About Decode the Words
A cipher gives a child a rule and a coded message and asks them to apply the rule consistently, symbol by symbol, without shortcuts. It is a small exercise in precision: one careless substitution and the word is nonsense. Children find the secrecy appealing, which carries them through work they would otherwise find tedious.
What this game teaches
- Applying a substitution rule consistently
- Working systematically through a sequence
- Cross-referencing between a key and a puzzle
- Checking a result for sense before accepting it
- Patience with a task that cannot be rushed
How to play
- A cipher key appears showing which symbol stands for which letter.
- A coded word appears below it.
- Decode it symbol by symbol using the key.
- Check your answer and move to the next word.
Before you start
A child should be able to read and spell simple words. The decoding is mechanical; recognising the result as a real word is what confirms it.
For teachers
A good introduction to the idea that information can be encoded and recovered, which connects to computing later. Ask children to write their own coded message for a partner - creating a cipher is more demanding than solving one.
For parents
Leave a short coded note for your child using the same key. The purpose of a cipher becomes obvious when there is an actual secret in it.
Related games
- Category Game — Class 1-4
- Tic-Tac-Toe — Class 1-6
- Alphabet Wheel — Class 1-3