leave me a review.
It truly makes my day to see your kids having fun and learning about the faith! My kids and I have so much fun making them together as well! Thank you for supporting my small shop and helping children grow through creative play!
Your feedback helps me to continue growing my business and gives me the opportunity to make more crafts just like this one! I thank each and every one of you tremendously.
There’s more to love, be sure to check out my other Faith related printables down below or search the blog for more kids’ crafts!