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Pat-a-Cake

Quick Answer

A classic baking rhyme where you pat the dough, prick it, mark it with a letter, and pop it in the oven for Tommy and me. Often paired with clapping hands.

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

Short, rhythmic, and cozy. For bedtime, do the hand-clap version gently and end with the warm image of the oven and sharing.

Story at a Glance

RECOMMENDED AGES

2-6 years

READING TIME

1 min

THEMES
classic taleeasy to understandfamilyfamilygentlegentleeasy to understandclassic tale
Also available inEspañol

Story Synopsis

“Pat-a-Cake” is a traditional nursery rhyme that turns baking into a little ritual. It describes the steps: pat the dough, prick it, mark it with a letter (often the child’s initial), and place it in the oven for someone you love. Many families clap hands in time with the words, making it interactive. At bedtime, this rhyme can be a sweet wind-down game—especially for toddlers. Keep the claps soft and slow, then finish by talking about something ‘warm and safe,’ like cozy pajamas or a warm blanket.

Story Excerpt

Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, Baker's man! So I do, master, As fast as I can. Pat it, and prick it, And mark it with T, Put it in the oven For Tommy and me.

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In One Glance

“Pat-a-Cake” is a short nursery rhyme about baking: patting dough, marking it, and putting it in the oven for loved ones. Often done with gentle claps, it’s rhythmic, interactive, and can be slowed down into a cozy bedtime verse.

Frequently Asked Questions

A baking rhyme that describes making a little cake for loved ones.

No—it's cozy and playful.

Ages 1–5.

Clap softly and slow, then end with a warm ‘goodnight’ cuddle.