Christian crafts - Jonah and the big fish

Jonah & the Big Fish

by Mike

A whale of a craft that helps kids remember Jonah's story.

Materials:
©Fun Foam* fish for each child
Party favor for each child
Paper Jonah for each child
Blue sequins for the eye
Notebook paper
Stapler
White glue
Black marker
Thread & tape (optional)

Duration:
20 minutes

Topics:
Jonah, Judging, Obedience,
Listening, Walking with God

Target Age:
Grades 2 3 4 5

Click here for: Fish Template Jonah cutout

Preparation:
Before class, cut out one big fish for each child using Gray©Fun Foam and the “Big Fish Template.” Cut out a 1/4 wide by 3 inches long strip also using ©Fun Foam. Print the Jonah cutout page and cut out enough Jonah's so you have one for each child. *You can purchase ©Fun Foam at most craft stores. Construction paper can be used but won't last as long.

What you will do:
Let the children glue the eye on the side of the big fish. They can also draw the eyes and mouth using markers. Place the party favor on the back side of the big fish so that the paper tongue is just on the outside of the big fish's mouth, using the ©Fun Foam strip attach the party favor to the back of the big fish using glue or staples. Do this by attaching one end of the strip on the top of the party favor and then you wrap the strip across the party favor and attach the other end of the strip under the party favor. These party favors are the type that when blown the paper tongue unrolls, when your breath is released they roll back up. (We believe you call these types of party favors "Blow-outs") Once you attach the party favor, have the children place Jonah in the middle of the party favor tongue. When they blow on the party favor mouthpiece, the big fish spits Jonah out.

Optional Ideas:
Gloria wrote saying, "I did make one adjustment for them, though, after having to chase Jonah down several times after he was "spit up." I attached a string to Jonah and to the party favor. Jonah can't go as far, but at least he won't get lost. {Thanks for the great enhancement Gloria!}

Cathy wrote, "I purchased a sheet of printed and colored Foamies Sticky Foam and attached it to a piece of poster board. I then cut out the Big Fish and attached a craft stick to the back using a glue stick. It makes it easier to hold the fish while 'spitting Jonah out'. {An excellent idea, thanks Cathy!}