Pat a Cake

Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake baker’s man
Bake me a cake as fast as you can
Pat it and roll it and mark it with a “b“
And put it in the oven for [CHILD’S NAME] and me

Patty cake, patty cake, baker’s man.
Bake me a cake as fast as you can;
Roll it up, roll it up;
And throw it in a pan!
Patty cake, patty cake, baker’s man.

Directions for Play:

Verse 1:

Clap hands to the rhythm for the first two lines.

Note: when you get to “as fast as you can” your clapping speed should pick up to mimic the word “fast”

When you get to “pat it” pat your hands on your lap.

When you get to “roll it” roll hands around and around.

When you get to “mark it with a …” use your finger to air draw the letter.

Note: change up the letter that comes after “mark it with a …” to match the first letter of player’s name(s).

When you get to put it in the oven, mimic the motions as if you were putting a cake into the oven. Point to the child as you say their name and yourself as you say “me”.

Verse 2:

Clap hands to the rhythm for the first two lines.

Note: when you get to “as fast as you can” your clapping speed should pick up to mimic the word “fast”

When you get to “roll it up, roll it up” roll hands around and around, as if rolling something into a ball.

When you get to “throw it in a pan” mimic the throwing motion as if you were throwing a ball.

Clap hands to the rhythm for the final line.

For an added challenge:

As the children get used to this simpler version, consider incorporating new hand clapping patterns to challenge them a bit more. Include clapping patterns that encourage them to cross the midline of their bodies and clapping hands with a partner in a specific rhythm.