Happy 2024! I've updated this complimentary resource for the upcoming year. If your students delight in unraveling hidden messages, they'll adore these cryptograms.
How do cryptograms work? Students utilize an alpha-numeric key to decode a string of words, phrases, or a tagline. Each numeral or symbol in the key represents a letter or numeral. In the example shown above, the heart shape signifies the numeral two. Students fill in the missing letters above the numerals and symbols to unveil the secret message.
The phrases range from straightforward facts like the new year's beginning date to resolutions suitable for children. Cryptograms can be a mix of shorter and longer sayings catering to various elementary grade levels.
Once the children gain proficiency in decoding, they can venture into creating keys and codes. See the image shown above. This transition transforms the activity into one fostering higher-order thinking skills. Creating keys and codes involves planing and mapping, encouraging critical thinking. Creative thinking does not take place when codes are provided to children.
Click the image below to access the free new year's cryptograms.
If you'd like to learn more about how you can begin to implement higher order thinking skills, watch my YouTube video HERE.
Have a happy new year!
Copyright 2014, 2023, Lessons by Molly, Molly McMahon
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