My girls first eyed off  this lovely wooden birthday cake a little before their fourth birthday. They excitedly  declared that if they were lucky enough to own the birthday cake, they would be able to have their birthday every single day! True to their word, there has been many a party in our house since the cake arrived!

I’ve been invited to the party on several occasions and joined in the imaginative play in my role as guest, and even occasionally as the birthday girl! There is often much early preparation for the party – cooking of food, the table set with a fancy table cloth and flowers, many drinks poured and then finally the cake. Singing and blowing out of candles, followed by a few ‘hip hip hoorays!’ are mandatory.

The imaginative play and role playing this toy inspires is wonderful. It’s also been a fabulous way for those who’s birthday is not coming up to work through their emotions and feel a little less left out. Of course there can not be imaginative play with friends and siblings without social learning. Working out who’s turn it is to have a birthday, or how they might share the cake and party is always important.

Without even realising it, they are learning so many skills while playing with the birthday cake. Maths and number concepts such as how many candles to put on, and how to cut up the cake so everyone gets an equal share. Colour recognition when deciding which candle goes where. Practising and developing their small muscle (fine motor) skills while cutting the cake and placing the decorations. Using their imaginative and creative thinking and practising life skills.

Plus we always sing when the cake comes out, and not just Happy Birthday! Our favourite cake song is Three Little Candles, a lovely action and counting song everyone enjoys.

Three Little Candles

Three little candles standing tall,
(Hold up three (or more) fingers or put three candles on the cake)
Burning brightly count them all…
Phhhh (blow)
We blow with all our might!
And out goes one little candle light!
(put one finger down or take one candle away)

Continue to sing until all candles have been blown out.

You can purchase your very own wooden birthday cake from the Eco Toys shop.

Article by Kate – Early Childhood Educator and Mum to 6 year old twin girls  and a two year old boy. Blogging at picklebums.com

About the author

I am the Mamma of 4 children living on ten acres and attempting to grow a family with love and gentleness in the best way we know how, while being self sufficient and environmentally aware. We are growing veggies, fruit, native plants, chooks and children. Kate is a qualified & experienced Early Childhood Educator and writer for Eco Toys.

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