Description

Your child invents their own secret code, uses it to write a short message, and then challenges the family to crack it. A puzzle-making game about patterns and logic.

What to prep

• paper
• pencil_or_pen
• key_sheet

Play guide

1. 1Show your child one simple code idea, such as shifting every letter along by three or swapping each letter for a symbol.
2. 2Let them invent their own code, writing out the key that maps each normal letter to its secret version.
3. 3Have them use the key to write a short secret message, checking each letter against the key.
4. 4Ask them to hand over the coded message, with or without a hint, and challenge the family to crack it.
5. 5Once someone cracks it or gives up, have your child reveal the key and talk about what made it easy or hard.