Learn 5 Secret Codes for Kids to Write a Coded Letter

Oh how I loved secret codes when I was a kid.  The ability to write a coded letter without anyone but the recipient was just plain fun. Today on Kids Activities Blog we have 5 secret codes for kids to write their own coded letter.

secret codes for kids to write a coded letter - envelope with the word confidential written stamped on the outside - Kids activities blog
Let's write a secret code!

5 Secret Codes for Kids

Shhhh…don't say it out loud! Write a secret coded letter for someone to decode (or try to decode). Use these 5 secret code examples as inspiration for your next secretive adventure.

1.  Reverse the Words

types of code backwards - reverse the words
Read this secret code backwards

This is a simple code to solve – just read the words backwards!  Even though it seems simple once you know the secret, it can be a hard one to figure out when you don't.

Decode: REMMUS NUF A EVAH

Answer: Have a fun summer

Half reversed alphabet ciper written out on notebook paper - Kids Activities Blog - ABCDEFGHILJLM on top line with NOPQRSTUVWXYZ on bottom line
Top line is first half of alphabet and second line is the second half for this cipher.

2.  Half-Reversed Alphabet

Write out the alphabet letters from A to M then write the letters from N to Z directly below them. Simply exchange the top letters for the bottom letters and vice versa.

Decode: QBT

Answer: DOG

Block cipher letters a-e - Kids Activities Blog - secret code to write
A block cipher always has a key.

Number Lettering Code Variation

Just like seen above in the half-reversed alphabet, you can assign numbers to letters in a tricky way and then substitute those numbers for the letters in the words and sentences. The most common numbers the alphabet 1-26, but that is easy to decode.

Can you come up with a better number lettering code?

3.  Block Cipher

Write the message in a rectangular block, one row at a time – we used 5 letters in each row (alphabet letters in order A-E).

Can you figure out what the KEY is to the block cipher pictured above? Each letter is shifted one place in the second row. You can make any key correspond to the rows making it as simple or complex to figure out. Then write down the letters as they appear in the columns.

Decode: AEC

Answer: BAD

4.  Read Every Second Letter

code 2 - read every second letter in the message
Rotate through this code until all the letters are used.

Read every second letter starting at the first letter, and when you finish, start again on the letters you missed.

Decode: WEEVLEIRKYE – STUOMCMAEMRP (mistake made on lower line)

Answer: We Like to camp every summer

5.  PigPen

The PigPen code is easier than it looks and is my children's favorite.  First, draw out the two grids below and fill in the letters:

pigpen code key - coded letter alphabet
Here is your code key for pigpen.

Each letter is represented by the lines around it (or pigpen).

summer

Decode: image above

Answer: I LOVE SUMMER

Write a Coded Letter

We practiced writing our names and silly words before moving to coding whole sentences.

Related: Write a Valentine code

The letters and messages you can write can be fun, but make sure you send along a key so the recipient can figure it all out!

This article contains affiliate links.

Secret Code Toys for Kids We Love

If your child loved these secret code activities, then you might consider some of these fun and mind-stretching toys:

  • Melissa & Doug On the Go Secret Decoder Deluxe Activity Set and Super Sleuth Toy – gives kids a chance to crack codes, uncover hidden clues, reveal secret messages and be super sleuths.
  • Secret Codes for Kids: Cryptograms and Secret Words for Children – this book includes 50 cryptograms for children to solve including secret and hidden words written as number codes from super easy to super difficult.
  • Secret Code Breaking Puzzles for Kids: Create and Crack 25 Codes and Cryptograms for Children – this book is good for kids 6-10 years old and contains clues and answers for kids to make and break their own codes.
  • Over 50 Secret Codes – this entertaining book will put kids code-cracking skills to the test while learning how to disguise their own secret language.

More Writing Fun from Kids Activities Blog

  • You've mastered the art of secret code! Why not try to our crack the code printable now?
  • Check out this cool ways to write numbers.
  • Interested in poetry? Let us show you how to write a limerick.
  • Draw cars
  • Help your child with their writing skills and donate their time to a good cause by writing cards to the elderly.
  • Your little one will love our kids abc printables.
  • Draw a simple flower
  • Here are some great ideas to teach your child to learn to write their name.
  • Make writing fun with these unique activities!
  • Aid your child's learning with these alphabet handwriting worksheets for kindergarten kids.
  • Drawing a butterfly
  • Avoid any accidents while writing. Instead of an electric or razored pencil sharpener, try this traditional pencil sharpener instead.
  • Work on your child's motor skills with these free Halloween tracing worksheets.
  • These tracing sheets for toddlers will also help your child's motor skills as well.
  • Need more tracing sheets? We got them! Take a look at the preschool tracing pages.
  • US Teacher Appreciation Week
  • Is your kid not doing well with writing? Try these kids learning tips.
  • Maybe it isn't the lack of interest, perhaps they aren't using the proper writing grip.
  • These fun harry potter crafts will teach you to make the cutest pencil holder.
  • We have even more learning activities! Your little one will enjoy these learning colors activities.

How did your coded letter turn out? Did you keep your message a secret?

Rebecca Darling, momma of 3 sassy Texas kiddos, writes a blog dedicated to family travel at R We There Yet Mom?. Although she swears she is not crafty, this momma never lacks in creativity and enthusiasm - her ultimate goal is making exceptional memories for her family. Follow her memory making at R We There Yet Mom?, on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.