Blow Out the Candles on the Wall Cake

A giant paper cake with drawn candles hangs on the wall; children throw sock balls to "blow out" each flame, and the teacher puts a sticker on every candle that's out. They practice throwing at a vertical target and the fun of reaching a shared goal.

How to play

1. We look at the cake on the wall: it's the playground's birthday and we have to blow out every candle (1 min).
2. First we pretend to blow and laugh; then everyone grabs a sock ball (1 min).
3. We throw in quick turns, four at a time, from the line, at any flame we like (5 min).
4. Every time a ball touches a flame, the teacher adds a sticker: candle out! (3 min).
5. When they're all out, we sing a made-up birthday song and pick up the balls together (2 min).

Rules

• I throw from the chalk line.
• When my group throws, everyone else waits sitting down.
• It doesn't matter who blows it out: the cake belongs to everyone.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child sits closer, and there are candles at chair height.
• Hearing impairment: show each group's turn by raising that group's flag.
• Autism: the child can have their own candle so they always know where to throw.

Learning goals

• Throw at a wall target.
• Take short turns in a group.
• Enjoy a shared success.

Equipment for a class of 25

• butcher paper: 1
• sock balls: 25
• tape: 1
• stickers: 30

Teacher tip

Sock balls (rolled-up socks folded over themselves) don't bounce or hurt. Tape the cake down well on every side. If kids rush to put candles out, remind them there's no winner: the party starts when they're all out.

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