Making bread from scratch is an excellent way to show how the loaves multiplied when the disciples distributed food. Find a bread recipe that involves yeast and gather the ingredients. Combine the items as directed and measure the dimensions of the dough when it is formed before it rises. After allowing the dough to rise for the directed amount of time, measure the dimensions again. Discuss the similarities between bread rising and Jesus providing enough bread to feed a multitude. Cook the bread as instructed and break into five pieces to represent the loaves in the story. Pass out the pieces and have each recipient break his piece in half to share with a classmate until everyone has bread.
Discuss the various times Jesus mentions or uses fish in the New Testament. Reference the verse where Jesus tells his disciples he will make them fishers of men and explain that during class. The children will have to fish for their snacks. Spread out a blue blanket or sheet and cover it with fish and bread loaves made from cardstock with a small magnet on each one. Create a fishing pole from a long stick and string. Attach a paper clip to the end of the "line" and have children take turns fishing until they "catch" two fish and five loaves. Reward students with a snack of goldfish-shaped crackers.
Children enjoy making crafts to take with them, and looking at the handmade items will help them remember the Bible story and lesson. Cut several small fish from blue construction paper. Purchase straight macaroni noodles and paint them brown to resemble hollow bread. Bring the fish, macaroni and yarn to class. After reading the Bible story, help students create a necklace with five macaroni "loaves" and two paper fish strung together. Tell the children to remember each time they wear the necklace how God provides for us .
Read the story of Jesus feeding the multitudes with two fish and five loaves, followed by the classic "Stone Soup" tale. Discuss the similarities between these two stories, and explain that great things can happen when people are willing to share what they have. Illustrate this application to current church practices by pulling a few coins out of your pocket and placing them on the table. Ask children if that money will pay for the lights or water at the church or provide food for the pastor's family. When children say it is impossible to pay for those things with a few coins, explain that when everyone in the church gives tithes and offerings, God is able to do great things.