Peg It: Counting Candles Game is a fun and interactive way for students to practise counting and develop fine motor skills all at once. This playful activity is ideal for individuals, pairs, or small groups, and encourages learners to manipulate pegs while engaging with simple maths tasks that reinforce number sense and coordination.

In this game, students will flip over a card and either collect or remove candle pegs from their cake, depending on the number shown. The goal is to be the first player to reach the target number of candles. The physical act of squeezing and attaching pegs supports hand and finger strength development - a key skill for handwriting and everyday tasks like zipping, buttoning and using scissors.

With minimal prep and maximum engagement, this resource is perfect for maths centres, fine motor stations, or early finishers. The game cards and components are available in both colour and black and white versions to suit your printing and classroom needs.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Practise counting to a target number
• ✅ Develop number recognition and subitising skills
• ✅ Build fine motor strength through pegging
• ✅ Strengthen hand-eye coordination and bilateral skills
• ✅ Engage in turn-taking and game-based learning

What’s Included:

• Cake templates (in colour and black & white)
• Candle cards and counting cards
• Full instructions for teacher setup and student use

Materials Needed:

• Printed game components (preferably on thick cardstock)
• Pegs (mini pegs work best) to attach candles
• Scissors for cutting game pieces
• Storage zip-lock bags or envelopes for easy organisation

How to Use:

1. Print and prepare the game components, cutting out cakes and cards.
2. Attach candle cut-outs to pegs using glue or tape.
3. Each student places a cake in front of them and begins with no candles.
4. Students take turns flipping over a number card and either add or remove the matching number of candles.
5. The first player to reach the target number of candles wins!

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Include in maths rotations to reinforce counting through play
• 💡 Add to fine motor tubs or stations for dual-skill development
• 💡 Use in intervention groups or with occupational therapists for fine motor focus
• 💡 Challenge students by changing the target number or adding subtraction-style play

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Print the black and white version on coloured cardstock for a pop of colour without heavy ink use
• 💛 Use velcro dots or blu-tack if pegs are not available
• 💛 Store each set in a labelled pouch or zip-lock bag for easy grab-and-go access
• 💛 Pair with birthday-themed books or songs for a themed lesson experience

Peg It: Counting Candles Game is a joyful, low-prep activity that supports both early numeracy and fine motor development - a perfect combination for any Foundation or Early Years classroom!