I set out today to be able to create my own secret codes to use with Tornado Boy so that I could make puzzles to support our studies. I used Photoshop to create our code, but it could easily be done with a word processing software as well. The first thing that I did was to create the code. I made a 2-part table of the letters of the alphabet – the first section was A-M, and the second was N-Z. I chose to use capital letters for the code. I copied the letters A-M and put them in the second row. I then changed the front from Tahoma (a plain font easy for children to recognize) to a font called “Carta” that contains mapping symbols. You could use any symbol-based font as long as it has unique characters for each letter. Here is a small copy of the code:
The Code:
Once I had the code in place, I set out to create my first secret message for Tornado Boy. I wrote the message out in Tahoma so that I could read it, and then I changed the font to Carta so that it was all symbols. I then typed a row of underscores above it for TB to write his letters on. You may have to adjust the size of the font and underlines depending on how large your child is writing. You may want to consider large rectangles, one per letter rather than underscores. Here’s a small copy of our first puzzle:
A Puzzle to Solve:
I’d recommend breaking up sentences (or just using words depending on the child’s skill level) into multiple lines so that the child has enough room to write successfully. I printed out a large version of the code that I’m going to laminate so that we can re-use it.
Once the code is set, all you need to do is remember the fonts that you used to create it and then you can print out anything that you want in code – spelling words, quotes, facts, fun messages, etc. Have fun playing detectives!
Sigh, I remember studying my secret code book over and over and over again when I was a little kid. I can’t wait to do this with my guys.
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Hi! I’m your newest follower from the Homeschool Hop!!! Nice to meet you! Love your secret code. My guys love to do secret codes but I’ve never actually made one myself. This is great! Looking forward to reading more on your blog. We’re a homeschool family of 8 starting our 11th yr.
Would love it if you’d come visit & follow me back too.
Lisa xoxo
http://RaisingFutureLeaders.blogspot.com
Lisa´s last [type] ..Creating Your Own Secret Codes
I love how you used the map symbols to make the code! TB must have so much fun doing these!
I remember a girl I met who was a ward of the state and she used to live with other girls. She wanted some privacy so she invented a code herself so she can write in her diary! She showed me her diary which was full of symbols like this!
Also, the father in the book, Cheaper by the Dozen, used morse code everywhere for his children to decipher. His children learned the morse code naturally. We’ll have to do this at some point.
I love it – definitely something to use in the future. I can see that TB is enjoying figuring it out, and you can always make it more complex when he is older – one of Sherlock Holmes stories by Conan Doyle (I believe it’s called Dancing People) has a great example of how the code breaking works.
sunnyvale422´s last [type] ..Geography Track – German Castles
This would be such a fun idea to help children work on spelling their names too! I am doing a spy week at our school next week and will add this idea for sure:)
I made my own secret code based on your idea – I would love to send it to you:) Send me an email if you’d like to see it:)
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I would love to see them, but I only have access to my phone at the moment
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