Activity
Power of Words Activity: Making Popcorn https://sites.google.com/site/valueslessons
If you don't have a popcorn maker, use either of the following recipes:
Plain Microwave Popcorn (no oil, butter, or salt)
Equipment: A large microwave safe bowl, vented lid, and popcorn kernels. (If you don't have a vented lid, use baking paper tied on with string or a rubber band, with steam vent slits.)
Instructions
Add 1/3 cup popcorn kernels to bowl, put on the lid, microwave for 3-4 minutes, until there's only 1-2 seconds between pops. Makes 8 cups. Warning: the bowl will get hot, use oven mitts.
Image source: http://chefdruck.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/popcorn-bowl.jpgPopcorn in a Pot
Ingredients:1 TBSP oil (coconut or canola) 1/3 cup popcorn kernels, salt
Instructions
Add the oil and just 3 popcorn kernels to a large pot.
Cover and cook over medium-high heat until all 3 kernels pop.
Take the three kernels out of the pot. Add the rest of the popcorn kernels.
Cover and take the pot off of the heat. Wait 30 seconds.
Put the pot back on the heat. Cook, shaking the pot occasionally until the popping slows down.
After about 2 minutes, when the popping has slowed down, take the lid off of the pot. This lets the steam out and keeps the popcorn crisp. Sprinkle lightly with salt.
Discussion Questions
1. When your temper gets hot, how is it like the popcorn? (It sometimes comes bursting out in a flow of unkind words that can hurt people.)
2. Can you turn popcorn back into corn seeds (hold one up) once it’s popped?
3. Can you take back your harsh words once they've been said?
4. Can you undo the damage they do?
Each time you eat popcorn, let it remind you to (point to the slogan) 'Watch your Words.'
5. Share the popcorn!