The Baker's Layer Cake

In teams of five, each baker goes to fetch one layer of the cake and brings it back to stack in order: hoop, cushion, block, whipped-cream scarf and a ball cherry on top. It builds carrying different objects, stacking carefully and building something together.

How to play

1. The teacher builds a cake in front of everyone, naming the order: "plate, sponge cake, chocolate, cream and cherry" (2 min).
2. Form teams of five, each with a table (a marked spot), with all the ingredients piled far away in the pantry (1 min).
3. Each baker brings one ingredient and the team stacks it in order; if it's not your turn yet, wait at the table (3 min).
4. Take the cake apart by returning each layer to the pantry, then build it again with everyone switching ingredients (3 min).
5. Now each ingredient travels a different way: the hoop rolling, the cushion on the head, the block in both hands, the cream on the shoulder (3 min).
6. Each team shows off their cake, we "blow out the candles" like at a birthday, then clean up (2 min).

Rules

• Each baker carries just one layer at a time.
• Layers go in order: the bottom one first.
• Place the cherry very carefully so it doesn't roll off.
• If the cake falls, we fix it together.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child is the cake builder at the table while teammates bring the layers.
• Autism: keep the order card in the child's hand and give them a set role on the team.
• Deaf or hard of hearing: always show the order on the picture card, pointing to each layer.

Learning goals

• Carry objects of different weights and shapes.
• Stack objects carefully in a given order.
• Work as a team to finish a build.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Hoops: 5
• Cushions: 5
• Agility blocks: 5
• Scarves: 5
• Balls: 5

Teacher tip

Use medium balls that don't roll much (or foam ones) so the cherry stays on top. If a team gets stuck on the order, let them look at another team's cake; they learn a lot by copying.

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